Although Colorado doesn’t actually border Texas, with our proximity and the beauty of our mountains, we tend to have a lot of Texans about. The behavior of a few on the interstate near my house leads me to think I understand them all: Texans drive way too fast in trucks that are way too big. (The kind you either need to be Pecos Bill or have a small step ladder to climb in to!)
Of course not all Texans are like this. Some have RV’s instead of trucks!*
We do the same things to Muslims: Noticing, and assuming we understand, the behavior of a few, we decide all Muslims are a certain way. Do you see any of these in your thinking or that of those you go to church with?
- Muslims are angry with Americans.
- Muslims want to take over the world, either by violence or birth rate.
- Muslims want to keep to themselves and not integrate.
- Muslims are religiously and culturally backward.
- Muslims oppress women, abuse kids, and give way too much credence to old, white haired guys.
When we allow broad assumptions such as these to roam unexamined in our minds, we limit the connection we might have with Muslims.
Two things will get us on track to thinking about Muslims the way God does:
- Identify and scrutinize our underlying suppositions. Sometimes all it takes is a little math to realize our thinking is corrupt. Other times, deep, cultural understanding is required to undo stereotypes.
- Get to know specific Muslims. Optimally, in person, but online and in books will also help. Real stories of real Muslims will illuminate false assumptions and exceptional situations.
Following the Baltimore Islamic Society account on Instagram would be a good way to start.
*My apologies to readers from Texas. I’m only kidding. . . mostly.