churchrelevance.com

The Navigators have posted a thought provoking article by Carrie Wagner about Islam and the community.

She notes the irony that since 9/11, the number of Muslim converts in the United States have increased tremendously. Many have become interested in understanding the Muslim mindset and have sought out such understanding. Carrie considers that the influx in Muslim converts may be because of an attraction to what is considered stage four of Muslim thought. Stage four focuses on the “development of ‘the people’ (Umma); that is, the community of Allah, to include new converts into Islam.” Carrie believes that people are seeking a community that functions like a family. Our country has diluted the family structure, and Islam seems to be filling a need.

Carrie also notes that the early Christian church was also found appealing because of its family-like community, and she considers it time for the modern church to turn its attention back to community.

It is certainly a great point. Perhaps the church needs to focus beyond small groups and Sunday school and purpose more to create a family-like community.