Richard Smits

Greg,

How I would love to share your enthusiasm for the meeting you had with the Grand Sheik, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb! I have lived, worked and done business in Egypt. I have had food and fellowship in the homes of both Muslims and Christians there. I love the people but I have learned to be very wary of what I'm told. Egyptian Muslims will tell you what they believe you want to hear. It has happened to me repeatedly in business and social situations when there was no intention of following through as was promised. Many see this as simply being "clever". It is true as you say that Christian-Muslim interaction has a long history but it has not been between two equals!

My converted Muslim friends tell me that the Quran says both that Muslims should live peaceably with Christians and that Muslims should kill the infidel.  A knowledgable Muslim will quote you either of these verses as may be convenient for the current situation. Scholars of the Quran agree, however, that whenever there exists a conflict between Quranic verses the one most recently written by Mohammed abrogates (nullifies) the earlier written verse. "Kill the infidel" nullifies the earlier "live peaceably" verse. Thankfully there are many nominal Muslims that don't understand this. They, in particular, are ripe for the gospel of Jesus. I agree to the idea of dialog but be wise as serpects and gentle as doves.

Rich Smits