David W. Shenk - Christian. Muslim. Friend.: Twelve Paths to Real Relationship

As the storms of conflict rage between Muslims and Christians, this book is a thunderclap of grace. Without compromising his convictions and coming from deep personal experiences, David Shenk brings powerful wisdom and empathy to a divided world.

Rachel Pieh Jones, writer and blogger

This book is infused with evidence of the authors personal integrity shaped by a tradition of Christianity known for its unambiguous commitment to peace and peacebuilding. This work will appeal to all Christians seeking to relate to Muslims; it will also connect with Muslims open to seeing a sympathetic reflection of themselves in its pages.

David Singh, research tutor in Islamic studies, Oxford Centre for Mission Studies

I have not only learned much from this book, but I have also been greatly challenged in the way I seek to build relationships in peacemaking. I heartily recommend this book to all who are keen to build bridges to the Muslim community.

Tan Kok Beng, chair, Bethany International University, Singapore

Out of a deep well of experience, Shenk provides instructive, practical ways for Christians to journey with Muslims as friends. I strongly recommend this book for those who seek to be bearers of Gods message of reconciliation in a broken and troubled world.

John Azumah, associate professor of world Christianity and Islam, Columbia Theological Seminary

Shenk insists that we can remain deeply committed to our own faith while pursuing authentic relationship with those deeply committed to theirs. His lifelong experience with Christian-Muslim interaction offers both clarity about the challenges of these relationships and hope for peace among all the children of Abraham.

Laurie Mellinger, academic dean, Evangelical Seminary

At this critical hour, Shenks prophetic call to close the chapter of historic mistrust and hostilityand embrace with hope the risk of sincerely conversing with ones Muslim neighborsmust be accepted by all who seek peace in the world.

Andrew F. Bush, professor of missions, Eastern University

Provides practical steps, thoughtful analysis of competing approaches, and inspiring examples of how to respectfully engage Muslims without compromising a commitment to Christ. This books message is sorely needed on our college campuses in this age in which relativism and hostility seem to be the only available options.

Lorri Bentch, vice president of operations, Christian Union

Drawing on his personal experiences in many Muslim countries, Shenk provides deep insights from his Christian faith with humility and transparency. At the same time he names the differences between the two Abrahamic faiths, leaving readers to draw their own conclusions. I heartily endorse this very important book.

Nelson Okanya, president, Eastern Mennonite Missions

The many stories of direct personal engagement with Muslims from various countries and walks of life demonstrate that real dialogue, where both parties are true to their deepest convictions, is possible. In fact, such dialogue is the only kind worth having. If your deep desire is to love Muslims as Jesus does, this book will be a great aid in walking that path.

Steven J. Van Zanen, director for missions education and engagement, Christian Reformed World Missions

David Shenk has been a guest in our home during the years our family served in central Asia and often wove entertaining stories for us about his adventures in Africa. This book is no different, combining many personal stories with important lessons about the paths that lead to strong Christian-Muslim relationships.

Sara H. Martin, student, Wheaton College

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Shenk, David W., 1937-, author.

Christian, Muslim, friend : twelve paths to real relationship / David W. Shenk.

pages cm

Includes bibliographical references.

ISBN 978-0-8361-9905-5 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Islam--Relations--Christianity. 2. Christianity and other religions--Islam. 3. Peace-building--Religious aspects--Christianity. 4. Religious pluralism--Christianity. I. Title.

BP172.S5138 2014

261.27--dc23

2014028458

CHRISTIAN. MUSLIM. FRIEND.

Copyright 2014 by Herald Press, Harrisonburg, Virginia 22802

Released simultaneously in Canada by Herald Press,

Kitchener, Ontario N2G 3R1. All rights reserved.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014028458

International Standard Book Number: 9780836199055

Printed in the United States of America

Cover and interior design by Reuben Graham

All rights reserved. This publication may not be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in whole or in part, in any form, by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without prior permission of the copyright owners.

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.

Quran quotations are from The Holy Quran, Text, Translation, and Commentary, by Abdullah Yusuf Ali. Published (1968) under supervision of Dar al Arabia, Beirut, Lebanon.

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To Ahmed Ali Haile,
an ambassador of peace