MUSLIM JOURNEY TO HOPE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1.  Why was it decided to produce “A Muslim Journey to Hope”?

One of the most important issues of our time is the need for people to understand what they believe, and to understand the beliefs of others. Inspiration Ministries consistently presents a wide variety of didactic and educational programs that explain the principles and beliefs of Christians. There is no coercion to accept these beliefs.

At the same time, there are many people throughout the world without a clear understanding of Muslim beliefs. And, there are many former Muslims who wish to share their story and what led to their current beliefs. “A Muslim Journey to Hope” provides an opportunity for these people to tell their stories. Viewers are given the freedom to listen, accept, or reject any or all of these stories, and decide for themselves what they believe.

2.  It has been suggested that the guests on “A Muslim Journey to Hope” are actors. Is this true?

Every guest on “A Muslim Journey to Hope” appears voluntarily. They are real people who share their story. Some have been threatened and their appearance involved possible risk for their lives. We feel an obligation to let these people say what is in their hearts. Viewers are allowed to decide whether or not they agree.

3.  Are you concerned that these stories may be controversial, make people angry, or create divisions?

Winston Churchill once wrote, “United wishes and good will cannot overcome brute facts.” He said that, in his government, “I let the argument rip healthily between the departments. This is a very good way of finding out the truth.” Churchill was encouraging a healthy debate between individuals in which they could express their opinions, and the outcome could be determined based on the interchange. He benefited by hearing more sides to the issues, not just one side. He also was carrying on the tradition of freedom of speech in which individuals could express their opinions without fear.

“A Moslem Journey to Hope” is consistent with this longstanding tradition of freedom of speech. It allows individuals to share what they believe is important to their lives. We see no harm in presenting a forum to allow people to share their opinions. There is no effort to hide anything. In fact, greater problems occur when people do not know what they believe and are not allowed to express their opinions, or hear the opinions of others.

In addition, it is important to remember that this is just one television program amid a culture with tens of thousands of programs that air each day.

4.  Shouldn’t we be more concerned with getting along with people of other faiths?

In approaching, “A Muslim Journey to Hope,” the producers have attempted to reflect the kind of love and acceptance that are central to the Christian faith, which teaches not just to love those we agree with but those who disagree with us. But the Christian faith also teaches the importance of balance. It teaches the importance of speaking the truth, but doing so in love. It is said that “you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.”

“A Muslim Journey to Hope” encourages people to seek the truth for themselves. No one is compelled to accept one version or another. But this encourages the seeking process.

All questions are welcome by writing to muslimjourney@hotmail.com