\u201cIt has to do with the fact that the evangelical church is in touch with Christian churches in the Muslim world. More than any other religious group, they\u2019re hearing the horror stories,\u201d said Cashin, the CIU professor, who has seen three of his friends and colleagues martyred as they attempted to bring the gospel to Muslim-majority nations. \u201cFor that reason, they tend to respond more negatively to the faith of Islam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Many associate the violent acts of ISIS extremists, who target Christians and other religious minorities, with Islam itself. In a LifeWay Research survey, slightly more than half of evangelical pastors saw ISIS as a true indication of what Islamic society looks like. They also disagreed with the notion that \u201ctrue Islam creates a peaceful society.\u201d<\/p>\n
Warren Larson, former director of the Zwemer Center for Muslim Studies, called such beliefs \u201cvery damaging for ministry and mission among Muslims.\u201d The survey statistics indicating Christians\u2019 negative attitudes towards Muslims have played out in his experience among believers.<\/p>\n