Malaysia flag.
Same Diff
Remember when this phrase was cool – circa Middle School? It was to settle minor discrepancies (that may or may not have been so minor). It was the nonchalant way of saying, “ah, it doesn’t really matter. No big deal. No worries.” But it is in the difference this month, that makes all the difference.
Malaysia opened her arms to us. We breezed into this country like they were expecting royalty (ok, not quite). Little to no wait, air conditioned customs, a hard and fast stamp on the passport, and a scan of the baggage on a – get this – electronic conveyor belt (we’ve hoisted our packs for an inspector and/or dog in every other blazing hot country). They even had bathrooms waiting for us on the other side – free to use (no toilet paper, but free nonetheless).
So it would seem that Malaysia would be an open country… open to visitors, open to tourists, open to new fashion trends, open to other religions… well, not exactly. Malaysia is a closed country. Tourists welcome, just don’t convince us your religion is superior to ours. Residents are permitted to be Christians, but evangelism is strictly prohibited. You can tell your personal story of what Christ has done in your life, but inviting others to join you or specifically addressing beliefs contrary to the Islamic faith is illegal.
On day 3 we visited one of the largest mosques in Malaysia. Alex and I talked with a man for over 45 minutes about his faith and interjected our stories and beliefs when we could get a word in edge-wise. An older, well-educated and well-traveled gentleman was a hard egg to crack… but good to learn from.
Here me out on this, depending upon the angle you come from, Christianity and Islam don’t look so different – it forces you to look at Christianity deeper. This man’s argument was clear… we’re so similar… same diff. A lot of the same founders of the faith – Abraham (Ibrahim), Isaac (Ishaq), Moses (Musa). Yep, Adam (Adam) and Eve (Hawwa) took a bite of that forbidden fruit. We believe in one God. We seek peace. Yes, we do good things, we give money to the “church.” We must help other people, and help the poor.
But why do you do all those things?
Why do we do those things?
It is really easy to point to the other “side” and say you’re wrong. But I wonder how many Americans, how many “Christians” are living just like Muslims… trying to appease an angry God.
To find out our differences you have to look deeper. Beyond appearances of head coverings and skull caps… beyond duties and traditions… beyond a list of doctrinal beliefs and a platform of peace… and beyond prejudices and propaganda…
Consider the following:
- Jesus is more than a prophet.
- We must cast down idols and worship the one true God of mercy.
- Disciplines of prayer, fasting, tithing, and a public profession of faith are vital to your spiritual growth.
- We must have atonement for our sins.
Just Christian? Think again.
Are you more Muslim than you think?
(coming soon: Part 2 Are you more Muslim than you think?)
