This past weekend, Juli and I hosted my sister and brother-in-law, Lucas and Kim Warner. In light of the recent news regarding A Common Word Between Us and You and my interest in the Islamic community of West Chester, we took a tour with them of the Muslim mosque located only a few minutes from our apartment. Just to the west of I-75, north of Cincinnati-Dayton Rd., lies an enormous 6 million dollar structure dedicated to the worship of Allah.

As our tour guide took us through the entrance into the temple, we were struck by the beauty of the mosque. Titled floors and Persian rugs lay below our feet; monstrous and glimmering chandeliers hung above our heads. Immediately, we were asked to remove our shoes before entering into the portion of the mosque dedicated for prayer. As we ventured further into the Muslim place of worship, our guide explained the ritual and purpose of their prayers.

It was with this and the answers to our further questions that we saw the emptiness of their religion. Our guide spoke of the daily repeated prayers, 17 to be exact, that are offered in the same direction. She spoke of the expensive pilgrimage of Islam required by her members that are both physically and financially able.

Beyond a doubt, it is a religion of community and of devotion. If you desire a relationship with a host of religious people that are dedicated to good living, then Islam will satisfy. Yet, if you long for a relationship with the God of this universe, on His terms and by His Way, Jesus Christ, then Christianity will only satisfy. My heart broke and brakes for this woman and the Islamic community of our area that they may see Christ and the relationship that He offers to the Father as unique, singular, and supreme.