So I had a conversation today with a new friend from East Africa. Happened to be Somalian. As is my habit, I immediately asked him (nicely, mind you) if he was a follower of Mohammed. When he answered yes, I smiled back saying (boldly, mind you) “Well I am a follower of Jesus.”
Very predictably, the conversation turned quickly to the person of Jesus. He affirmed what every other Muslim I've talked to about Christ affirms—that he was a notable prophet. My friend went to great lengths to be polite—but even greater lengths to assure me that Islam and Christianity BOTH share a respect for Jesus.
Because our time was short—and Muslims have no problem being up front about their faith—I quickly assured my new friend that Jesus was MORE than a prophet. I quoted Christ's own words, “I and my Father are one.” And… “He who has seen me has seen the Father.”
Naturally, there was no agreement with my biblical claims. But the conversation reminded me again how quickly we come to the “sticking point” for so many conversations related to faith. People from most any stripe of belief are happy to talk about “God.” They are more than comfortable discussing “beliefs.” They are not the least bit threatened should you claim to be a “person of faith.” Even talking about Jesus is acceptable—as far as it goes.
Yet take one teeny weeny step toward declaring that Jesus is God and BOOM! Your ideological match has just ignited the kerosene of another's convictions. Jesus is always the issue.
While I believe strongly we need to build bridges in friendly conversation with Muslims—and other friends, I have zero appetite for conversations that subject Jesus to a role any less than Almighty God.
Please understand, I'm not advocating belligerence or harshness. But there's a line in the sand over which we must be ever be vigilant. And when someone—anyone–suggests that Jesus is less than God, it's time to lovingly and respectfully—but unapologetically–state the truth: Jesus….is….God.