THE CROSS AND THE CRESCENT

by Phil Parshall

In this warm and personal book the author looks at what Muslims believe and how this affectsmdash;and often doesn't affectmdash;their behavior. Phil Parshall compares and contrasts Muslim and Christian views on the nature of God sacred scriptures worship sin and holiness.

Genres: Islam, Theology, Religion, Christian

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

Reviews

[Hope]

An excellent analysis of the Islamic worldview from a Christian missionary who has lived among Muslims for over thirty years. Parshall's credibility lies not only in his long-standing relationships with Muslims, but in the way he openly discusses problems withing both the Islamic and Christian faith. He compares and contrasts the beliefs of Muslims and Christians with little bias and leaves the responsibility of discernment to the reader. Challenging and thought-provoking, hard-hitting yet compassionate, The Cross and the Crescent is
a must read for those desiring not only to understand the framework of Islam, but the heart behind it.

[Brian Kerr]

This is a well-written and very challenging book. Parshall draws on his experience of twenty-six years working among Muslims in Bangladesh and the Philippines. He compares and contrasts Islam with Christianity and sometimes this comparison doesn't show Christians in a very positive light. There is a raw honesty especially in the chapter on suffering. Parshall certainly doesn't avoid the tough issues but I would see this engagement with reality as a definite plus. I can heartily recommend it.

[Brooke]

This is a thoughtful, careful exploration of Christianity and Islam, both their shared qualities/ theology and their sticky differences. Written by a Christian, it’s inherently biased, but even so, I was impressed with Phil Parshall’s clear respect for the Muslim people and faith, having lived in two predominantly Muslim countries... even as he holds unswervingly to following the crucified and risen Jesus. (The cross, as he points out, is probably the most fundamental difference between the two religions). This is a rich book and helped me better understand where these two faiths converge and diverge.

[Vivek John]

This is one of the deep and informative books on Islam! Highly recommended!

[Faith Key]

2.5 - i don't want to talk about what happened here..

[Phillip Ross]

Parshall's approach and treatment of Islam is horrible. His messge is that he has a lot of Muslim friends and they are nice people. He seems to believe that the best way to make inroads with Muslims is to befriend them. But he has neglected the fact that the Koran forbids Muslims from being friends with dhimmi (Jews and Christians). Only liberal (unfaithful) Muslims or those with ulterior motives will engage Christians or Jews as friends.

He has completely ignored any serious treatment of Islamic theology. And because he has been on the mission front with Muslims for 30 years, this oversight is without excuse.

[Josh L.]

A personal sharing of observations and stories about the differences and similarities between Christians and Muslims. Written by a reflective, if not skeptical, author with tons of experience and study.