A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue

The more Muslims move into the cities and small towns of America, the more critical a book like this one becomes. When a Christian meets a Muslim business associate or when a Muslim meets a Christian neighbor, both seek a starting point for conversation about the similarities and differences in religious practices. This book offers that starting point. Muslim contributor Kateregga, the Ugandan ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and Christian contributor Shenk, a Mennonite theologian, are good friends who work out this ""dialogue"" in an ironic spirit. In explaining their respective faiths, the authors address the person and works of God, humanity, scripture, the person and work of God's messenger (Christ or Muhammad), salvation, the community of faith, and worship. The first section is devoted to Islam, with Christian responses ending each chapter. The second section reverses this structure. While the book serves as an adequate primer for Christianity and Islam, it lacks any deep engagement with subjects that often divide these two religions. Thus the book has the tone of a congenial interreligious conversation, but one should look elsewhere for detailed analysis of the two faiths. (Apr.)