Islam: An Introduction for Christians

by Paul Varo Martinson

Overview

These and many other questions are answered in this informative introduction to Islam. Christians of all denominations will find reliable and up-to-date information on Islam and its relationship to Christianity. The first part of the book surveys the faith and life of Islam, exploring the subjects of the Qur'an, Muhammad, beliefs about God, justice and the law, women and family, and death and eternal life. Part 2 tells about Islam in North America, both its early history and the current situation. Part 3 describes various groups and movements within Islam. Part 4 looks at Islam and Christianity, their encounters in history, the Bible and the Qur'an, and how Jesus is regarded by Muslims. Part 5 presents a Christian evaluation of Islam. Carefully researched and clearly written, Islam: An Introduction for Christians is an ideal book for both individual and group use.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780806625836
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	09/01/1994
Series:	Arab Culture and Islamic Awareness
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Paul Varo Martinson is Professor of World Religions at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota. He is the author of A Theology of World Religions (1987).

Editorial Reviews

Superficially, this attempt to explain the beliefs, history and faith practices of Muslims to Christians appears to be a commendable foray into religious ecumenism. Upon examination, though, the book reveals itself to be an exercise in religious one-upmanship and facile analysis. This is especially true of a section on Islam in North America that has been added to the translation of a text first published in Germany by the Evangelical-Lutheran and Evangelical churches. Indeed, the intent here often seems more to be the justification of certain Christian doctrines (the Trinity, the concept of original sin, etc.) or of differences between Christianity and Islam. Even more questionable is the specter Martinson raises of a monolithic Islamic fundamentalism (including that of ``African-American Muslim Groups'') growing here whose ``ultimate goal is to Islamize society, to make America a Muslim people and nation.'' Sadly, such paranoia fans existing prejudicial fears about America's swiftly increasing Muslim population and contradicts the editor's stated purpose of nurturing mutual understanding and respect. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly