Delicate question here...

#1 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 1:55 pm

Now that most of Iraq is under coalition control, several evangelical Christian organizations are chomping at the bit to go in (under cover of "humanitarian aid") and actively convert the Iraqis to Christianity.

Personally, I think this is a BIG mistake, and could backfire on the coalition's ability to stabilize and reform the country...one of the most staunchly Islamic in the world.

Our Iraqi "friends on the street" would become mortal enemies overnight if this were permitted, and give the Arab countries that much more ammunition in their belief that we are there to "occupy" Iraq.

Maybe some time in the future, but not NOW.

What say ye?

Constructionwx · #2 Postby **Constructionwx** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:02 pm

ditto. NOT NOW !!

mf_dolphin · #3 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:02 pm

The government of Iraq was secular. I wouldn't classify Iraq as staunchly Islamic as a lot of the other Arab countries. I do agree that this might not be the best move in the early days though. :-)

#4 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:08 pm

mf, what I was referring to is the Shi'ite majority; their holiest shrine, the Ali Mosque is there (tomb of Mohammed's son-in-law), and they are much more friendly to the "Ayatollah theocracy" in Iran than to Western culture or its Judeo-Christian values.

Add the tribal loyalties, competing imams and ayatollahs, scores to settle that have been brewing for 1,400 years (not just the relatively recent Ba'ath Party)...this is not the TIME.

mf_dolphin · #5 Postby **mf_dolphin** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:10 pm

I understand streetsoldier. :-)

There is also a bigger population of Christians in Iraq than in most Islamic countrues though. Definitely not the time to be pressing an agenda there though. Things need a chance to settle down before the pot gets stirred anymore.

Guest · #6 Postby **Guest** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:12 pm

Right now I don't think they would be responsive at all. These people need to have structure to their lives and if they are Muslim or any other religion - then let them follow that - if they want Christianity - then the avenues can be provided. But don't force it on them.

Patricia

#7 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:16 pm

The reason I mentioned this at all was that the wife is a "hardcase" Southern Baptist, and receives a monthly newsletter...after having read it, the SBC and a host of others are making (what I consider highly premature) plans to sweep into Iraq and engage in massive proselytizing efforts...which. IMHO, would lead to a bloody backlash within the country, and the people of Iraq would quickly lose all that we have gained for them.

southerngale · #8 Postby **southerngale** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:20 pm

My pastor was telling us this morning about his trip this past week to Tennessee to the Southern Baptist Convention. There he met the parents of one of our soldiers who died in Iraq. Southern Baptist missionaries were over there witnessing to our soldiers in the sand and their son was saved. His parents went to Tennessee to meet the group of people who "helped our son get to Heaven instead of going to hell."

Sometime in the future may be too late...

JetMaxx · #9 Postby **JetMaxx** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 2:37 pm

The best way to win anyone to Christ or Christianity is to lead by example...

Go to Iraq, be a friend to the Iraqi people, be a blessing to them. Help rebuild their country through Christian love...not evangelism.
Comfort the widows, love the precious orphaned children, and provide help; real assistance such as doctors, nurses, medical supplies, food, water, and other neccesities AND comforts to help out these wonderful men and women who are lusting in their first taste of freedom in their lives, and hungering for more.

Let me tell you....I've worked with a few people from that area of the world; Iranian, Iraqi, Turkish; waiters and staff at nice Atlanta area restaurants where I was providing security. They are nice friendly honorable people that will value you as a friend if you only give them a chance.

Give them a chance to see your kindness, generosity, and love. Most will see the love of Jesus Christ glowing on your face, in your kind words and actions. Many will want the love and peace you have....treat them nice without strings attached, abd they'll BEG you to help them get that peace in their hearts too

PW

Arizwx · #10 Postby **Arizwx** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 3:25 pm

southerngale wrote:My pastor was telling us this morning about his trip this past week to Tennessee to the Southern Baptist Convention. There he met the parents of one of our soldiers who died in Iraq. Southern Baptist missionaries were over there witnessing to our soldiers in the sand and their son was saved. His parents went to Tennessee to meet the group of people who "helped our son get to Heaven instead of going to hell."

Sometime in the future may be too late...

Excuse me?They did what???Said what??In their words,if they had not been there to 'witness' and 'save' this poor soul,he would have gone to Hell??Is that what they sold the parents??Outrageous!That is not Christianity.That is a horrid form of Mental Abuse.Keep it away from me.Far away.It certainly has no place in a balanced world of sane thought.I make no apology for this statemnet.None.

southerngale · #11 Postby **southerngale** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 3:48 pm

Arizwx wrote:
southerngale wrote:My pastor was telling us this morning about his trip this past week to Tennessee to the Southern Baptist Convention. There he met the parents of one of our soldiers who died in Iraq. Southern Baptist missionaries were over there witnessing to our soldiers in the sand and their son was saved. His parents went to Tennessee to meet the group of people who "helped our son get to Heaven instead of going to hell."

Sometime in the future may be too late...

Excuse me?They did what???Said what??In their words,if they had not been there to 'witness' and 'save' this poor soul,he would have gone to Hell??Is that what they sold the parents??Outrageous!That is not Christianity.That is a horrid form of Mental Abuse.Keep it away from me.Far away.It certainly has no place in a balanced world of sane thought.I make no apology for this statemnet.None.

Yes, that's right. It sounds to me like his parents were Christians and were comforted to know that their son, who apparently wasn't a Christian before, was saved before he died...as in saved from hell. Christianity = belief that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. I don't know what has confused you. That is what Christianity is. The missionaries didn't save anyone or claim to. They were witnesses. God saves.

And I never said that they said "if they had not been there to 'witness' and 'save' this poor soul, he would have gone to Hell"
But this is how God chose to work this out. In any case, this soldier heard the Word and accepted Christ and that's a huge comfort to his family.

This is good.

azsnowman · #12 Postby **azsnowman** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 3:55 pm

Ya know, I'm for sharing the Word of God with the world, even in Iraq but as it's been said, NOT NOW, when God see's it fit, His Will will be done.

Dennis

Arizwx · #13 Postby **Arizwx** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 3:56 pm

I see SG,
I respectfully apologise if I misunderstood.It is,very good indeed. :wink:

JQ Public · #14 Postby **JQ Public** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 4:59 pm

not now. it shows a complete lack of judgement to let them in. it would further opponents stance that this is a holy war.

StormCrazyIowan · #15 Postby **StormCrazyIowan** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:05 pm

I agree, now just isnt the time!

#16 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:24 pm

This from FoxNews...Shi'ite Iraqi "refugee" elements in Iran may be trying to enter, just to stir up Shi'ite wrath against the US and UK; just what we DON'T need is an Ayatollah Khamenei "spin" on our "occupation".

My advice for the SBC (and others)...send the aid, but leave your evangelists at home.

breeze · #17 Postby **breeze** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:28 pm

IMHO...

...if God Himself had wanted to deal with the Islam faith, He is
a big enough entity to have done it ALL by Himself, 1000 years
before Christianity every surfaced.

This is BAD timing to be attempting to convert anyone to
anything when there is so much confusion and unrest in Iraq!
They need the basic needs such as simple food and water,
right now - hold the manna!

#18 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:33 pm

Annette, Christianity had already been active for 632 years before Mohammed took Mecca by the sword and instituted his faith. Islam recognizes Abraham and Jesus, but only as prophets...to them, Mohammed is the "last word".

breeze · #19 Postby **breeze** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:38 pm

Ok, Bill, I'm probably crossed up with my Islam and Hinduism...
my apologies on that. Still, God is capable of dealing with people
who displease him without any help from us. Why are they still
here? Hmmm...interesting, still.

#20 Postby **streetsoldier** » Sun Apr 13, 2003 5:42 pm

Here, I am pleased to use Islamic "logic" against them...God permits us to see evil, so that we can distinguish the good. :wink:

Delicate question here...

Delicate question here...

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