Yesterday I posted a YouTube video a fellow missionary friend sent to me (see below). I wasn't super-pleased with the tone of the video, but I thought the facts included were interesting and worth noting. However, I have just received information from several reliable sources suggesting some of these "facts" are incorrect or exaggerated. Please see the following letters:
From Roy Oksnevad, Muslim Ministries, Billy Graham Center, Wheaton College:
I believe that statistics used for North America are inflated (9 million) and the statistics are simplistic, not taking into consideration other immigration or other dynamics than ethnic heritage. Not all peoples from Muslim majority countries in Europe are practicing Muslims and there are a number of Muslims coming to Christ, albeit is small for the moment. Muslims like Colonel Muammar Qaddafi of Libya are known to overstate their case in grandiose terms and what is said should not be taken as fact. (He is also claiming that he will win all of Africa to Islam.) That being said, there is a demographic population shift that is taking place and there will be a culture shift from what we understand Europe to be today. However, to make the leap that Europe will become Muslim is a stretch. To say that Europe will soon be populated by people whose heritage comes from Muslim majority countries is true. Muslims are being shaped by Europe as much as Europe is being shaped by Islam. The first generation is often more resistant to European culture then the second generation which has grown up in the language and culture of Europe.
Conclusion:
- The demographic realities are true about the shift from a European white population.
- The overwhelming ethnic group are people from Islamic majority countries.
- Islam will play a more significant part in Europe.
- Secularism and an anti-religious spirit will continue to shape those who live in Europe, including those born in Europe whose background or parentage is from a Muslim majority country.
- We are not sure what will happen religiously in Europe.
- Conclusion - a wake-up call to evangelism in Europe - YES! The population that we will evangelize will not be those with a legacy of the reformation. We will need to adjust our message to fit the cultural, religious and ethnic make up of the population in Europe, just as we need to continually make adjustments in our work in evangelism in every other place in the world.
From Diane Moder, Aglow International Islamic Awareness and Education Director:
On Monday, April 27 I viewed a DVD called “Muslim Demographics.” After seeing it, the gentleman involved in producing it was contacted. He asked us not to use it because some of the information is incorrect. He said the material is currently being updated to correct the information.
I have received many emails this week with this YouTube link and it is apparent that it is now being sent across the body of Christ. Because of this I want to alert and inform the leaders in our ministry that the information in various places on this video is incorrect and thereby brings a conclusion that is not accurate. At this point, until the DVD is updated I trust you will not use this information or forward the YouTube link. If you already have received this link and information and forwarded this link to others, please feel free to share this email to tell them that the data is incorrect and the material is being updated.
As leaders we want to make certain that the information we share and forward is truthful and is able to be verified. If you have questions or comments, please feel free to get in touch with me.
Blessings,
Diane Moder
Aglow International Islamic Awareness and Education Director
DianeModer@aol.com
Once again, I am guilty of spreading information via my blog which is incorrect or misleading. This was never my intention and I hope you will accept my apologies.
My blog is a place where I share bits and tidbits of my life as well as things I find interesting. I am not attempting to promote a particular agenda, but to create an atmosphere for the sharing of thoughts and ideas. I am always open to the comments of others and I appreciate my friends who alerted me to the fallacies of the Muslim Demographics video I posted yesterday. Thank you.
As you go about your day to day lives, please take this lesson from me: be careful what you believe.
