The Challenge of Islam to Christians (Hodder Christian Books)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 224 pages
• Published by: Hodder & Stoughton September 1, 2003
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0340861894
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0340861899
• Book Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Weighs: 5.6 ounces

Product Description
According to the author, moral decline and erosion of a sense of ultimate truth have created a spiritual vacuum in the United Kingdom. He believes that Islam is far better equipped than the Church to move into that gap, and it will not be long before it becomes the country's dominant religion. This title explains the background behind Pawson's claims, and sets out a positive blueprint for the Church's response. Christians must rediscover and demonstrate to society the three qualities that make Christianity unique—reality, relationship, and righteousness.

Reader Reviews
Having heard the writer speak on many occasions where I have been deeply impressed with his incisive, penetrating knowledge of Christianity and the manner in which he dissects the written word of the Hebrew-Christian Scriptures, I eagerly purchased this book with a keen sense of anticipation to read the author's personal analysis of Islam. To that end I was initially disappointed when I discovered that the book was not in fact primarily a study of Islam in itself. Having said that, the author does indeed address many of the aspects of Islam and pulls no punches when he describes that the God of the Bible and the god of Islam are definitely NOT one and the same Person. The text revealing in no uncertain terms that the God of the Bible has a Son, Jesus Christ, whereas the god of Islam, Allah, is described as having no son whatsoever. The book is not what some would call "politically correct" and boldly declares that not all religions lead to God with Jesus Christ stating that He is the only "Way, the Truth and the Life" and that "no man comes to God but by Him". The text further expounding that Islam is "false" and will not be able to stand at the return of Jesus Christ when "at the Name of Jesus, every knee will bow". Students of the Bible will recognise these particular quotes quite well. This book is described as specifically being written out of a burden for the Church and as a "wake-up call for Christians" in the face of what is described as the ever increasing expansion of Islam which is cited as "filling the vacuum" left by certain elements of the Church which have suffered the ravages of secularisation and basically turned their backs on God. This study shows clearly where the Church has failed in so many areas and where repentance and renewal are so desperately needed in these last days before the return of Jesus Christ. Materialism, hedonism, consumerism, pluralism, relativism and other being specified as responsible for much of this vacuum which Islam is declared as being "better equipped" to fill during the prevailing conditions at this time. Some might disagree with some observations of the writer, but there is definitely a case to answer here and the book honestly addresses these issues and points the Church in the right direction. The writer addresses the situation primarily in the United Kingdom, but it is clearly evident that the message applies equally throughout the Western World. The book describes how even the heir to the British throne, Prince Charles, has been quite open about his sympathy with Islam with reference included to his public suggestion that when he is crowned and also the "head of the Church of England", how he wishes his title to be changed from "Defender of the Faith" to "Defender of Faith", that is of all religions. Another issue addressed in the text is how the media are described as not daring to ridicule Muhammad for fear of offending Muslim sensibilities, whereas it appears to be open season for attacking Christianity and even Jesus Christ Himself. The significance of these issues are dealt with in further detail in the text itself. There is not much reference to the Middle East conflict as such but the troubles there are described as being religious as well as political, spiritual as well as social and theological as well as geographical and involving two Gods as well as two peoples. The message in this book is not so much about Islam as about Christianity. Although not addressed to Muslims, the writer is hopeful that some will read it and that they will come to a knowledge of the Christian Gospel. Instead the book is primarily directed at Christians with a view to encouraging them to study their faith and the way in which they live it out in righteousness and obedience. The book covers the personal reservations of what might face everyone under an Islamic "regime" pointing out that there are more Christian martyrs today than ever before. Most victims described as being in such areas as Southern Sudan, Central Nigeria, Eastern Indonesia and other such areas controlled by a Muslim majority. This is not a scare-mongering book, but a very courageous, significant work which I highly recommend. Thank you.