I watched a news segment this morning about Muslims living in Las Vegas. The report examined how Muslims remain true to their religion while surrounded by three things antithetical to their religion: gambling, alcohol, and public nudity. I think they said 18,000 Muslims live in Vegas. It was an interesting segment.
And I thought: tens of thousands of Christians live and work in Vegas, but the story isn't about how they remain true to their religion amidst gambling, alcohol, and public nudity. Is it because Christians are viewed as so compromised by the world, that avoiding those vices is not an issue for them? Is that how the world, sadly, sees us? Muslims seek purity, but Christians in America long ago gave up the fight?
One Muslim cab driver admitted that occasionally he goes into a bar and gets a drink. "I've been Americanized," he said with a smile. But because he does it so rarely, he said, "God will forgive me." Sounds like he's becoming like too many Christians.
Career-wise, I've been hanging around and writing about and cheering on churches and pastors for the past 25 years as my denomination's Communications Director.
That's really fascinating, Steve. And how refreshing to see a positive portrayal of Muslims in the media. I get so sick of the demonization.