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Can I go to Christian Union events at university?

Administrative building at University of Chattogram
Photo: Abdullah Al Durrani Sony, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Yes, you can go to many Christian Union events at university, like talks, debates, socials and free lunches, as long as you don't join in their worship. Listening, learning and being friendly are fine. Praying their prayers, singing worship songs or taking communion are not.

What Christian Union events look like

Christian Unions (CUs) and similar groups in the USA, like campus fellowships, run a mix of events. Some are social: pizza nights, coffee mornings, quizzes. Some are talks, such as "Is Jesus really God?" or "Does science disprove faith?". Others are worship meetings with prayer, Bible readings and songs. The kind of event makes all the difference.

Usually fine

  • Social events with food and games, as long as the food is halal or vegetarian and there's no alcohol.
  • Talks and Q&A sessions, especially if you're comfortable with your own beliefs.
  • Interfaith dialogues where Muslims and Christians share views respectfully.
  • Charity projects like food banks or fundraisers.

Best to avoid

  • Joining worship: praying with them, singing hymns or worship songs, or taking communion.
  • Events where you're likely to be pressured to "give your life to Jesus".
  • Anything that makes you feel your own faith is shaky, if you're still new.

If a prayer starts at an event, you can simply sit quietly and respectfully. This is similar to school assemblies. See Can I attend school assemblies with Christian prayers?

Respectful dialogue is encouraged

Islam honours Jesus as a great prophet, and Muslims share many values with Christians. The Quran teaches how to talk with them:

وَلَا تُجَـٰدِلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ "And do not argue with the People of the Scripture except in a way that is best." Quran 29:46

So if you go, be kind and curious. You can explain what Muslims believe about Jesus and about God when asked. See Do Muslims believe in Jesus? Scholars differ a little on how far to go: some advise new Muslims to stay away from missionary-style events until their knowledge is stronger, while others see them as a good chance for friendship and dawah.

For new Muslims and converts

If you used to be in a church or CU, old friends may invite you back. You can keep the friendship and meet for coffee without attending worship. Balance it by joining the Islamic society too, so you have Muslim friends on campus. See Can I join the Muslim Student Association as a new Muslim?

Key points
  • Social, charity and talk events are generally fine.
  • Don't join their prayers, worship songs or communion.
  • Respectful dialogue with Christians is encouraged in the Quran.
  • If you're new, keep a strong link to Muslim friends too.
Tip: Suggest a joint event between the Christian Union and the Islamic society, like a "What do we both believe about Jesus?" evening. It's friendly, honest and often one of the best-attended events of the term.

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