A group of Christians is observing Ramadan this year. This “holy month” for Muslims commemorates Mohammed receiving of the Quran and calls it’s adherents to fast. Most notable among the Christians joining in this observance is author, speaker, and activist Brian McLaren. He writes:
This year, I, along with a few Christian friends (and perhaps others currently unknown to us will want to join in) will be joining Muslim friends in the fast which begins August 21. We are not doing so in order to become Muslims: we are deeply committed Christians. But as Christians, we want to come close to our Muslim neighbors and to share this important part of life with them. Just as Jesus, a devout Jew, overcame religious prejudice and learned from a Syrophonecian woman and was inspired by her faith two thousand years ago, we seek to learn from our Muslim sisters and brothers today.
You can read the rest of his post on the Brian McLaren blog.
So, what do you think? I’d like to hear from you on this. Is this an example of living the gospel in “context”? Is this authentic Christian witness in the tradition of the apostle Paul who said he “became all things to all people” in order to “save some” (1 Corinthians 9:20-22)? Or is this an instance of contextualization gone too far?
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
I myself applaud your efforts in reaching out to the Muslim community.
For someone to condemn this gesture of solidarity would be a great reveal of ignorance and intolerance.
Through such actions does one not only bring communities together but also the fulfillment of Christ’s teachings.
Imagine what an American-Muslim must feel like living in a country that revels in so many Judeo-Christian traditions.
What’s so bad about a Muslim sharing a festive feast with his close christian friends, sharing a laugh, awful hideous sweater for kicks, joining in on a few holiday songs………Nothing at all! So why would it such a sin for a Christian to fast along with his Muslim brothers? None!
Kudos Wayne !
Just to clarify, I’m not one who is participating in Ramadan. The link was to a group of Christians who have chosen to – and their rationale for doing so. Thanks for the ‘kudos,’ but in this case they are, alas, misplaced!