Independents

Christian believers from a Muslim background (BMBs) are a growing religious group in the Middle East, especially in Algeria and Iran, because of the prohibitions on conversion from Islam in most countries. BMBs practice Christianity and may attend a church but are legally considered Muslims. This causes many complications around “inter-religious” marriages, burial customs, persecution by extended family, and the religious status of their children. Common reasons BMBs give for converting include the character of Jesus, finding in the Bible a source of truth; finding community in the church; desire for forgiveness or a personal relationship with a loving God; dreams, visions, or miracles; and disappointment with Islam or Muhammed. Messianic Jews can be considered a parallel form of Independent Christianity from a Jewish background.