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Douglas described a Muslim missionary conference several years ago at which one speaker expressed the need to target 75 million Americans for Islam. Another speaker cited successes in Egypt and Indonesia [both nominally Christian before Islam took over]. "If it takes 500 or 1,000 years, that's OK. We're here for the long haul," the speaker said.

Islam is gaining most of its U.S. converts in prisons and on university campuses. The majority of American converts to Islam—85 to 90 percent—are black. Of the estimated 6 million Muslims in the U.S., 2.6 million are black. "One out of every 15 blacks identifies him or herself as Muslim," notes Carl Ellis. Anglo women make up an another demographic with a surprisingly high conversion rate in the U.S.

At the same time, the American Christian community has misunderstood Islam and so neglected to address it. It is impossible to present the scope of this complex belief system in a single article. Islam is complicated, disparate, evolving, and sometimes at war with itself. Still, Christians have a responsibility to understand our Muslim neighbors, come to terms with their increasing presence and influence, and learn how to bear an authentic witness out of love and not fear.

To do this, it is necessary to be informed about the basics of Islam and how Muslims view Christianity; to be equipped with helpful models for relating to Muslims; and to be encouraged to engage our Muslim neighbors, boldly and lovingly, sincerely and tenaciously.

Tomorrow: Learning the Islamic Fundamentals

Wendy Murray Zoba is Associate Editor of Christianity Today. Her recent articles include "Won't You Be My Neighbor? | At the center of Mister Rogers' cheery songs and smiles lies a God-ordained mission to children," and "Take a Little Time Out | Amy Grant's ever-smiling face is everywhere, obscuring the tragedy of two failed marriages."

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April 3 2000, Vol. 44, No. 4