Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad?: Understanding the Differences Between Christianity and Islam

I was privileged to hear the author speak at a recent AMIA (Anglican Mission in America) conference. Bought the book to refresh my memory of his talk. His knowledge of the Muslim faith and culture were "eye opening". Learned lots!!! Things all Christians should know to built relationship in order to advance the Kingdom of the one true God! Highly recommend it... this book will take your head out of the sand and into knowledge; tools that Christians need...

I thought this was a great book. One of the most interesting aspects of it was how much it teaches about Christianity. I've heard the Trinity talked about my whole life, but this book made me really think about what that means. I like the image of God's love spilling over into different persons, that God is a god of relationship and love as first demonstrated by the Trinity. This book also made me interested to read the Quran. It's a book that will make you think. It's also very easily readable. I read it as part of a book club, and I think we all liked the book. On a side note, I had a few people notice the book I was reading/carrying and inquire about it, so it's definitely a topic of interest to many folks right now. I think it's a good launching point for learning something about Islam.

Timothy George is founding dean and professor at Beeson Divinity School. He has also been a pastor and editor of numerous Christian magazines. Currently he is executive editor of Christianity Today. This thinish 159 page volume provides useful information for the Christian about Islam. As the back cover blurb states "The days when Western Christians could ignore the influence of Islam are over." Not only does Dr George help make Islam more understandable, but he also explains the importance of various differences between Christianity and Islam. Perhaps most importantly, the doctrine of the Trinity is explained, defended and celebrated. Dr George says (p55) "Ironically, the doctrine of the Trinity may be at one and the same time the most important and the most neglected dotrine we hold." The deity of Christ is another important point for any Christian wishing to examine Islam at close range. Page 62: To call Jesus Lord, not just with the lips but from the heart, is to become a Christian..." It is at the beginning of the chapter "Why the Trinity matters" (p69) that Dr George answers the question of whether the Father of Jesus is the God of Muhammad "The answer to this question is surely both yes and no. Yes, in the sense that the Father of Jesus is the only God there is...also no for Muslim theology rejects the fatherhood of God, the deity of Jesus Christ, and the personhood of the Holy Spirit-each of which is an essential component of the Christian understanding of God." I found the testimony of Lamin Sanneh (p102-103) quite moving. It is very reassuring to hear of converts from Islam to Christianity based on sound reasoning. This is especially the case when the convert concerned was a "leading theologian and scholar of Islam". In chapter six, "Grace for the straight path", we are told "We need grace, not simply guidance" (p115). This points back to page 29, in which we are shown the first seven verses of the first surah of the Qu'ran that includes the words "Guide us in the straight path". I had to pause for a minute to understand this connection - but maybe that's just me. Dr George counsels the use of both patience and perseverance (p128) in sharing the Gospel with Muslims. This means we need to employ neither "...the vilification of Islam and the denigration of Muhammad..." nor a pluralistic "...cavalier attitude toward truth..." I didn't find one typographical error in the whole book!

This book is a very good comparison of the worlds largest 2 religions in an age of religious violence (especially in the Middle East where Islam dominates). This discussion of Islam sites the Koran quite a bit, which is very helpful and appropriate. The author presents several perspectives on a few key points to give a more balanced presentation. The author also explains why the doctrine of the Trinity is a 'must' for Christians and why Islam can not accept it. This book is very informative and it is easy to read. The author is a master at what he does!

I have just finished reading the book "Is the Father of Jesus the God of Muhammad?" In my opinion it is a very good book for those of us that are searching for answers as to the differences in the two religions. I found it very helpful. The author went into great detail in his explanations but did so that these explanations were not beyond my understanding. I have purchased books on Islam, seeking to understand more than just what they believe, and have been disappointed in the material or its presentation. But I found this book to be interesting and informative. Thank you for making it available. Wes Samsel - Harrisburg, PA