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What Should Christians Think About Muslim Fest?

Introduction

For reference, the Muslim Fest I’m referring to is actually the one that was recently held in Chestermere. On Aug 30th, it was the last of many festivals taking place there during the summer. This article comes a bit late, but is the product of much reflection that I have had since it took place. It wasn’t anything overly crazy; a large group of practicing Muslims and their teaching, some locals, and lots of activities to make it family friendly. Because our family lives nearby we could practically see it from our home. But I was concerned. And that concern grew as I gave further thought to it. 

Why would I write on a festival held in a city where 95% of my readers do not reside? Let me clarify that writing on this particular event is not entirely my motivation. This event in Chestermere is certainly significant, but I believe it communicates certain realities that we as Christians need to become aware of. Because in case you haven’t noticed, events like this aren’t a rare occurrence. Over the past year Calgary has hosted a plethora of different religious (non-Christian) events all across the city. One of the largest being the Sikh festival of Nagar Kirtan. This celebration saw attendance of more than 10,000 for the festivities in Calgary’s northeast. And I can tell you, because I was randomly running an errand in that area at the time, that the attendance was almost entirely those who made up the Sikh community of Calgary. 

Now I’m no prophet, but I think I can safely assume that for the vast amount of those reading this article, that there is, at the very least an uneasiness that exists when being confronted with events like this in our city. We as Christians certainly don’t go and join the party, but many evangelicals are unsure what exactly they're supposed to be thinking about it. We question whether or not we’re supposed to be upset, or whether or not being upset is somehow unloving to our neighbor. And I would argue that this is entirely due to a culture that has trained us to think love is unbiased acceptance. Forget an objective standard, forget what God actually says; we’re supposed to be nice, not judgmental. Yet for believers, something still doesn’t sit right. And I would even argue that it doesn’t for the general public. Problem is, they don’t really know how to respond either anymore. Take a look at Montreal's recent actions for instance. Muslim gatherings are growing everywhere, to the point where they are blocking roadways and businesses with their public prayer times. What’s the response? Banning all prayer. At least that’s better than being condemned for “islamophobia.” 

 

How do we think about these things, Christians? How do we respond?

For the remainder of the article, I’d like to present some of the specific concerns that I have with regard to Muslim Fest and other such religious festivals in our city. Concerns that I believe to be fundamentally founded upon Scripture. After that, I’d like to offer a few considerations that will assist us as Christians in knowing how to best respond. 

 

Concerns

1) The Growing Acceptance of Fundamentally Anti-Christian Belief

My first concern with festivals like the one in Chestermere, is that it displays the growing acceptance of fundamentally anti-Christian belief in Calgary, Alberta, and even Canada for that matter. As a nation, we historically stood upon the supremacy of God over all, and founded our institutions and law upon that reality. But over the last number of decades in particular, there has been an aggressive effort to remove the authority of God from all of these institutions. Schools have jettisoned any Christian relevance, the magistrate continues to codify laws that oppose a biblical ethic, and society continues to advocate for further moral anarchy. 

Consider the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, for instance. A Christian man who took his faith and biblical values to university and college campuses, and was gunned down for them. For simply advocating for, to many of us what could be defined as basic conservative conviction. Yet, in the minds of society, such thinking has become so offensive it is to be eradicated. Why? Again, because of the aggressive abandonment of God and his authority. 

On that point, these festivals should be deeply concerning to us. The massive rise of such religiously pagan activity and its acceptance shows us that we have gone from simply losing our Christian heritage, to it being defied outright. Those religions that are fundamentally anti-Christ and his gospel are being given prominence, as that which should be defended and appreciated. As Christians, we must first come to an awareness that this is what is being communicated by their prevalence.

2) The Destructive Consequences of Paganism to Society

My second concern is the destructive consequences of paganism to society. After all, religions fundamentally shape the culture around them. It would be naïve to think that if the vast majority of Calgarians suddenly became Muslim, it would have little to no effect on our city. In fact, it would drastically alter every aspect of our entire culture. Religions shape the way people think, act, and function in the society around them. They are absolutely central in the way that we see everything in the world around us. Just think about the way your faith in Christ changes the way that you live. Then think about how a nation operates with that same motivation. This is ultimately why we still enjoy the freedoms that we do in Canada. Nations like America and Canada, as imperfect as they are, are bastions of freedom and liberty because they were rooted in Christian principles. These Christian principles gave shape to what we believe about man, and about right and wrong, and the authority of God (just to name a few).  

Still unconvinced? Consider the controversial state of the UK. There are unsafe areas to travel in London and beyond because of the threat of the Muslim population to British nationals. Their news is unfortunately rife with disgusting examples of violence from these communities. As a result, this summer there was 100,000 protestors parading the streets of London to oppose the horrible immigration system that has allowed it all to take place. The same irresponsible system that has caused much of the issues in our own nation of Canada.        

Sadly however, unless our countries are willing to address the root of the problem, better immigration policies won’t ultimately fix the problem (as much as they must still be reformed). This is because we have to recognize that paganism contains a worldview antithetical to God’s, and therefore destructive in nature. I recognize that not every individual that espouses a pagan religion lives in a lawless manner, but that their worldview will sooner or later produce such things, by nature of the false religion they hold. They do not espouse essential truths that are fundamental to a peaceful and functioning society, but rather the opposite. Read some of the Coran, and I submit it won’t take long for you to see why. But even more than that, they do not espouse the truths of the one true God. And if it isn’t Christ, then it will certainly be chaos. 

3) The Church's Lethargy in Recognizing Christ's Lordship  

Highly connected to the last statement in point 2, my third concern is the church’s lethargy in recognizing Christ’s Lordship. I believe that in great part, the current level of acceptance and influence of paganism in our city and nation is due to the church’s failure to speak. Not only do we not speak, but many see very little significance in paganism's presence at all. Some “Christians” are even convinced that it is a good thing. That our nation must have freedom of religion after all, right? Well, what that means today is certainly not what the church historically believed. Freedom of conscience within the confines of Christendom, without fearing violent coercion by the sword? Yes. But the open practice of all manner of idolatry and heretical practice? No. Our forefathers understood this before Canada would unfortunately undergo further and further secularization as a nation. 

But returning to my point, the church’s lethargy in recognizing and addressing the threat of paganism is one of the main contributors to the current state of affairs. The church’s missing voice has created a vacuum in which other opposing and contrary worldviews have arisen and taken control. When in actuality, we are as Paul describes, the “pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Tim 3:15); tasked as such to “destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor 10:5). In other words, the church has a prophetic role to society. We are God’s chosen avenue of communicating truth and holding all men, and those in power, accountable to it (Ps 2). The Bible wouldn’t define the parameters of their role if this were not the case (Rom 13:1–7). It is therefore incumbent upon the church to be vocal on truth, address the sins of the world, and direct them to the Savior. 

Remember, Jesus Christ is Lord. This is more than just a great bumper sticker; this is a cosmically epic declaration. The world and all that is in it belongs to him. “All authority in heaven and on earth,” is his and his alone (Matt 28:18). Do we believe this as Christians? Do we believe that the one whom we serve is truly and ultimately sovereign over all? This really ought to be the greatest motive in all of this. As important as the practical benefits of a Christian society are, the recognition of Christ's Lordship is greater still. Our Savior reigns supreme, amidst a world of counterfeits and deceptions. 

 

Considerations

Before you start thinking the solution is Christian festivals and Jesus parades, let me offer what I believe to be more effective solutions, biblically speaking.

1) We Must Have Strong Pulpits

Firstly, we must have strong pulpits. This is absolutely key in a powerfully effective witness to the world. You might even say that as goes the pulpit, so goes the world.

Peter was relentless in his preaching. Full of the Spirit, he was not ashamed to declare the condemnation of those religious leaders, and even the nation of Israel for the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 2:23,36). This kind of strong and courageous declaration was the means that God used to bring in 3000 souls from darkness in a lost and hypocritical faith.

Paul the apostle, grieved by the idolatry in the city of Athens, spoke out declaring publicly of Jesus and the resurrection (Acts 17:18). This gained him an audience with some of the biggest philosophical/religious minds of the day. To which he preached the exclusivity of the One True God, and their need to repent; resulting in the salvation of a group in the audience (Acts 17:22–34).

But don’t forget our Lord. Jesus was the one who actually understood the hatred he received from many during his ministry as a direct consequence of his preaching. Preaching, that declared their works to be evil (John 7:7). Jesus was the perfect preacher, and constantly exposed the brokenness of the religious system of the day (Mark 11:15–19), the evil of its leaders (Matt 23:1–36), and even the wickedness of certain magistrates (Luke 13:32). Yet as we know, it was his Word that gave life to so many.     

For the longest time preachers have been unwilling to declare what the Word of God says regarding the issues and practices of our day. Fear of the consequences or the deception that saying such would be too political has kept the opinion of God from the minds of a generation captured by evil. If we want to see life come to those enslaved by godless ideologies and religions, then those very things must be torn down through the ministry of the pulpit; and by extension, the clear application of the Word of God.

Pastors, do more than poke the bear that devours men, put it to death altogether.

2) We Must Engage the Public Sector

Secondly, we must engage the public sector. 

Many Christians are convinced that this is somehow a breach of our mission as believers. Evangelize? Yes. Go to church? Yes. But not run for office, sit on a school board, or write an MLA. Apparently, this is something that extends beyond the confines of what is considered our Christian call.

But did we not already establish that everything in this world abides under the dominion of Christ? That his rule is supreme, and therefore ought to be honored in every institution? How then could our attempts to see his kingdom come in these areas be a breach of our mission? Do we not want to see the influence of Christianity come to all spheres of life? After all, Jesus himself told us to disciple the nations (Matt 28:19); to see entire societies, cultures, tribes, and peoples brought under the lordship of Christ through the gospel. 

The problem is that many set the gospel against cultural engagement. That it is somehow antithetical to bringing Christianity to the public sector. But this is a critical part of the gospel; something we see exampled in Acts, as the apostles publicly proclaim the rule of Jesus over all, even in relation to the rulers, laws, and practices of that day. The two are not opposed. To be committed to the gospel is to see its preaching and implications brought to the world, and receive greater exposure. 

Christians, get out there and be an influence for Christ. Be a builder and a rebuilder of institutions for Jesus’ name. There are far too many of those of pagan faith in these positions, and not enough Christians picking up the trowel for the kingdom. Start Christian schools, or work to see those drifting brought back to truth. Run for offices that can influence communities for Christ. Labor and pray to see churches reformed to the teaching of the Word of God. 

3) Be Godly Yourselves

Thirdly, be godly yourselves. A forgotten aspect, but a very important one in seeing the supremacy of Jesus honored in our land.

How does the church regain influence and power in a day when it is seen as irrelevant? How do we give force to the gospel preached from our pulpits? How to we pierce the callus heart of our communities and institutions? We pursue godliness, we strive for holiness. 

In Acts 2, just after we see 3000 souls brought into the church through Peter’s preaching, we have one of the clearest pictures of what it looks like to be a church (Acts 2:42–47). A people loving one another, generous to the needy, hospitable, and listening and responding to the Word of God. And as a result, it says that, “the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47).  

It is critical to our influence for Christ and the advancement of his kingdom, that we be a people who are genuinely godly ourselves. Simple militance and activism will accomplish nothing against those groups who could imitate the same on the opposite side. We must be able to undergird the reality of what we stand for with a supernaturally granted character in our lives. Herein lies a great power to expose the foolishness of their pursuits and beliefs, which are ineffective to produce real power and transformation. 

Look to Christ brothers and sisters. Imitate his great love. Bring this love into your family, into your dealings, into your workplace. Let all that you do be seasoned with the character of the gospel. And by God’s grace, may we see this world progressively won to Jesus.