In short, the growing strength of Islamic identity and the resurgence in Islamic practice only serve to underscore the progressive weakening of Christian identity and the steady diminishment of Christian practice in secularized Western societies. We resent Islam's newly found vitality because it draws attention to our present malaise. Third, appreciate the practical, external expressions of faith that typify Islamic life . We have much to learn in this regard from Islam. A few years ago even Pope John Paul II pointed to the Muslim fast during the month of Ramadan as an example of the kind of zeal and discipline Christians should, but today rarely do, bring to Lenten fasting.
Islamic life requires pilgrimage, an experience now largely de-emphasized in modern Christian life.
This is, I would say, a most unfortunate trend. Islam reminds us of the need for physical religious enactment. Fourth, highlight the Islamic emphasis on community life and on the individual's accountability to community standards . As Christianity in the Western world becomes more atomized and Christian spirituality more privatized, Islam provides a strong testimony to the power of community. This is always at the forefront of my mind.