Adapted and summarized by Jennifer Rae Vliet for The Plain Truth, from commentary published by The Washington Stand, with demographic information from Pew Research Center.
The Rise of Islam and the Challenge for Christians
Islam and Christianity differ on foundational questions about Jesus, salvation, and the nature of God. For Christians, understanding those differences can strengthen biblical conviction and prepare believers to share their faith thoughtfully.
A commentary published by The Washington Stand examines Islam’s growth and urges Christians to respond through education, prayer, and evangelism. It also raises concerns about religious extremism, Israel, and the protection of religious freedom.
Islam and Christianity: Different beliefs about Jesus
The identity of Jesus stands at the center of the theological divide. Christianity teaches that Jesus is the Son of God, that He died for our sins, and that He rose again.
Islam honors Jesus as a prophet but rejects His divinity and the Christian understanding of His crucifixion. Consequently, the two faiths offer fundamentally different accounts of His identity and mission.
For Christians, these differences concern the heart of the gospel. In 1 John 2:18–23, the apostle emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the Father and the Son.
However, defending Christian doctrine also requires accuracy when describing another religion. Christians can reject Islamic teachings while treating Muslim neighbors with dignity and compassion.
What research shows about religious growth
According to Pew Research Center, Muslims were the fastest-growing major religious group between 2010 and 2020. Their share of the world’s population increased to 25.6%.
Meanwhile, Christians remained the largest religious group. Their numbers increased, but their share of the global population declined to 28.8%.
Pew examines several factors behind religious change, including birth rates, age differences, and people changing religious affiliation. Therefore, population growth should not automatically be interpreted as conversion or increasing popularity.
Read Pew Research Center’s findings on global religious change.
Addressing violence and protecting religious freedom
The original commentary expresses concern about extremist violence and threats against Jewish communities. Those issues deserve serious attention.
At the same time, Christians should distinguish extremist movements from individual Muslims. Religious identity alone does not establish a person’s political views, intentions, or support for violence.
Likewise, Christian interpretations of Israel and end-times prophecy vary. Readers should examine specific texts and interpretations carefully rather than assume every believer holds the same position.
A Christian response rooted in conviction and love
First, study biblical teaching so you can explain what you believe and why. Then, learn enough about your neighbors’ beliefs to engage honestly with their questions.
In addition, pray for opportunities to share the gospel. Listen carefully, speak truthfully, and demonstrate the love of Christ through practical kindness.
Christians can also participate in local government and defend religious liberty, equal treatment under the law, and protection from coercion.
Jesus calls His followers to be peacemakers in Matthew 5:9. That calling supports a response marked by courage, compassion, and confidence in the gospel.
Finally, Galatians 6:9 encourages believers to persevere in doing good. Faithfulness involves both holding firmly to Christian convictions and showing love to the people we hope to reach.