A Jew Who Became A Muslim: Why People Convert?
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Why did this Jewish man become a Muslim? |
I know people change religions for many reasons. But if you listen to his testimony carefully you will sense his frustration with Judaism. I find in speaking with people who are deeply involved with a particular religious movement and leave to another it is most commonly due to bad experiences with the community members and religious leaders.
That is why Jesus' in his ministry was sensitive towards those who had been marginalized and mistreated by religious people.
5 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many followed him, and he healed all their sick, 16 warning them not to tell who he was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he leads justice to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope."
(from New International Version)
In the video you can sense his desire to be part of a faith where the people emphasize consistency, self discipline, and wholeness, rather then a dualistic approach that separates ideals from everyday practice. For example if a faith declares, "pray at noon", no matter where you are you pray at noon.You don't figure out little ways to bypass that command or rationlize it's explicit Word.
We as Christians in America must admit that we don't see that kind of dedication in our churches amongst people of faith, even in ourselves. We haven't even settled what issues of "Biblical Teachings" are primary and secondary. How many people are becoming Atheist, Mormons, Muslims,Jews, Satan Worshippers, Materialist or whatever due to the way our communities function on systemic and external level? A LOT OF TIMES WE ARE JUST PLAIN UGLY AS CHURCHES!
This man's conversion, like many I have met has nothing to do with theological or rational persuasion of truth parse, but bad experiences with "church folk" (for him the synagogue). Many faith communities don't have clear definition of "community" and "other empowerment leadership" that models teh faith in a relational context. The way a healthy parent does with their children. Rather leaders in some religious communities are negligent of the sheep and professionally corrupt like Wall Street executives. Yet many undesirable members like it this way. That is why many Christians don't "protest" like good Protestants. Two blind people (sheep & shepherd) are both falling into the ditch of deception and discipline like Jesus declared,
2 Then the disciples came to him and asked, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?" 13 He replied, "Every plant (spiritual leader) that my heavenly Father has not planted will be pulled up by the roots. 14 Leave them; they are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit."
(from New International Version)
This is why many teenagers don't respect and follow the path of their inconsistent religious parents. Apostasy has more to do with the fires we cause by our treatment or negligence of others then anything else. That is why Peter declared "judgement begins in the house of God" (1 Peter 4:17).
It begins in the house because the "home" is the foundation of society. How does your inside group or friends treat others in the church house amongst the family of faith? Don't rate yourselves to high in blind arrogance. Think about each person who comes to church and the ones you have not seen for weeks and months. Ask yourself how has my sins of omission and commission affected that person?
Why do certain members want to get away and not be associated with your organization, religion, church or family name?
Maybe they have a good reason that has more to do with love and justice, rather then intellectual apostasy!
What are your thoughts?
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