Touching the Soul of Islam : Sharing the Gospel in Muslim Cultures

by Bill Musk

'The honourishame tension is central to the manner in which many Muslim cultures cohere - but is fundamentally alien to the way that most Westerners function.' With this pointed observation Bill Musk starts his readers on a quest to grasp the essential differences between Muslim cultures and the Western world view. We must shed negative stereotypes, and the resulting prejudice, if we wish to gain a hearing for the gospel. Dr Musk investigates a number of key themes, including male and female, family and individual, honour and shame, hospitality and violence. In each case, he draws upon his wide personal experience to show how Muslims view such matters: the book is studded with illuminating stories. This new edition follows the structure of the earlier book, while investigating these themes in greater depth and bringing the whole up to date.

Genres: Islam

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Musk writes well and provides an analysis of Muslim culture based on "themes in tension". He devotes a chapter each to 1 - male and female; 2 - family and individual; 3 - honor and shame; 4 - hospitality and violence; 5 - time and space; 6 - language and silence; 7 - brotherhood and rivalry; and, 8 - resignation and manipulation. Though there are a few weak spots, on the whole Musk shares many good insights. The book is well worth reading for anyone wanting to gain insight into a worldview of ordinary Muslims.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well-written with interesting examples and anecdotes, this book delves into the cultural differences that Westerners often miss when dealing with Middle Easterners. The author looks in detail at the importance of family life, and the reasons behind many of the things which seem strange to Europeans and Americans.