It seems as though hardly a day goes by that someone is not outraged about something. Social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, allow people to instantly express their often vehement disapproval of whatever the incident du jour is. One of the more recent objects of scorn has been schools and teachers who, in their social studies curriculum, are teaching about Islam. Notice carefully the wording I chose: teaching about Islam. I want to highlight this word choice because there is a significant distinction between teaching about Islam and teaching Islam, but that distinction seems to be lost on many who are protesting, writing nasty notes to teachers (ironically quoting Bible passages, no less), and taking to the Internet to loudly voice the fact their children will never learn anything about Islam as long as they have a say in the matter. That many of these who are protesting identify as believers in Christ begs us to ask the question, “How should believers respond if their children come home with such an assignment?”
First, we must recognize the distinction I made above. This may shock many, but teaching students about Islam in social studies (especially when studying the culture of the Middle East) has been going on for decades. When I was in school, I learned the five pillars of Islam along with the history of the religion (and this from my history teacher whose goal as a teacher was to make “pillars of the community and deacons in the Baptist church”). The simple truth is, if we desire to possess an understanding of the Middle East, we must know about Islam.” This religious system has shaped the cultural and political systems of that region of the world so thoroughly that to ignore a study of Islam is to develop misunderstandings and false assessments about the area and its peoples. In addition, while we might have some theological concerns with what is being taught (for instance, the assertion that the god of Islam is the same as the God of Judaism and Christianity), what is being taught is largely factual and historical, and is not designed or intended to be proselytizing.
This segues into the second point: this provides a perfect opportunity for us as parents and grandparents to share with our children and grandchildren why we believe what we believe – and how that contrasts with man-made religions such as Islam. For instance, Islam teaches that faithful Muslims must give to the poor. Because Islam is a works-based religion (as all false religions are), failure to do so jeopardizes the potential for the Muslim to enter Paradise. As Christians, we can take this opportunity to teach what Christ has told us about giving, generosity, and stewardship. We give not because it secures our salvation, but out of gratitude for what God has given us and recognition that it all belongs to Him. It is no benefit – indeed, I would argue it is actually harmful – to prevent your children from learning about people and belief systems they will encounter in this world, especially if our desire is for our children to share their faith with those they encounter.
Rather than getting outraged, let’s get informed. Just something to think about…
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