Whether you are a person of faith or not this subject matter is well worth your time. I only wish more persons would pick it up, especially those who do not know Muslims other than what talking heads tell them in the media that fill us with anxiety. I walk away feeling much more understanding.
Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships
Jun 30, John rated it it was amazing. A native of small-town Nebraska with a God-given love for Arab people, Medearis lived with his wife and children for 12 years in Beirut and then continued to devote his life to breaking down the walls between Muslims and Christians.
This book is a fruit of Medearis' labors, and it's filled with practical "Muslims, Christians and Jesus" should be required reading for any Christian -- or follower of Jesus, as Carl Medearis would say -- with an interest in being a friend to the Muslims in his world. This book is a fruit of Medearis' labors, and it's filled with practical advice. It's fine to bring a Bible to an encounter with Muslims, but it should be "clean" -- it shouldn't have any highlighted passages or notes written in it, and you absolutely should not set it on the floor.
Muslims would never treat a holy book in this way, and they will be offended if you do. I hesitate to write much about Medearis' message because he presents it so effectively and because it could easily be misunderstood. In trying to briefly describe what he says, I'm concerned that will create misunderstanding. But I think it boils down to two premises these aren't his premises but my abridgment of what he has to say: Followers of Jesus should present everything that matters to their Muslim friends. The only thing that matters is Jesus. This leads to some bits of advice that you might not expect to find in a Christian book.
You have nothing to defend. God doesn't need help with his reputation, and the Bible can stand on its own. Discipleship is not about the sinner's prayer or the end result. I urge you, if you're interested at all, to get this book and get the context. I think a lot of it applies to evangelism in general, and it's the sort of evangelism I think I could do.
I think it's the first book I've ever read that presented a sort of evangelism I think I could do. Although I'm not certain Medearis ever calls it evangelism. The book includes wonderful stories of Medearis' own experiences. Once, he and his children taught Arabian children a song in their language, but Medearis got a key word wrong.
Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships
The Arabian children couldn't figure out why they were singing "I've got a mouse, mouse, mouse, mouse down in my heart. Some are all three. Maybe you want to skip straight ahead to the story under "Thought Three: Be a-religious" starting on Page , and then go back to the beginning. It's such a cool story. Jul 29, S. Munson rated it it was amazing. Medearis' book is a quick and easy read for Christians looking for a deeper understanding of Islam. I was amazed at the number of references in the Quran to Jesus.
Mohammed had a deep reverence for Jesus Christ and commanded his followers to have the same-- making a great starting point for Christians to introduce Muslim friends to Messiah. Medearis' approach to sharing the gospel is refreshingly "centered set"-- meaning he doesn't start by bludgeoning Muslims with apologetics and doctrines or b Medearis' book is a quick and easy read for Christians looking for a deeper understanding of Islam.
Medearis' approach to sharing the gospel is refreshingly "centered set"-- meaning he doesn't start by bludgeoning Muslims with apologetics and doctrines or by trying to convince them to become Christians. Instead, he introduces them to the person of Christ and allows the Holy Spirit room to do what he does so well.
A great book for group study. Apr 30, Stephen Buerger rated it liked it. He has some good insights, particularly into attitudes and behaviors to adopt and avoid. He truly seems like a man of great love for God and man. However, I'm uncomfortable with the religion vs. I honestly feel that it trivializes and perhaps demeans the complicated history of both Islam and Christianity. While I can appreciate his aversion to ascribing to various "-isms," I think his depiction of a pure "relationship with Jesus," seemingly free of any re He has some good insights, particularly into attitudes and behaviors to adopt and avoid.
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While I can appreciate his aversion to ascribing to various "-isms," I think his depiction of a pure "relationship with Jesus," seemingly free of any religious, denominational, or historical ties, is overly simplistic and in fact betrays his own "tradition"—the "it's just me, Jesus, and my Protestant Bible" tradition. A really great book - helpful in the "art" of engaging with Muslims as a Christian. I don't agree with everything Mr. Medearis has to say, but he demonstrates a great heart for these people and it's a must read if you want to reach out to Muslims around you.
Jan 27, Tyrean rated it it was amazing. Full of personal insight, practical tips, and faith, this book gets to the true heart of conversations between Muslims and Christians - Jesus. I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to love God and love others, just as Jesus commanded us to do. Jan 10, Michelle Kidwell rated it really liked it. This book encourages us to not be flippant or mean when we are talking to Muslims about Christ. We are encouraged to be both genuine and patient and to speak respectfully. When we tell them about Jesus terms like Jesus the Christ and Messiah are acceptable terms.
The author encourages us not to treat the Muslims faith with disregard. We are reminded too that we should not judge all Muslims by the acts of extremists. We are encouraged to show them Jesus Loves by example. I give Muslims, Christians and Jesus four out of five stars! Jul 02, Mary rated it it was amazing. In an age where so much is either hyped one-sidedly, or confused by anger and ignorance, this book stands out. The author speaks from hard-won experience trying to understand the worldview, values and keys into the hearts of Muslims.
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He understands the missed opportunities squandered by Christians who don't know how to stay focused on what we have that is the pivotal point: Medearis speaks truth with grace and compassion, so rare. I highly recommend this piece for Balanced and courageous. I highly recommend this piece for any who earnestly want to understand the Muslim heart so as to explain better the Maker of all out hearts. Not church, not capitalism, not democracy, not doctrine, not the religion of Christianity, not Calvin, not Luther, not Democrat, not Republican. I probably should have paid better attention to the second part of the sub-title.
This was a great and relevant book, I was just expecting it to be more of a look at how Christianity and Islam mesh and can come together through Jesus than a how-to for talking to Muslims about Jesus. The former was also covered, I was just looking for something more in-depth. I don't have the fear of Muslims that others do, so that part was less applicable to me, although I am almost embarrassed to admit that it I probably should have paid better attention to the second part of the sub-title.
I don't have the fear of Muslims that others do, so that part was less applicable to me, although I am almost embarrassed to admit that it never occurred to me to visit a Mosque or Islamic Center here. It would be such a great educational experience. As a Christian, I found it refreshing for someone like me to look at the Muslim faith and help me understand how much we have in common. Medearis shares some very practical insights from his own experience living in Muslim communities around the world that not only helped to deepen my faith, but also helped me understand the richness of interfaith community and the value of friendships across faith lines.
Aug 05, Austyn Harris rated it it was amazing. This book does a phenomenal job of demolishing the false and negative perspectives that we have built up about Muslims and helps rebuild the beauty of people that we, as Americans have failed to love and welcome. There's a lot of good stuff in here, it would be an excellent companion to one of my favorite books about sharing Jesus's love Get Real.
Though I initially struggle with a few of Medearis's methods, they have given me a lot to ponder. This was an eye opening, and sometimes eyebrow raising, book. I read it as part of preparation for refugee outreach in my local neighborhood. I thought I knew quite a bit about the subject already, but clearly I have more to learn, and some of the issues are in no way clear at all.
I don't really know what to think at this point, having not yet begun the actual outreach work. I will have to come back to this a little later.
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May 09, Luke rated it it was amazing Shelves: Carl does a really good job of forcing you to deal with the difference between being a follower of Jesus and being a Christian. He has a lot of practical advice and stories a out how to share Jesus with Muslims without forcing Christianity. Mar 10, Dawn Quarles rated it liked it.
Moving to Cairo in August and this book really helped me understand how not to be offensive in discussing my Christian faith with others in that part of the world. I read this book immediately after reading Medearis' other book, Speaking of Jesus, which is newer. It's really the exact same book, including many of the same anecdotes, but with a narrower focus. This book is designed to help Christians understand how to share their faith in Jesus with Muslims, in part by understanding more about Islam in general.
As such there is information about the history of Islam, comparisons of the stories that the Koran and the Bible tell about various prophets of the b I read this book immediately after reading Medearis' other book, Speaking of Jesus, which is newer. As such there is information about the history of Islam, comparisons of the stories that the Koran and the Bible tell about various prophets of the book pointing out that the only prophet that Islam and Christianity don't have in common is Muhammed, etc.
A lot of the information is also practical. For example, he discusses whether and how to pray with a Muslim don't close your eyes and bow your head; don't be surprised if after praying spontaneously for God to bless a friend, that the friend ask you to "do that thing you do again" and not recognize it as prayer and how to treat the Bible in the presence of a Muslim don't write in it or set it on the floor; keep it as pristine as possible to show reverence! The larger message in the book is that given the history of Christianity and Islam, perhaps it is better to characterize ourselves as followers of Jesus rather than as Christians, when talking to Muslims.
I believe that after having written this book, Medearis must have realized that this larger message is applicable to all of Christian life and not just to interactions with Muslims So, if you've read Speaking of Jesus, you've absorbed the main point of this book too, and this one is only interesting inasmuch as it provides more information about Islam. Jun 23, Courtney rated it liked it. The subtitle is really the key to this book.
Gaining understanding and building relationships are a common focus that unifies the many thoughts running throughout it. I initially expected Medearis's book to highlight the differences between Muslim and Christian perspectives on Christianity and life in general. While it did delve into some issues, Medearis chose to emphasize how we as Christians should treat Muslims and their views instead of how we as Christians should think about Muslims and th The subtitle is really the key to this book.
While it did delve into some issues, Medearis chose to emphasize how we as Christians should treat Muslims and their views instead of how we as Christians should think about Muslims and their views. Unfortunately, that tended to lead to a vague impression from his moments in question-and-answer format. I would have appreciated notes on how to admit truly not knowing or struggling with what the Bible says about a certain issue or how Jesus would have responded.
Perhaps reading the comparisons between the Qur'an Qu'ran? Regardless, much of what Medearis is truly helpful. Kindle Edition Verified Purchase. There were some helpful suggestions about breaking down barriers to become friends with Muslims. But I did not find this book helpful regarding how to lead Muslims to a saving relationship with Jesus the Christ. That is because the author did not give a way to introduce the problem of sin and how Jesus as God made the payment for that sin and conquered the penalty of sin to provide eternal life. In the last year I have become good friends with a young devout Muslim.
We have been very open and kind to each other in our conversations on theology, but we have often become stuck focusing on our differences. Meadaris takes the reader beyond focusing on differences by providing a clear background on Islam and teaches how to focus on the one most important factor that we share - Jesus. I do think that devout Christians should read this book to learn more about our Muslim friends, however i did ultimately not agree with one of the main points of the book. One person found this helpful. An easy read, this book describes and defines basic tenets of Islam in order to overcome the misinformation and prejudice often spread in the media reports.
I told an evangelical friend she must read this; she grudingly took the book. The next week she said "You were correct. I needed to read this book. He encourages conversations about Jesus as a way to enjoy friendships among Jews, Muslims, and Christians. This is a perfect "first step" to understanding and loving our Muslim neighbor.
Gaining understanding and Building Relationships" is a refreshing perspective on Muslim-Christian relations and helped me to do just that, gain understanding and offer guidance in building meaningful relationships. When training for ministry several years back, I can remember studying World Religions and learning about the Pillars of Islam along with all that differentiates between Islam and Christianity.
I can remember sitting in class during an uncomfortable debate of theologies and apologetics took place and I couldn't help but wonder if there wasn't some other way to connect with our Muslim neighbors I love Carl's approach where rather than differentiating and highlighting what separates us, he draws our attention to the qualities we have is common while ultimately drawing the conversation towards the most important connection between us: I appreciated the fact that an entire chapter was devoted to the references both in Scripture and the Quran so that as the reader we can take a look for ourselves.
I picked up the book a little while ago after hearing Carl speak over the course of a conference and his passion and drive to sharing JESUS with people was so encouraging and motivating. I have only recently begun ministry in a Muslim context but I have already been able to see that I have a better understanding than I originally did thanks to the observations and experiences he shares through this book. I highly recommend it! I can only say good things about this book by Carl Medearis.
Throughout this year in college, the Lord has put a heavy burden on my heart for the Muslim community, and I have longed to know how to reach out to them. This book is a hard read. It challenges us to look beyond our limited Western perspectives and focus on the One who really matters. I understand why some people may be off-put by Medearis' approach; however, I believe he offers the most practical way of approaching this group. They DO love God. There is not a page on this book that isn't drenched with the name of Jesus.
I will read it again and again. I will recommend it to all my friends as well! This is a great book from a man who has been in the Muslim world for years. I gained a lot of insight and am much better prepared to has a gracious conversation with my Muslim friends. I found this to be a gentle book on building better understanding between Christians and Muslims. For myself, I would say it encouraged me in relationships with those who do not understand Jesus from the Bible. The book gave me more insights into the delicate lines we have with one another.
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