New Book on Christian and Muslim Relationships

With this blog post I will draw attention to the forthcoming book, Christian, Muslim, Friend: Twelve Paths to Real Relationship, by David Shenk (November 1, 2014; Herald Press). The description at Amazon.com reads:

"Even in a post-September 11 era of alienation and religious violence, David Shenk says yes. In Christian. Muslim. Friend., Shenk lays out twelve ways that Christians can form authentic relationships with Muslims, characterized by respect, hospitality, and candid dialogue. "Rooted in his fifty years of friendship with Muslims in Somalia, Kenya, and the United States, Shenk invites Christian readers to be clear about their identity, develop trust, practice hospitality, confront distortions of both faiths, and seek out Muslims committed to peace. "He invites readers to both bear witness to the Christ-centered commitments of their faith while also reaching out in friendship with Muslims. Through astounding stories of his animated conversations with Muslim clerics, visits to countless mosques around globe, and pastors and imams who join hands to work for peace, Shenk offers tested and true paths to real relationships. "A compelling resource with practical application for mission personnel, Sunday school classes, and any Christian who rubs shoulders with people of Islamic faith in their neighborhood or workplace."

Amy Gingerich has discussed this book on her blog "Mennobytes:"

"Shenk’s writing is clear and easy-to-follow, with 12 paths that he sees as key to building relationships. These paths are designed to help readers learn and share about the contemporary challenges and realities of cultivating real relationships between Muslims and Christians, with particular reflection on the journey of North American and other Western Christians. For example, the first four paths are:

• Live with Integrity: Christians and Muslims are often inclined to avoid candor in their relations with one another. This might be because of mistrust. However, integrity is foundational to wholesome relations.

• Keep Identity Clear: The Muslim scriptures encourage Christians to be clear about their identity. Christians meeting Muslims most often experience appreciation for Christians who are clear about their faith and church commitments.

• Cultivate Respect: In the present worldwide atmosphere much is said unkindly about people with different beliefs. Every effort must be nurtured to speak and think respectfully of one another.

• Develop Trust: It is very significant when Muslims say that they trust their Christian neighbors, and vice versa. The three principles that are discussed in the three opening chapters of this book do sow seeds that nurture trust. Mistrust builds walls; trust creates open doors."

This is the fourth volume by Shenk in the "Christians Meeting Muslims" series.

#islam #dialogue #relationships #christians