The Two Largest Religions

In the 18th and 19th centuries the world issues were exploration, conquest and colonialism. Side effects were commerce, slavery and a multitude of wars. In the 20th century, the world issues were Communism and Totalitarianism vs. Capitalism and Democracy. The century was a ferocious battlefield for land, bodies, minds and souls.
It appears that the world issue for the 21st century is religion. Around the globe there is fierce competition for the religious allegiance of our souls. What happened in America on September 11, 2001 was not the cause, but an effect of the religious competition that is sweeping the globe. It made Americans more interested in Islam than ever before.
Christianity and Islam are the world's two largest religions, together making up about half of the world’s population. Both are multi-national, evangelistic, and growing very rapidly.
In America we are mostly Christian. We belong to different branches of Christianity with names like Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist or Methodist; but the rest of the world lumps us together under the broad title of “Christian.”
With the Muslim population in the United States steadily growing, we are very aware of Muslims. Public opinion ranges from seeing Islam as a religion that is equal to and as acceptable as Christianity, to a well-known leader describing Islam as an “evil and wicked religion.”
So, what’s a Christian to do? Just be yourself! As a devoted follower of Jesus, see Muslims as potential friends rather than as enemies. Treat Muslims as you would treat any one else – with the love and kindness of Jesus Christ.

Related Scripture: 2 Peter 1:6-7 & Galations 6:10

© 2007 Leith Anderson