Overview

The growing impact of Islam on Western societies poses direct and indirect challenges to the Church and its mission. This book compares Islam with Christianity (offering a theological understanding of Islam), discusses the effects of Islam on the West in areas such as education and politics, and examines various issues in Christian-Muslim relations, including dialogue, cooperation and mission. Addressing a vital issue, it is essential reading for Christians in the West.

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9780978714154

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Reviews

Patrick Sookhdeo's book is an unusually honest, authoritative and courageous appraisal of what he regards as the challenge of Islam to the Christian Church and its mission. The language he uses deserves an award for plain English. Sookhdeo presents us with a book that should be compulsory reading for every politician and minister of religion, to say nothing of all who care for the cultural future of the countries of the Western world. Its essential message stands in stark contrast to so much of what is claimed for Islam by our political leaders, the leaders of the Christian Churches and Muslim authorities. For instance, when Westerners speak of Islam as a `religion of peace' they have a very different understanding of peace than peace as defined in Islam. In addressing further fundamental issues he returns frequently to other areas of linguistic confusion, a prime example being the contrast between the meaning of love in Christian terms and love as it is expressed in Islam. There is then the question of the integration of Muslims in even a nominally Christian society. Sookhdeo claims, very persuasively, that this is just not possible. It is prohibited by the teachings of the Qur'an and the ministry of Muhammad. In these the Muslim is always regarded as superior to the non-Muslim. Perhaps even more startling is the author's assertion that whilst Christianity is all about the inner transformation of those who would follow Christ, in Islam appearance is all important. To pray and to fast at the right times; to say the right things; to observe the necessary rituals: these are paramount. The inner life of the individual is a secondary concern. Read this book and learn. It is refreshingly spin free. -- Bob Page

Patrick Sookhdeo's book is an unusually honest, authoritative and courageous appraisal of what he regards as the challenge of Islam to the Christian Church and its mission. The language he uses deserves an award for plain English. Sookhdeo presents us with a book that should be compulsory reading for every politician and minister of religion, to say nothing of all who care for the cultural future of the countries of the Western world. Its essential message stands in stark contrast to so much of what is claimed for Islam by our political leaders, the leaders of the Christian Churches and Muslim authorities. For instance, when Westerners speak of Islam as a 'religion of peace' they have a very different understanding of peace than peace as defined in Islam. In addressing further fundamental issues he returns frequently to other areas of linguistic confusion, a prime example being the contrast between the meaning of love in Christian terms and love as it is expressed in Islam. There is then the question of the integration of Muslims in even a nominally Christian society. Sookhdeo claims, very persuasively, that this is just not possible. It is prohibited by the teachings of the Qur'an and the ministry of Muhammad. In these the Muslim is always regarded as superior to the non-Muslim. Perhaps even more startling is the author's assertion that whilst Christianity is all about the inner transformation of those who would follow Christ, in Islam appearance is all important. To pray and to fast at the right times; to say the right things; to observe the necessary rituals: these are paramount. The inner life of the individual is a secondary concern. Read this book and learn. It is refreshingly spin free. -- Bob Page http://www.thegoodbookstall.org.uk/ 20100330

Author Information

Dr Patrick Sookhdeo is Director of the Institute for the Study of Islam and Christianity, International Director of Barnabas Fund and Executive Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life. He has been Visiting Professor at a number of military academic centres. He is a Research Associate at the Faculty of Theology and Religion, University of Pretoria. He is Cor Episcopos of the Syriac Orthodox Church. He is author/editor of 36 books.

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