How Islamic inventors changed the world

The online edition of Britain's The Independent is featuring an article in its technology section entitled, "How Islamic inventors changed the world."

The article details a few of the many contributions made to science and culture by Islamic men, things such as: coffee, the discovery that the eye sees light, chess, flight (parachutes and planes), soap, distillation, the crank-shaft, quilting, the pointed arch, surgical instruments, windmills, inoculation, fountain pens, Arabic numerals, three-course meals, carpets, checking accounts, the spherical form of the Earth, the use of potassium nitrate to purify gunpowder for military uses, and gardens for the sake of beauty and meditation.

It is an interesting read, and learning about the culture of possible converts can only assist us in our dealings with them. Displaying our knowledge of Islamic men's contribution to science and culture shows respect towards Muslim people, which in turn, can better our chances to converting them to Christ.

I am reminded of Paul used his knowledge of the Athenian culture in his defense of Christ's gospel in Athens (Acts 17:16-34), and I am reminded also of his statement, "I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." (1 Cor. 9:22)

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