Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths - Softcover

Chandler, Paul-Gordon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 074256603X ISBN 13: 9780742566033

Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 2008

Synopsis

Today's tensions between the "Islamic" East and "Christian" West run high. Here Paul-Gordon Chandler presents fresh thinking in the area of Christian-Muslim relations, showing how Jesus --whom Islam reveres as a Prophet and Christianity see as the divine Messiah--can close the gap between the two religions. Historically, Christians have often taken a confrontational approach toward Islam, leading many Muslims to identify the Christian faith with the cultural prejudices and hegemonic ambitions of Westerners. Chandler boldly explores how these two major religions--which share much common heritage--cannot only co-exist, but also enrich each other.  He illustrates his perspective with examples from the life of Syrian novelist Mazhar Mallouhi,widely read in the Middle East. Mallouhi, a self-identified "Sufi Muslim follower of Christ," seeks to bridge the chasm of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians through his life and writings.

About this title

About the Author:

Paul-Gordon Chandler is an Episcopal priest, interfaith advocate, art curator and social entrepreneur who has lived and worked in the Middle East and North Africa for many years.  Having grown up in Senegal, West Africa, he has lived and worked extensively throughout the Islamic world in leadership roles within faith-based publishing, relief and development agencies and with the Episcopal Church.  From 2003-2013 he was the Rector of the international Episcopal church in Cairo, Egypt. He is the Founder and President of CARAVAN, a peacebuilding non-profit, that uses the arts to build bridges between the creeds and cultures of the Middle East andWest.  The author of several books, his acclaimed book on Muslim-Christian relations is Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths (Rowman & Littlefield). He can be reached via paulgordonchandler.com

Review:

Events of recent years have exacerbated mutual suspicion, fear, and misunderstanding between Christians and Muslims. Yet Jesus Christ set in motion a unity that knows no boundaries; he broke all barriers. We must think beyond the present walls of the church to move forward. The issues dealt with in this timely book demonstrate God's divine embrace, providing a bridge in the gap. (Archbishop Emeritus Desmond M. Tutu)

Following Christ within Islam? As Paul-Gordon Chandler shows, the idea is neither absurd nor impossible. In his timely, refreshing and often surprising book, Chandler seeks to break down the seemingly enormous barriers that divide Christians from Muslims, and in the process offers a potent manifesto for waging peace on Islam. I hope the book finds a very wide readership. (Philip Jenkins, distinguished professor of history and religious studies, Pennsylvania State University, and author of God's Continent)

That Christians and Muslims don't understand one another is an understatement. Paul-Gordon Chandler knows both groups in detail and first hand. He pushes the rubble of stereotypes to the sidelines and in the cleared space tells the story of the novelist Mazhar Mallouhi, well-known in the Arab world. Incredibly, understanding emerges. This book couldn't be more timely. (Eugene Peterson, author and professor emeritus of spiritual theology, Regent College)

I consider this an important book. What a life Mazhar Mallouhi has lived! He stands in an almost singular position as a bridge between two worlds which, alas, seem to be separated by an ever-increasing divide. (Philip Yancey)

An important and exciting introduction to Mazhar Mallouhi's life and teachings. I commend this book to all who wish to understand Islam. (George Carey, (Lord Carey of Clifton), former Archbishop of Canterbury 1991-2002)

This very timely book is a must for anyone who would wish to understand Muslim/Christian dialogue. Mazhar Mallouhi has a unique insight which has largely been gained through personal suffering. He has much to teach us. (Terry Waite, CBE, former envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury, hostage negotiator, author)

At a time when Islamaphobia has gripped many Western Christians, Paul-Gordon shows what Christians and Muslims have often been, and can today still be: in a 'clasp' rather than a 'clash' of civilizations. Never has a book like this been more timely, or more necessary. (William Dalrymple, author of From the Holy Mountain)

More and more of us are waking up to our calling to be followers (or disciples) of Jesus, not simply adherents to a form of the Christian religion. For disciples today, that rediscovered identity is exciting, liberating, sometimes disconcerting, unpredictable, barrier-bridging, and wild―just as it was for the original disciples. Paul-Gordon's beautiful new book introduces us to a living example of what this way of life can look like in our contemporary world. Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road is inspiring, timely, potentially controversial, and desperately needed. (Brian McLaren, author, speaker, and activist)

Mazhar Mallouhi is a unique example of courage and a determined witness for truth. His life is among those of the first followers of Christ who risked their lives for him and for the salvation of their people. What Paul-Gordon Chandler has done with the writing of this book is a strong and inspirational act of faith. They are birds of the same feather and they fly together. (Archbishop Elias Chacour, Melkite Catholic Palestinian Archbishop of Galilee and the Holy Land; Nobel Peace Prize nominee; author)

Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road presents the story of the conversion of Mazhar Mallouhi, a Syrian, by exploring his Arab Muslim background and his exile and travels in many countries in North America and the Arab world. Mazhar's own voice comes through in the interview section, which is the last chapter of the book. Described as a man of letters and a child of many cultures, Mazhar Mallouhi offers important insights on Christianity among the Arabs as well as on issues of faith and community. His story is an object lesson on the religious principle in intercultural relations. (Lamin Sanneh, professor of World Christianity, Yale University)

About this edition

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 074256603X
• ISBN 13: 9780742566033
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 224