Featured photo by RifeIdeas. CC BY-SA 3.0.
What is happening to the West? Muslim populations are steadily increasing in cities across Europe and America, reshaping local culture and politics. This isn’t due to some sudden takeover of sharia courts, but instead a demographic shift that has both cultural and spiritual momentum. But surely not in America, you might say? Well, less than 25 years after the murder of 3,000 Americans on 9/11, New York City just elected their first Muslim mayor. This growth of Islam in the West isn’t hypothetical – it’s very real and it’s happening right now.
Real tensions face many parts of America. For example, in Dearborn, Michigan —now roughly 55 % Muslim — a Christian street preacher was told he wasn’t welcome, even though the city eventually said it welcomes all faiths. Large populations of Somalian Muslims are now firmly rooted in Minnesota, resulting in cities that no longer resemble the midwestern state. These cultural shifts show just how fast culture can change when local officials feel secure in their voting base.
How do Christians in America respond to this alarming situation? We must respond with urgency and clear eyes.
Why exactly is Islam gaining traction? Partly immigration and birth-rates, but there’s more to it. Islam offers clarity of identity and mission that liberal secularism simply can’t match. For many young men, particularly, it presents discipline, masculinity, purpose—and a community. In a culture that has degraded male strength as “toxic” and religion as irrelevant, that clarity looks inviting to young people. However, none of this means Islam is true simply because it’s growing. The point we must understand is that the Church has grown timid. Where Islam is bold, Christian witness has too often been lukewarm.
What must the Christian response be? No more hiding! Speak the truth in humility. Christianity doesn’t seek domination, but deliverance – transformed heards unified in Christ. We must engage our Muslim neighbors, support ministries working in Muslim-majority communities, and disciple men and women to live boldly and intelligently.
This rapid growth of Islam in the West isn’t a reason to panic, but it is a reason to preach. The Church must regain its credibility with young men and women seeking purpose in the face of liberalism’s failure. Let’s meet this moment—not with fear—but with faithful witness.
The Phyllis Schlafly Report is dedicated to boldly speaking the truth and pointing to the Christian foundations of the West and of our America. Join us by signing up for timely emails at PhyllisSchlafly.com, again that’s PhyllisSchlafly.com. Thanks and join us next time for the Phyllis Schlafly Report.
