Would you like to know what evangelists/missionaries think of Morocco? Read on for some words from Leah, who’ll soon be spreading the “good news” (which I think is a euphemism for spreading poo) there: [bolds mine, and YWAM is the same organization who sent our old friend Sam]
“In Morocco, we have to completely form to their customs. This means possibly wearing veils (which I hope so), women can not speak first to men, and most threatening… If a woman makes eye contact with a man, that means that she wants to marry him. YWAM has actually had a problem with this in the past. An outreach group was leaving when a man approached the leaders and demanded one of the student’s hand in marriage. They did some serious explaining and negotiating, but all worked out well and the girl returned home single. When all of this should seem threatening, the entire group is extremely excited and stepping up to the challenge to share God’s Love with this unreached nation. Scary fact- Morocco is a country of 3 Million (does 30 sound better? I forget so easily with numbers!) but only 0.006% are Christians (I know I have that percentage right). Truths like that spur us on beyond human fear! Also, if we are caught witnessing the name of Jesus Christ, we will face imprisonment. The only thing we can say about our faith is that we are Christian – anything beyond that will be jail time.”
I don’t even have words for this kind of ignorance. True, she’s only 19, and hasn’t even been in the country yet, but SOMEONE is feeding her this crap. It just makes me sick. She’s posted a bunch of pictures on MySpace, which I won’t duplicate here, but I will be forwarding on to various government agencies in Morocco.
‘
Maryam in Marrakesh
November 22, 2006 at 3:41 am
Believe me, Moroccan Muslims really don’t need lecturing on God’s love. They know all about it already…
Felix
November 22, 2006 at 3:46 am
I know, that’s what irks me so much! :\
Amine
November 22, 2006 at 5:10 am
What a silly mind she has… what cliché is that?
Being 19 years old does not excuse anything…
The worst disease ever will remain ignorance…
And worse, millions of people believe the same, foster these silly ideas and sow the seeds of ignorance with respect to arabic & muslim countries.
Clash of civilizations? I dont think so… Clash of knowledge and communication, for sure…
Maryam in Marrakesh
November 22, 2006 at 2:46 pm
I think that people need to get a grip – this is all the same god that people are praying to.
Simon
November 22, 2006 at 5:09 pm
What exactly are you all objecting too? You all seem to be expressing a disgust – about what? Leave aside the theater and express yourselves intelligently. What’s this about ‘seeds of ignorance’ and ‘silly ideas’?
Do you know what she means by ‘God’s love’? Nothing wrong with saying that. Sharing the Good News of Jesus is great.
I’m not defending her in her silly way of talking but let’s try and distinguish between the message and the messenger. The messenger is definetely un-cool but the message is FANTASTIC!
Felix
November 22, 2006 at 5:31 pm
The message is not fantastic. It’s condescending. You’ve decided that Jesus is the way to eternal life, great. Muslims think that Mohammed showed them the way. We could go on and on about what other religions believe, but what bothers me the most is the inherent superiority complex that evangelists possess. It’s disguised by “wanting to share the good news,” but it boils down to this – you think know better than the poor lost Muslims.
Felix
November 22, 2006 at 5:34 pm
And another thing – I don’t think anyone could be converted by a 19 year old kid who’s never known any hardship, has a close relationship with family, etc… I might believe someone who still wants to shout about God’s love after they lived a few years and suffered some hardships – like Job. Now he was an evangelist.
Deeshla
November 23, 2006 at 3:38 am
Ok, but why report her to the government? Isn’t that a little dramatic? Morocco will eat her alive. Or she will end up marrying mul na3na3 from the Marrakech medina, converting to Islam and working at the ALC.
Simon
November 23, 2006 at 4:37 am
Dear Felix,
I appreciate not wanting to listen to our silly girl. I don’t want to meet her either. Do you want to listen to me? I speak your language, live in your culture and do not have a superior attitude. Ok, you don’t believe me – that’s understandable… You can research the message itself without talking to any messenger (the ‘silly girl’ or me for example!) by looking on the internet.
About the ‘inherent superiority complex’ if this comes from their culture then yes it disgusts me too.
Anybody who has found a truth is proud of it and sees the need to share it. That shouldn’t be seen as superior. A doctor who seems to have the cure for cancer does not have a superior complex but it wouldn’t be wrong to persuade you take the medicine.
Just tell me one thing – why is the message of salvation (the gospel) descending? It asks you to believe and repent. What’s wrong with that? That makes you humble before God, not proud. I don’t follow your logic.
Felix
November 23, 2006 at 11:52 am
But Muslims already believe, and they repent – it’s just not your way of believing or repenting. Your analogy about a doctor discovering the cure for cancer doesn’t fly – because A. Doctors have been known to be wrong and B. Cures evolve as knowledge is gained. That would make Islam the valid religion, since it’s the latest “cure.”
Honestly, I like most of the Christian beliefs. If it brings people closer to God, and therefore happier – I think that’s fantastic. I just don’t like when people go to other countries with the express purpose of converting its citizens. However, Christians who go and simply do something useful – like building new housing, etc… (I’ve seen several of thoe trips) – I think those are cool. BUT – there’s still the sticking point of “What is the truth?” You believe you’ve found it, as do those of other faiths – but they’re not trying to come here and convert us in such large numbers. According to your beliefs, even someone like Mother Theresa, as a Roman Catholic, won’t be granted eternal life. I can’t agree with you on that, and I never will.
Simon
November 23, 2006 at 5:49 pm
Felix, I like your open mind and honesty.
You raise several issues:
1. Knowing who ‘will be granted eternal life’
2. Foreign Christians coming to Morocco ‘in large numbers’ to convert.
3. ‘What is the truth?’
1. Only God knows who will be granted eternal life. All we can do is explain the Biblical (God’s) way of salvation. I do not have a judgment on Mother Theresa. Of course there are many other people, some humanists, who do far better philanthropic work than the average Christian but that doesn’t give them a ticket to heaven. This is where all religions (Christianity is not a religion) are wrong in trying to pay for God’s pleasure.
2. I don’t know what you mean by ‘large numbers’ because the media has greatly exaggerated. Whatever, I don’t know what you are afraid of? This idea that we shouldn’t be allowed to come and share our faith belongs to the Dark Ages. That is like North Korea where the rest of the world is shut off from them. Man should be free to think and choose. Why do you feel so threatened? You’re not threatened with the choice between Maroc Telecom or Meditel! (or maybe you are!)
3. You ask a good question ‘What is the truth?’ and in the end each person needs to find it. I see no problem in saying it is found in one way. Christianity and Islam are both categoric on where to find the truth. You know that Jesus said: ‘I am the Way, the Truth & the Life, no-one comes to the Father except by me’. You must be pretty upset with Jesus too for being so categorical! For me personally, to be dogmatic about Christianity being the only way doesn’t inflate me or make me condescending on people.
guest
November 25, 2006 at 12:41 am
fist excuse my bad english, i’ll try to what i’m thinking by tranlanting
the problem is that evangelists have never read Coran.
Jesus (Issa allihi assalam) is a prophet for muslims. More than that, muslims belive that in the end on this life (world) Prophet Mohammed and Prophet Issa will be there. Issa will ask Mohammed to Lead Salat (prayer). but Mohammed will refuse and invite Issa (Jesus) to lead the prayer and Issa will lead the prayer
Muslims just say Issa (Jesus) is not a son of Allah (God). in Coran there is a sourat that says that Allah (God) has never been a father of a human
Simon
November 25, 2006 at 7:17 am
Dear Guest,
Who says Evangelists have never read the Coran? I speak Arabic and have read and understood the Coran. I have the opportunity from where I come from to buy a Coran. Unfortunately you as Moroccan have been largely deprived of the opportunity to obtain a Bible in your language. I wish we were all free here to make our own minds up…
I recommend that you read the Bible and read it for yourself.
Thank you for telling us what the Coran says. The term ‘Son of God’ does not mean physical relationship.
guest
November 25, 2006 at 7:38 am
Simon
I have read Bible many times
The fact is Coran says, that it’s a confirmation of what was been revealed and correcting things that have been deviated (to not say falsyfied) from the original message.
Felix
November 26, 2006 at 2:25 am
Guest, thank you for commenting – but I’m afraid there’s no convincing Simon, or others of his ilk.
Simon
November 27, 2006 at 11:43 am
Convincing me of what? That the Bible is falsified? That is a common attack on Christians but never holds ground. I suggest you make an investigation first.
I will not attack your holy book even though you attack mine.
Felix
November 27, 2006 at 12:15 pm
Simon-
I’m not trying to convince you that the Bible is falsified, though I’m sure you’re well aware of the many contradictions in it, and other things that some might find objectionable – Genesis 19:8, for example.
Please stop posting here – if you insist on trying to convert people, your efforts are better served elsewhere.
Simon
November 28, 2006 at 7:47 am
I am only aware of the supposition that people like you repeat endlessly that the Word of God is falsified. How would you like it if I said that the Koran was falsified? You’d probably assassinate me!
I suppose you are right I should just shut up – I value my life more than upsetting you Mr Felix.
I can recommend a nice quiet island for you, Mr Felix, where you can be cut off from the world and then you wouldn’t need to read my messages or ever be challenged in your belief. But beware I meet just visit you!
Felix
November 28, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Simon -
I have my doubts about the Qur’an, too. I must say, it’s kind of frightening that you think I would kill you for a difference of opinion. I think it speaks more to your character than to mine.
Secondly, I’m female, so you can call me “Ms. Felix.” If I were on a desert island, you would be quite welcome to visit – as long as you didn’t visit with the sole intent of converting me! That’s the main problem I have with religion as a whole – it brooks no dissent or discussion. I’m very glad that you’ve found what you believe to be the truth, so let’s end this dialogue, please.
adil
December 5, 2006 at 9:56 am
I THINK THAT THE ATTEMPT MISSIONARY IS SO FRUITFUL IN MOROCCO ESPECIALLY BETWEEN BERBERS.
Felix
December 6, 2006 at 2:55 pm
Adil, I’m not sure what you mean – are you talking about Berbers who’ve converted to Christianity attempting to convert other Berbers?
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Shane
July 17, 2007 at 11:13 pm
All,
I’m sure that I’m coming late to the discussion, but I thought I might put my two cents in. Concerning the missionary, the thoughts on evangelism, and keeping one’s religion to one’s self:
To clarify, I’ve never read the Qu’ran, but I intend to, and I’ve never been to Morocco, but I’ve lived in three other Muslim countries, and have had many conversations with Muslims.
I’ve spoken with many people about this topic on religion, and it seems to be commonly held that we should keep our truths to ourselves; after all, if you believe in God, and I believe in God, whatever the name, aren’t we speaking about the same thing? One shouldn’t impose one’s view about truth because it’s insulting to the other person that you might think that you have the truth, and someone else does not.
I disagree.
I’m a very reasonable person, and I think that my reasons for disagreeing are reasonable. To ‘argue’ one’s religion rarely gets a message across, because arguments (at least in the informal sense) usually end up in harsh words, defending a position, denying the other position, emotionally charged, etc…
If the truth is what we are after (and I assume that is exactly what we are after), then I encourage a discussion concerning one’s view of God. After all, if God exists, and the truth is what we are after, shouldn’t the truth of God glaring back at us (again, this assumes that one is seeking the truth, and not seeking to be ‘right’)?
There has been a violent history in the name of both Allah, and the Christian God. I can’t see that either historical group held to my philosophy of seeking truth (though it is honorable to stand for truth, and I’m sure that there are exceptions to the rule). However, if we consider ourselves rational, and if there really is one “truth” about God (after all, if God created the universe, and He desires mankind to understand, honor, and worship Him, then to misunderstand, dishonor, or refuse to worship Him would be detrimental to our eternal souls), then if we, the created order, refuse to acknowledge the Creator, we should not be surprised if judgment stands at the door.
I have invited many people to discuss this topic, and the fact is that most people are uneducated in their opinions. I don’t say this to disrespect anyone, but in a world of information-flow at our fingertips, we are sadly lacking in critical thought. We are offended at the idea that someone else might know better, that we might be wrong, that what I’ve been taught is flawed.
I am a Christian. I believe that there is only one way to heaven, and that is not through doing good deeds, being nice, making amends, or being ‘religions, but is by accepting Jesus Christ (the perfect, holy, and willing sacrifice) as our personal satisfaction for payment of our sins. I invite anyone to converse with me on this, and maybe we can seek the truth together.
I know that ‘proselytizing’ is not the function of this forum, but I make no apologies for my faith, and say that, though there are many people who fall short (don’t we all!) I am still willing to talk this through, if anyone is willing to seek the truth.
I don’t know anything about the young lady who went to Morocco on her evangelism trip. If she made herself a tool for what she thought was truth, then I commend her efforts, even if she may not have been mature in her faith or life. If she made herself a fool, then I hope that you, who seek the truth, are willing to look past her foolishness, and be gracious to her, even as we also sometimes make ourselves into fools.
I end this with a good quote, unknown source: “Sometimes, in our effort to go right, we go wrong, when in our attempt to be frank, we are rude.” Don’t be so “right” that you lose your justification.
Morocco Time » Lord Help Me, It's Another One of Those Missionaries
July 18, 2007 at 4:50 am
[...] seems like the missionary post won’t die. There’s a new comment by Shane, and here’s a key [...]
Cat In Rabat
July 27, 2007 at 12:26 pm
Shane, your arrogance is overwhelming. And as for the “young lady who went to Morocco on her evangelism trip” … I have no doubt that she did, in fact, make “herself a tool”.
Shane
July 27, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Please, explain your position. In what way do you believe that my arrogance is overwhelming?
Cat In Rabat
July 28, 2007 at 8:42 pm
“I believe that there is only one way to heaven, and that is not through doing good deeds, being nice, making amends, or being ‘religions, but is by accepting Jesus Christ (the perfect, holy, and willing sacrifice) as our personal satisfaction for payment of our sins” = overwhelming arrogance