I found an article on msn.com about Hispanic women and how many are converting to Islam.
One young woman, a 19-year old convert, had grown up Catholic and came to find that Christianity was "lacking something." Apparently, this is the very sentiment that other Muslim Latinas expressed in their decision to convert. The demand for modesty, the close-knit community and the devotion to God were just a few things that made Islam an attractive choice for women who grew up in a faith tradition that grew more laxed with passing years.
Reading this, I felt sad that these women had been so utterly dismayed with Christianity... but I can't sayI'm surprised it happened. But what drew these women to Islam, initially, are the same things that Ancient Christianity has to offer. Afterall, Christianity existed before Islam. If you look at the exteriors of Islam-- fasting, modesty, praying 5 times a day-- you'll see that they are very similar to Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Christianity influenced Islam, at least in standards of what a faith LIVED OUT ought to look like.
Sadly though, hundreds of years later, it's the Muslim people who are now drawing Christians (namely these Catholic Hispanic, and who knows who else) to their faith. What's saddening is that these women were drawn to Islam by some of the very tenants that our Orthodox Faith has encouraged for the past 2000 years. They desired to live a life devoted to God, but were lead astray from Christ in choosing Islam.
Reading articles like this one always convict me. I realize that I am not doing everything I need to do to LIVE OUT my faith. Now, does that mean I need to wear a jilbab and a hijab everywhere I go? Not necessarily, although I'm sure my ancient Christian foremothers wore something very similar in their day to day life. It's just food for thought.
Speaking of food... about a month ago, I was on break at work. I had just gotten some gelato at the cafe across the way. It was about 4:30 or 5 pm, and I remember seeing a Muslim woman stop, kneel towards the East and pray. Now, seeing this didn't prompt me to run out and join Islam. But it did convict me, as I sauntered by, eating my ice cream which I probably didn't even thank God for or bless before I starting eating it. It convicts me to live out my Faith in Christ, to be different, to essentially be a fool for Christ's sake, so that others who are hungering for something deeper may find it in the Orthodox Church, in Christ Himself.
2 comments:
Challenging thoughts- conviction certainly hit me on your post... speaking of outreach.....
We just attempted a stop in at the Greek Festival....but the crowds- and tight quarters thwarted our stay. Still can't believe how many people go each year. Just wish there was a way to expose the Orthodox Faith to the throngs of people who flock for the food and drink.
It is sad that there are so many people who are disaffected with their faith who go searching so far afield.
She says, who converted to Orthodoxy from a Catholic background :)
Post a Comment