Episode 23
#23. At the Table with Muslims and Christians—Conversation without Compromise, the Al-Ma’idah Initiative
James Rayment unpacks what it means to have conversation without compromise and build relationships despite fundamental disagreements.
Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, Muslims and Christians are able to engage, cultivate mutual respect, and build genuine friendships. The organization is unapologetically Christian. These opportunities to dialogue stand in stark contrast to perennial accusations of cancel culture in America.
James Rayment pushes back on some common misconceptions that Protestants have about Muslims and outlines how churches can take the first steps in getting to know Muslim people in their neighborhoods.
Bonus Content:
How Can Christians Reach Out to Muslims During Ramadan?
What You’ll Learn:
- About the Differences and Importance of How the Bible and the Quran Describe Jesus’ Death
- 4 Practical Tips for Churches Hosting Ramadan Dinners
- About a Common Error that Protestant Christians Make When Talking to Muslims
About the Guest:
James Rayment has been building relationships with Muslims in Seattle and around the world since 2012. As a result of this ministry he founded the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, a Christian nonprofit.
The organization educates and equips local Christians to engage with individuals in the city’s Muslim community. Members of the local church are better able to understand and communicate with Muslims on a range of issues. His goal is to facilitate genuine friendships without shying away from the exclusivity of Jesus’ message. The Al-Ma’idah Initiative is an unapologetically Christian organization.
God is the one who changes hearts and minds. Through the Al-Ma’idah Initiative, there's no coercion or reason to cancel someone despite sharp disagreement — genuine friendships can and do start at the table. Christians simply represent what they believe to be true and show hospitality.
Scripture Related to Episode:
Matthew 26-28; Jesus’ Death and Resurrection
Psalm 72; God’s Vision for the Muslim World
Links Related to Episode:
Podcast, The Al-Ma'idah Initiative
Show Notes:
01:38 - From England to Having a Family in Seattle
03:35 - Catalyst for Al-Ma'idah Initiative
07:09 - Who Wants to Visit Church with Us?
07:57 - Muslims’ Openness to Spiritual Conversations
09:13 - Taking People and Ideas Seriously
11:05 - So as a Christian, What Do You Believe?
11:14 - How did Jesus Escape from the Cross?
12:13 - Literally Putting the Cards on the Table
13:01 - 4 Practical Tips for Churches to Get Started
15:12 - Leading By Example
15:51 - How Hearts and Minds Change
16:17 - Before Hosting a Meal
16:34 - God Has Work to Do in the Muslims World
18:50 - A Free and Fair Arena for Ideas
19:44 - Main Error that Protestant Christians Make in Interacting with Muslim People
24:48 - A Joke for Ramadan
