My Neighbour's Faith: Islam Explained for African Christians

by John Azumah, Dr. Kwame Bediako (Foreword)

Nowhere else in the world have both Islam and Christianity been more instrumental in shaping the history of a people and their way of life than in Africa. African Muslims and Christians have a lot in common, including kinship ties, shared languages and citizenship. Yet, despite the centuries of deep historical links and harmonious existence between the two religions, new challenges threaten this harmony.
Conflicts involving Christians and Muslims in places like Sudan, Nigeria and Ivory Coast are common. These conflicts are fueled primarily by ignorance, stereotyping and prejudice, which in turn breed fear, suspicion and even hatred, in some cases leading to violence.
My Neighbour’s Faith sheds light on the beliefs and teaching of Islam by addressing matters of contemporary importance to Christians and the wider non-Muslim audience. It presents the human face of Islam—the face of a close relative, a neighbour, a teacher and even a head of state—in a balanced and critical way that gives a credible view of Islam.

Genres: Religion

176 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Hattush · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book over all. It clearly explains Islam and gives helpful suggestions to how we, as Christians, should respond and reach out in love.
My one problem, however, was near the end of the book when Azumah posed the question of whether or not Muslims would be saved (without converting to Christianity). He answered that it was a mystery, and there was really no way of knowing. He said that the Bible says nothing about Islam in perticular and proceeded to quote a bunch of verses out of context, saying that we should not judge. While the Bible does not say anything about Islam (obviously), it is undeniably clear about the way of salvation and who will and will not be saved. If any person from any religion does not believe in Jesus as Savior and as the Son of God (not only as a good person, a great teacher, a historical figure, or a prophet), then that person will not be saved. Jesus is the one and only way that we find salvation and because of Him we have hope for eternal life. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12, Mark 14:61-62, Heb 12:2, 1 John 5:2, and others).

[Nate Duriga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid introduction from an African perspective

I appreciate Azumah's unflinching honesty, clear thinking and spirit of love as he presents the basics of Islamic beliefs and practices and discusses a Christian response. Writing as an African to Africans, he offers a valuable perspective.