Shall We Try Unbeaten Paths in Working for Moslems?

During the years 1936 to 1938 the Near East Christian Council conducted an Inquiry into the causes of the “relative sterility” of efforts for the conversion of Moslems. Questionnaires were sent out and the replies received were tabulated and sent out again for comment and criticism. This inquiry was prompted by a deep concern over the fact that, with certain conspicuous exceptions, work has gone on among Moslems decade after decade with the creation of a true indigenous church, or any considerable number of converts out of which such a church might conceivably be formed. The Inquiry started with the conviction that if, first, the causes of failure could be studied and courageously brought out into the open, then, secondly, that might open the way for discovering new methods or lines of approach which might overcome or avoid those obstacles, so as to lead to a more fruitful efforts in this field.