Loving Muslims – Three Challenging Books to Read

One of the greatest challenges we have as servants to the nations is the ability to serve those who are of the Muslim faith. There are so many differing opinions on what is the right strategy and posture to take when approaching our spiritual cousins. Let me take a few moments to recommend three great books to read that will not only warm your heart towards our Muslim neighbors, but assist you in how to be a friend and servant to them.

• First let me recommend: “The Crescent Through the Eyes of the Cross – Insights from an Arab Christian” by Dr. Nabeel T. Jabbour. This book tells the story of how an Arab Christian learned to be friends and love his Muslim neighbor “Ahmad” as himself. This is not your normal “How to Reach Muslims” book. You will be challenged and sobered as you learn about in the insights that Dr. Jabbour discovered.

• The second book I would recommend is: “Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road – Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths” by Paul-Gordon Chandler. Chandler writes about the inspirational and challenging life of Mazhar Mallouhi who is a Muslim follower of Jesus. Chandler explores Mallouhi’s journey from Islam to Evangelical Christianity to a Messianic Muslim. The principles and example shared will give great insight.

• The third books I would recommend is: “A Deadly Misunderstanding – A Congressman’s Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide” by Mark D. Siljander. Siljander shares his story of seeing Muslims as an enemy to a people who are seeking God and are open to learn from those who are also seeking to know God. His historic encounters with Muslim leaders around the world will encourage and enlighten you so that you can also be a friend of those who are Muslims in your neighborhood. You may find that many of them desire to follow Jesus and learn from Him. I had the opportunity to sit down with a few other friends and discuss his book and simple church several weeks ago. It was an honor to meet him. Be sure to check his website – A Deadly Misunderstanding.

These three books may be quite controversial to some, but I highly recommend them. They have certainly kept me from growing cold and disinterested in loving followers of Islam. In fact, they have helped me to be obedient by “loving my enemies” in a real tangible way as Christ has command us to do.