‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’ is a well-known English idiom - meaning that we should not make assumptions about the value, worth or ability of something (or someone) by what is seen outwardly. There are similar idioms in cultures across the world. Often this is quoted to steer us away from judging something/someone because of physical appearance, or based on our preconceived ideas or experiences of something/someone which may have resembled them in some way.

We may agree with this advice in theory, but in reality because we need to make quick decisions or respond almost constantly, we are wired to make judgements. Mostly these are sensible and necessary – shall I cross the road before or after this car has passed?, should I share my thoughts on this topic at this point in the meeting?, which people shall we put together as a team? But the line comes when we are making a value judgement, and how far that judgement is based in assumption rather than evidence.

“I recall my first teaching job. I was employed by the Local Authority and seconded to a secondary school. In the first week, after having worked in the school from Monday to Wednesday, I attended a training session back at the Local Authority. During the training I recall making a comment or giving an opinion on something or other. The training leader tried to put me in my place by saying: you learnt all that in just three days?! 

I was clearly being reminded that I was a rookie teacher who had been in my job just three days. The fact that I had travelled across the world as a 12 year old, managed to survive (and possibly thrive) in my new environment, accomplished a great deal as a youth and community worker and adult educator and now here I was a school teacher. No! I had not learnt all that in just three days but through the very interesting life I had lived, and overcoming many challenges. I had what one academic referred to as ‘funds of knowledge’. Of course, I said nothing and simply accepted the put-down.

I believe there are parallels with BMBs joining the church family. They may be new believers but many have lived a life already. While they need discipleship in their new faith, the rest of us would do well to acknowledge that in, many other respects, they are mature adults with much to contribute to the church family”.

That story came from a long-time BMB friend of Joining the Family, and the challenge they pose at the end was echoed in some responses given in the recent ‘Closing the Back Doors’ research project, and other comments we’ve heard from our brothers and sisters.

“Some times we feel that church leaders treat us as a new believers despite of the long time we follow the Christ.”

“They look at us (BMBs) as second class Christians always questioning their true faith.”

“Sometimes they think that because we don’t speak good English, they presume we are not intelligent or well-educated, have no experience or gifts to offer, and they treat us like children.”

How far are we in the church guilty of passive put-downs, unevidenced judgements, or well-meaning assumptions? I truly hope and pray this is never the case, but I fear it is more common than we’d like to think. This means churches are missing out on the amazing yet unrecognised wisdom, maturity, and potential that is held within believers of Muslim heritages in our communities. Not to mention the impact on the individuals being judged! There are many examples of wisdom, maturity or potential in unexpected places found in the Bible.