Page:The young Moslem looks at life (1937).djvu/161

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THE YOUNG MOSLEM AND CHRISTIANITY
147

many countries he is seriously interested. In spite of his prejudices for some of which his own religion is responsible, for others, the Christians themselves—Christianity is the one religion of the world besides his own that challenges his attention and interest.

Generally speaking, however, the young Moslem is frankly hostile to the missionary enterprise. Perhaps this attitude is due as much to the fear of interference and domination by the Western nations from which the missionaries come as to an innate hostility to Christianity as a religion. While there is a desire to take over just as much of Western civilization as possible and still remain Moslem, most countries do all in their power to limit missionary influence. In Turkey, for instance, mission schools may be operated, but the Bible may not be taught, nor any religious services held. Christians may hold services for themselves, but preaching in the marketplace or on the streets or any effort at proselyting is forbidden by law. Perhaps this, however, is only a passing phase, and the time will come when these lands will enjoy a larger measure of religious freedom. The present policy is based on the assumption that it is not good for society for a man to change his religion, especially if it means changing from Islam to something else!