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The challenge of Islam

To the church and its mission

Christ and the crescent moon

THE CHALLENGE OF ISLAM
To the church and its mission
By Patrick Sookhdeo
Isaac Publishing. 192 pages. £9.99
ISBN 978-0-9787141-5-4

This is a book that should be read by every church leader, especially those whose ministry includes an area with a Muslim population, and by every Christian leader at a national level. The author is an acknowledged authority on Islam, having been converted to Christ when a young adult.

The book is written in sensible sections: Understanding Islam, Comparing Islam with Christianity, Issues, and, finally, Christian-Muslim Relations. The first two of these sections are centred on the theology of the two faiths and their implications, especially in terms of spirituality, morality and culture. Many Christians will probably have a vague knowledge on these matters, but Sookhdeo presents them clearly and concisely. The contrasts between Islam and Christianity with respect to gospel issues are helpfully described. As he says, ‘But Christians must always bear in mind that Islam denies the heart of the Christian faith’ (p.59).

The chapter on ‘Issues’ makes it clear that there is a deep and irreconcilable difference between Muslims and Christians in such matters as law, education, treatment of women, implementation of shari’a, freedom of speech, etc. To ignore these matters can only lead to greater misunderstanding and increasing loss of the liberty we are used to in this country because of our Christian heritage.

Perhaps the most important chapter is that on ‘Christian-Muslim Relations’. It would be very good if this chapter alone were widely available. Sookhdeo discusses very helpfully the importance of mission and evangelism among Muslims and how to pursue this sensitively and effectively. As he says concerning our Lord Jesus, ‘Our lives, as his disciples, should portray his beauty and his loveliness as we minister to Muslims’ (pp.104-5). He outlines the key aspects of Christ’s ministry that we should seek to demonstrate. Also, he outlines the need to provide good convert care, especially in the light of Islamic apostasy laws which are implemented even in our own country.

However, this ministry is being undermined by well-meaning evangelicals who compromise our biblical position to build ‘better’ relationships with our Muslim neighbours. As he demonstrates, this is a one-way compromise and ignores the gospel imperatives. Sookhdeo highlights this with several contemporary examples. For example, joint worship services. How can these be real when we do not worship the same God — and the Muslims deny our Lord’s deity?

He also describes the errors of seeking to ‘dialogue’. The Muslims will seize such opportunities to advance the cause of Islam, whereas Christians have no intention of persuading the Muslims to become Christians. It is disturbing to read of, for example, bishops who give financial help towards the building or maintenance of mosques.

The book concludes with a powerful section on the nature of our God who suffered for our redemption, a concept foreign to our Muslim neighbours, but fundamental to our reconciliation to him. There are some useful appendices covering the Common Word and the concept of love.

John Peet,
Guildford