Waging Peace on Islam
 
by Mallouhi Christine A., Intervarsity Press (2002), 348pp., Paperback, ISBN 0830823042

How can caring Christians approach Islam? As relations between Islam and the West grow more polarized, many Christians are nervous about meeting Muslims. How can we possibly overcome years, if not centuries, of mistrust?

Christine Mallouhi, who married into a Muslim family and has lived much of her life in the Middle East, suggests we should emulate St. Francis, who during the Crusades went to be with the Muslims and even shared the gospel with the Sultan.

We should start by seeing Muslims as people, she suggests. "When Muslims are skeptical of our creed, confused by our message and wounded by our warfare, the most credible witness left is our lives. Muslims need to see Jesus, and the only way most of them will see him is in us." Here is a book that gives history, insight and much of the author's own story in offering the Prince of Peace to Muslims.

"This book will excite and perturb the Christian reader. Mallouhi's freshness of approach, born of years of consistent living among Muslims, allows her to move beyond traditional stereotypes and offer another way of 'witnessing to Muslims.'"
Bill A. Musk, author of Holy War: Why Do Some Muslims Become Fundamentalists?

"Christine Mallouhi has 'been there and done that,' having lived among Arab Muslims for twenty-five years. She and her husband have great empathy, insight and understanding of the struggles of Muslim peoples."
Dr. Greg Livingstone, consultant on Muslim-Christian Relations, AD 2000 and Beyond

"This exceptionally insightful and ennobling enterprise shows the path one can follow to become a beacon of light."
Munir Akash, editor of Jusoor

"[Mallouhi] fearlessly grapples with the critical issues for Christians living and working among Muslims, provoking us to evaluate the presuppositions of conventional evangelical approaches towards Islam. The diagnoses in this provocative and challenging book are accurate, the recommendations are right, and the tone is optimistic. It is a prophetic and practical guide to reframing the way we as Christians relate to Muslims in the twenty-first century. Full of new ideas and new life, this book points us to a journey ahead that will not be easy but will ultimately rescue us from irrelevancy or disaster. A 'must-read' for everyone interested."
Paul-Gordon Chandler, president of Partners International

"In this work Christine Mallouhi undertakes a comprehensive study of Christian-Muslim interaction throughout history and in the modern day. The diverse subjects addressed are bound together by a central focus on St. Francis of Assisi, whom Mallouhi considers as 'a profound example of how it is possible to relate to Muslims in times of mutual antagonism.' Thus whether discussing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, anti-Muslim stereotyping in the West, or Muslim perceptions of Christians, Mallouhi skillfully encourages the reader to consider adopting the sensitive approach of St. Francis, who 'did not engage in the battle or the debate.' The work benefits greatly by the author's extensive experience in the Muslim world and by her ability to open windows into Muslim minds on a wide range of issues concerned with Christian-Muslim relations today."
Peter Riddell, London Bible College

"Through a lifetime of living in various Muslim societies Christine Mallouhi is well able to bridge the chasm of misunderstanding, ignorance and fear which separates Muslims and Christians. With gentle sensitivity she challenges Christians to reconsider their stereotypes and see Muslims as normal people just like ourselves in need of a loving Savior. This is a remarkable book, which every person interested in Islam should read. It challenges our attitudes, frees us from prejudice and refreshes the spirit."
Stuart Robinson, Crossway, Melbourne, Australia