Date First Published:
2013
Resource Type:
Article
Topics / Themes:
Conversion, Identity, Persecution
ISBN or similar
10.1163/15733831-12341525
Overview:
Adopting a biblical approach based on 1 Peter to strengthen
the identity of converts, the article is helpful in BMB's discipleship process in Turkey and other majority Muslim contexts where persecution exists.
Content:
The study focuses on converts from Islam to the Christian faith in Turkey. Converts are
confronted with special challenges. Based on Islamic theology and Turkish nationalism
most Turks cannot think of positive reasons to choose Christianity. So verbal assaults
with social consequences like ostracism, prejudice, suspicion, and very low esteem are
very common. The First Letter of Peter provides advice for strengthening new Christians
by defining their identity as chosen and loved people of God. Personal caring for converts from Islam is crucial to provide a new “home” in assuring them of their new identity. They have to learn to evaluate accusations honestly, and from a faith-based position, and to integrate their new faith with their old environment. In the context of modern Turkey, a fresh look at history can be meaningful: There were Turkish Christians before Islam, and there are still Christian Turkish people today. More important however is a genuine spiritual approach that understands verbal assaults within the framework of God’s history with his people. Converts should find their identity “in Christ”. At the same time, being in Christ must become practical in finding a new family in the local church and seeing themselves as part of the worldwide multinational
body of Christ.
Academic Discipline
Missiology
Academic Framework
Research Method
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