My love for Muslims lies in the biblical command to love our neighbors. Jesus' words in Matthew 22:39 are clear: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This commandment transcends all boundaries—ethnic, religious, and cultural—and calls us to love every individual as we love ourselves.
By Dr. Tim Orr
As someone deeply involved in interfaith dialogue and Christian ministry, particularly with Muslims, I've often encountered questions about my approach. On one hand, I have a profound love for Muslims, many of whom are my dearest friends. On the other hand, I engage in polemics—defending and challenging religious beliefs that can seem aggressive. This might appear contradictory to some, but I firmly believe it is not. My love for Muslims is precisely why I engage in polemics, and I believe this approach is deeply rooted in biblical principles.
My love for Muslims lies in the biblical command to love our neighbors. Jesus' words in Matthew 22:39 are clear: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This commandment transcends all boundaries—ethnic, religious, and cultural—and calls us to love every individual as we love ourselves. For me, this includes the Muslim community, with whom I have formed meaningful and lasting relationships.
However, in the biblical sense, love is not merely a passive affection or a vague sense of goodwill. As Christ demonstrated, true love seeks the ultimate good for others. From a Christian perspective, the ultimate good is the knowledge of the truth—specifically, the truth found in the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is where polemics comes into play.
In the Christian tradition, Polemics is not about winning arguments or belittling others. Instead, it is about defending the truth of the gospel and addressing contrary beliefs. In 2 Timothy 2:24-26, Paul guides how believers should engage in such discussions: "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, hoping that God will grant them repentance, leading them to know the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."
This passage highlights several key principles:
Engaging in polemics with Muslims is an act of love because it stems from a desire for them to know the truth. It is not about attacking their beliefs but rather about challenging them to consider the gospel's claims. This is not done out of a spirit of superiority or condescension but of genuine concern for their spiritual well-being.
The seeming contradiction between love and polemics is resolved when we understand that love sometimes requires us to speak difficult truths. In Ephesians 4:15, Paul instructs believers to " speak the truth in love." This means that truth and love are not mutually exclusive; they are two sides of the same coin. To love someone is to desire their good, and for Christians, that includes sharing the truth of the gospel, even if it challenges deeply held beliefs.
For example, when I engage in discussions with my Muslim friends, I do so with a deep respect for their faith and their devotion. I recognize their beliefs' sincerity and their religious tradition's richness. However, my love for them compels me to share what I believe to be the truth about Jesus Christ. This is not because I wish to undermine their faith but because I sincerely believe that the gospel offers a path to reconciliation with God that is available to all.
It is important to note that this approach does not mean forcing my beliefs on others or engaging in aggressive debates. Instead, it involves a patient, respectful dialogue where both parties can express their views and challenge one another. This interaction fosters mutual understanding and can open the door to deeper conversations about faith.
Over the years, I have seen the fruits of this approach. Some of my dearest friends are Muslims with whom I have had extensive polemical discussions. These conversations have strengthened our friendship and led to a more profound mutual respect and understanding. In some cases, these discussions have sparked a genuine interest in the Christian faith, leading my friends to explore the gospel in ways they might not have otherwise.
I am fully aware that not every conversation will lead to immediate results. Sometimes, the seeds of truth take time to grow. But I trust that God is at work in these interactions, and I am committed to being faithful in my love for Muslims and my responsibility to share the gospel with them.
In conclusion, my special love for Muslims and my engagement in polemics are not contradictory. They are two expressions of the same commitment: to love my neighbors as myself and to share with them the truth of the gospel. This approach is rooted in the biblical teachings of love, truth, and the call to make disciples of all nations. By engaging in respectful, thoughtful polemics, I aim to help my Muslim friends come to a deeper understanding of the gospel, trusting that God will use these conversations to draw them closer to Himself.
As I continue this journey, I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 9:22: "I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." My hope and prayer are that through love and polemics, many will come to know the truth of Christ and experience the fullness of life that He offers.