A Review
I have now read three books that attempt to respond to offer a Christian response to Islam. The previous two were:
Camel How Muslims Are Coming to Faith in Christ!
Son of Hamas: A Gripping Account of Terror, Betrayal,
Political Intrigue, and Unthinkable Choices
Like those previous two, the newest book suggests that the way into the hearts of the the Muslim community is through listening and understanding. Surprisingly, this is also the same lesson that I heard in the World Religions course that was part of my seminary education 40 years ago. It was also one of the primary lessons learned in my evangelism course at the same institution. It was also a primary lesson presented as I completed my degree in Community Counseling at the University of Nebraska.
It appears that it is difficult to accomplish that task with people - both those who are like us and those who are different. Of course, to some extent, that is true for everyone.
The current book is as much a call to listening as it is a call to understanding - for the Christian to understand the Muslim and for the Muslim to understand the Christian. Too often we argue against stick men that we have built from rumors and stories told by others, rather than listening to those whose beliefs we disagree with.
I am not sure whether Understanding Islam and Christianity is written for the Islamic or the Christian communities. Regardless, the contents of this book can serve as a bridge between these two communities.
As one might expect from Josh McDowell, the book is a clear statement of Christian doctrine, a carefully researched study of the beliefs of Islam by one who has lived within their culture for many years. The book examines both the theological and historical roots of both Islam and Christianity. Though not a long book, it does provide a scholarly look at two cultures that have stood opposed to each other for centuries. It is a recommended read for both the Islamic and Christian communities. Perhaps it will open lines of communications that have previously been closed.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy of this book provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
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