1. The need to re-emphasize the love of God for the whole world
Further, many premillennial evangelicals, in speaking of the end times, do not communicate enough of God's heart for the whole world. His goal by his grace is a world in which all nations would convene in Jerusalem for worship in joyful peace (Isaiah 2:2-4; 19:24-25). Instead, what the Arab countries today perceive the West to say is that God wants to impose Israel on them by force. This does not communicate the true spirit of Christ, who looks to embrace all the families of the earth in his love and grace. Unfortunately, much of the way evangelicals in the West speak about Israel provokes the strongest reaction by Arabs who see this as political Zionism. As a result, though evangelicals living in the Middle East avoid any political language, they are wrongly thought to support political Zionism.
2. The need to understand the heart of the average Muslim
Christians should emphasize the goodness in many well-meaning Muslims. Average Muslims often evaluate life from words of wisdom but without necessarily thinking in deep theological terms. They would speak with sincerity about subjects common among Christians, such as family values, wholesome relationships, conflict management, work ethic, and so on. As the apostle Paul did on Mars Hill (Acts 17), Christians should champion any values that are endorsed by the Bible, and use them as a bridge for building relationships of mutual trust and respect.
Instead, by constantly emphasizing differences with Muslims, Christians are perceived as coercing or forcing Muslims to convert, and this draws a severe rejection of Christianity. While holding dearly to the uniqueness of Christ's redemption of man's sin, Christians should communicate wisely and patiently the incarnational love and forbearance of Christ. It is a tragedy when Muslims do not see this in Christians, or when Muslims see little that draws them to champion Christian causes.
3. The need to be patient with developing countries
Arabs who have been exposed to the West often want unrealistically fast democratic changes. They set standards of democracy that have been achieved in the West and often express dissatisfaction that the Arab world is far from reaching these standards. However, we should remember that the United States took time to treat all men as equals, or women as equal to men, or blacks equal to whites.
A country such as Jordan, which is striving to overcome its problems and move toward democracy, can come to view these constant criticisms as threats — provoking a strong negative reaction. In Jordan, our King Abdullah has a vision for his country and for the region that is ahead of many leaders of other nations. As evangelicals, we support His Majesty in his advances towards freedom, human rights, and peace. Countries where democracy is full-fledged should take a shepherding and encouraging role with Jordan and its outstanding leader.
4. The need for mutual appreciation for evangelical achievement
Evangelicals in Jordan and much of the Middle East are to be thankful for the many things they have been allowed to do. Likewise, Arab governments should be proud and appreciative of the many contributions that evangelicals have made. Through the decades, evangelicals in Jordan have established recognized schools, hospitals, orphanages, bookstores, charity organizations, cultural centers, publishing houses, and businesses, and have invested millions of dollars in the country.
A major achievement has been the establishment of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary (JETS) with its services to equip Arab leaders for the Arab world. Evangelicals draw courage and strength from such calls as from His Royal Highness, Prince Hassan of Jordan, encouraging Christians to continue to enrich the Arab world with their presence and unique contribution (see the article entitled “The Peace Building Prince” in Christianity Today published on Feb. 13, 2008). This mutual appreciation should always be strengthened and encouraged through proper and constant communication to avoid misunderstanding.
5. The need for cooperation between evangelicals and non-evangelicals
It was indeed shocking and sad that the council of the Catholic and Orthodox bishops in Jordan denounced the presence of the evangelical churches and their institutions in the newspapers and television, resulting in further media backlash. This has brought pain and confusion to the average Jordanian citizen and shame to Christians in the eyes of Arabs in the region. It is difficult to understand how the Catholics and Orthodox churches call on the cessation of all evangelical activity in the country when they and the evangelical churches are equally registered as churches in the country; both have the same common foundation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Bible, and at least the Nicene and Athanasian creeds, and they together do not constitute more than 3 percent of the population!
It is understandable that many Catholics and Orthodox Christians are angry that some evangelicals view them as not being true believers. Surely some evangelicals err in this regard and should cease from judging others. But evangelicals are good people and sincerely seek to serve Christ and see all who carry Christ's name walk in truth with him. They desire to share the weight of this responsibility with all churches that have the same vision. Yet it is imperative that intervention takes place at the highest ecclesiastical level to seek ways of cooperation.
6. The need to clarify much misunderstanding about western support
On occasion, some western influential supporters of such organizations have asked a government to help these organizations. If this happened or still does, it is either unknown to the local leaders, or it is meant merely as a recommendation to calm any fears that the authorities may have about a certain organization. Contrary to some local opinion, such communication is never meant to threaten, but only to respectfully encourage.
JETS, which has been at the heart of the recent news in Jordan, is an example of this. With its Jordanian leadership and board of directors, JETS has a 17-year track record of excellence in achievement, with reports of its progress and financial audits submitted regularly to the government. We sincerely desire that our country leaders, especially His Majesty King Abdullah, be very proud of JETS. JETS has done the country and region a great service in helping many young men and women remain in the Arab world by providing them with the best theological training possible. We equip those from any Arab country and from any church denomination to be effective teachers and leaders in their communities. JETS also improves the economy of the country via the donations it receives from sincere and well-meaning Christians in Western countries. The presence of JETS also helps to enhance Jordan's image. To the good name of Jordan, after its inception in 1991 and its being licensed by the Ministry of Culture in 1995, the institution's programs have been accredited by international accrediting agencies in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
With its beautiful new campus currently under construction, and with its expanded programs, JETS strives to become a recognized institution of higher learning accredited by Jordan's Ministry of Higher Education. This would be following the example of other Arab countries where such theological institutions or programs exist, as in Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, Syria, and Sudan. It is very sad that a misunderstanding of JETS has limited the number of its students and faculty, resulting in a constant numerical decline. Yet we are confident that, correctly understood, JETS will be welcomed as a positive contribution to peace, stability, and exemplary equal opportunity, goals that His Majesty King Abdullah strives to achieve with his vision of "Jordan First." By God's grace, we are confident that the king will continue to protect us.
Dr. Imad Shehadeh is founder and president of Jordan Evangelical Theological Seminary in Amman
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JETS in Amman as an institution of higher learning has contributed to the worldwide prestige of Jordan.