Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships

While the world around us is intent on political ends, the alternative goal of Christianity is one of redemption. At times there are those in the political realm who would attempt to diminish or misrepresent our access and efforts. At other times it is just our lack of knowledge of God's will for the advance of the Gospel. (Romans 10:14) In our American approach we spend a lot of time preaching and treating people as targets. That is a method which not only does not work in the Muslim world, but even worse, it would create animosity and destroy a person's ability to persuade (Gal 1:10). In the Muslim world the Gospel is only effectively spread through relationships. In these relationships we must not only show relationship respect but belief respect. Understand Islam, treating the Qu'ran with respect, and other important concerns. Carl Medearis presents a quality case for sensitive evangelical persuasion. It is an approach that does not compromise the gospel but makes it effective in a context that most of us would avoid. But this is not only about the mission field. This is about living and working in the United States where the Muslim population is growing. This is about making the Gospel real where the lies of Golden Compass and The Davinci Code would make Christianity into something else. The truth is both lived and verbally communicated when it is most effective. Get the book. Use it in your local church for improving your evangelism training.

I have read as many good books regarding Muslim/Christian relations as bad. This is simply one of the best. It is as concise as it is clear. This book is extremely practical in its premise and offers enough history and religious context to begin that necessary dialogue. But what is the point? The point is always very clearly to move beyond dialogue into a relationship...into a relationship where Jesus, the saviour of all humanity, is to be found.

So much of our training about sharing Jesus with others has an artificial, even adversarial tone. This book strikes a different and refreshing note. You might not agree (at first) with everything Carl says but you can't afford to ignore his message.

I'm venturing into the world of reviewing because this book is worth it! Carl's insight into evangelism and discipleship as simply pointing people to Jesus and developing real genuine loving friendships has application well beyond Muslim culture. In fact, while I have certainly gained new perspective and understanding into Muslim culture, I primarly read the book for the broader insight that Carl brings and was not disappointed. It is an easy and enjoyable read, with a good mix of stories, insights and facts about Muslim life and belief with tested advice on how to best approach loving them and helping them to see Jesus more clearly (and seeing Him more clearly ourselves in the process!). Enjoy!

Two days ago our mail carrier delivered Carl Medearis' book, "Muslim, Christians, and Jesus." I had a few minutes before supper so I opened it thinking I would look at a few paragraphs. I got sucked in! Twenty-four hours later I finished it. It is truly a delightful and hope-filled book. When I first met Carl three years ago the first thing I noticed was his twinkling-eye smile. His obvious open and genuine love is contagious. I have seen it happen with Muslims and non-Muslims alike. That genuineness is accurately reflected in the book. In "Muslims, Christians, and Jesus" Carl covers not only the basics of what Muslims believe but he also loads it with personal stories. There is the smell of gun smoke reality on every page. He covers what the Qur'an says about Jesus, women in Islam, answering common questions, and even how Jesus interacted with jihad. Throughout its pages, the centrality of Jesus is paramount. My favorite story in the book is when Carl roared into an Iraqi village and ... Nope - I don't want to give it away before you read it. Even if there weren't other fabulous material the stories alone are worth the price of admission. Whatever you do, GET IT, READ IT, and PASS IT ON to others! You won't regret it. Edward J. Hoskins, MD, PhD Author - A Muslim's Heart