The Christian Approach to Islam

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated.1918 Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XX PROGRAM OF EVANGELIZATION In discussing the evangelization of the Mohammedan world, it is essential that we discuss methods of approach which give promise of rewarding returns. There has been much theoretical endeavor to reach the Mohammedans, much of which has seemed utterly to fail. Special preparation and a special study of the Mohammedan problem in all of its historic setting and all of its peculiar local and present conditions is required in order to devise ways and means of successfully reaching the Mohammedan mind and especially the Mohammedan heart. The time has passed when missionary work, in any country, can be successfully carried on in a haphazard way without scientific investigation, careful and thorough preparation, and the adoption of methods of approach to meet the requirements of the case. No longer is it assumed that the missionary who is successful among the Hindus will necessarily be successful with Mohammedans, or one who is able to preach with great effectiveness to the Japanese will be able to convince a Mohammedan of the truth of Christianity and the consequent insufficient character of the religion in which he has hitherto believed. There is probably more necessity of careful preparation for making a successful missionary to the Mohammedans than in the case of any other of the great religions, since Mohammedanism is, more than all the rest together, deeply, bitterly and fundamentally opposed to Christianity. Its opposition is so deep-seated that methods must be devised for breaking it down before the door of approach to the heart can be unlatched. We will consider a few of the methods of approach which have already proven to be successful to a greater or less degree, and which, after careful preparation and investigation, ..