Christian. Muslim. Friend.: Twelve Paths to Real Relationship

by David W. Shenk

Can Christians and Muslims be friends? Real friends? Even in an era of intense religious conflict, David Shenk says yes. In Christian. Muslim. Friend., Shenk lays out twelve ways that Christians can form authentic relationships with Muslims characterized by respect, hospitality, and candid dialogue while still bearing witness to the Christ-centered commitments of their faith. Rooted in fifty years of friendship with Muslims in Somalia, Kenya, and the United States, this book will inspire readers with astounding stories of the author's animated conversations with Muslim clerics, visits to countless mosques around the globe, and the pastors and imams who are working for peace.

These tried and true paths offer a compelling resource with practical application for mission personnel, Sunday school classes, and Christians who meet people of Islamic faith in their communities.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Christianity, Evangelism

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shenk provides 12 ways to build relationships with Muslims. He approaches all these by always starting with Jesus and working towards peace. Not a deep five into Islam but but practical thoughts based on his years of experience.

[Fit For Faith 〣 Your Christian Ministry. · Rating 1 out of 5]

PROS

+ The author gives us some valuable insights on how to better approach Muslims (in general).

+ Good stand against the G‑spel of Barnabas, but probably the only time the author was decisive in this book.

CONS

- He assumes throughout the book and not only by 'harmonizing' the distinctive names, that THEOS is identical with 'Al**h' which is deeply heretical. While those of us, who use the man-made term 'G-d' in the English language, have less arguments against the use of the man-made term 'Al**h' in the Arabic language, Shenk connects THEOS' identity on a deeper level than only the name, which is outright blasphemy:

Quote: "In the G‑spel we learn Jesus is the Savior from sin. He is also called Emmanuel, which means "G-d with us." He is called Messiah, which means he is the one anointed by G-d to bring about G-d's righteous kingdom on earth. He is Eloha or Al**h, the almighty creator G-d. All these names are glimpses into the person and mission of Jesus."

- David W. Shenk overwrites Scripture with plagiarized and manipulated Islamic teachings:

"Peacemaking Muslims are inspired by the reference to Cain and Abel in the Quran. Cain is coming to kill Abel, who cries out to G-d that he would rather die than use his sword to protect himself against the weapon wielded by Cain. So Abel dies rather than kill his brother. G-d commends Abel for his refusal to use the sword. There are many such insights that form the commitments of peacemaking Muslims."

Note especially that he intentionally exchanged the name of 'Al**h' for 'G-d', which is highly deceptive.

- The author does not tell us about a single convert the 'wisdom' displayed in this book would have produced. Not one. He gives us several examples of converted people he met, but not one example, if anything what he tells us in this book ever worked in bringing one soul to CHRISTOS. And to be frank, - I do not think that I exaggerate in saying this- the book much rather leads many in the other direction, to embrace Islam and to eventually convert to it!

- He mixes the holy with the unholy:

"In traditional Muslim societies around the world, covenants of peace involve the sacrifice of a lamb or a ram. This is especially true within the mystical stream of theology known as Sufism. These Muslims seek to find a way to experience G-d. In this context, Paul's letter to the Ephesians makes a lot of sense. Paul writes, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility."

- The book encourages the reader dozens of times to read the Quran. The term 'Surah' alone (meaning specific references to their verses) is found 54 times in the book. Even worse, the references to the Quran usually -precede- in order those of the Bible.

- The author is obviously an avid reader of the Quran and habitually uses it (not only for a one-term discernment which would be excusable):

"I avoid taking my Arabic-English Quran with me in a briefcase when I am planning to meet with Muslims. I will take my English version of the Quran"

"I lean on Muslim writers and imams for my understanding of Islam and interpretation of the Quran"

- The author shows no understanding that the Quran is a counterfeit of the Bible: "We seek these signs in the Quran in full recognition of the human inclination to distort and turn away from the g‑spel. As I read the Quran, I grieve over the ways it has not comprehended, or even denies, the g‑spel. [...] At the same time my heart is filled with praises to G-d for the many ways the Quran includes preparatory signs of the g‑spel. I pray my eyes will be open to ways G-d has been preparing Muslims for the g‑spel. In missiology we call such signs redemptive analogies. If we disrespect the Quran, I fear we shall miss noticing those signs. The signs are not the g‑spel, but they are an invitation to Muslims to come and explore this man who is the mystery figure of the Quran."

- The author tries to intimidate those Christians who want to discern the Quran and indirectly endorses the very same religious oppression and exclusivity of scriptural knowledge we know all too well from Catholic and Pharisaic history:

"The other serious distortion comes to us from Christians who claim to have understood the meaning and message of the Quran even though they know no Arabic. We need to remember that the Quran is revealed in Arabic. To understand the true meaning of the Quran, one needs to know Arabic! Muslim communities have ulama (theologians), who are recognized as wise men with insight based on a thorough knowledge of the Quran. These wise men also study the hadith ("the Traditions") that describe the way Muhammad applied Quranic principles in his personal conduct. [...]

I grieve, as do Muslims, when Christians take an English interpretation of the Quran and determine that they have come to understand the meaning of this scripture. To understand the meaning, there is only one acceptable and wise way; that is to ask the Muslim ulama to explain the Quran to those of us who are not Muslim. This is urgent. It is not wise or appropriate to claim we have come to understand the Quran unless we have submitted to the rugged disciplines of study and consensus that Muslims believe are necessary to understand the Qurans message."

- He strongly suggests the reader to identify not as Christian, but as 'People of the Book':

"The Taliban recognized their scriptures' command to be respectful of these "People of the Book." I have found that saying to Muslims, "I am a person of the Book" opens doors. Building upon Quranic calls for respect for the People of the Book is a wise approach we should practice in all our relations, and especially so in regions of conflict."

What seems smart at first glance, is highly problematic. The Quran identifies Jews, Christians, Sabians, (some say Zoroastrians) as 'People of the Book', and Muslims even began early in their history to include Samaritans, Buddhists, Hindus and Jains as 'People of the Book'. It should be obvious that we cannot disguise our identity in CHRISTOS through such a term, which throws us into a group with any religion opposing THEOS.

- He endorses that Muslims wear signs of pride, although the Bible clearly speaks against pride: "A kufi-wearing imam told me that traveling overland from Canada to the United States can be an adventure. Crossing borders where his kufi (skullcap) distinguishes him is a sign of pride in his Muslim identity. These Muslims want to boldly reveal they are distinctive."

- The author went as far as to criticize Christians who did not challenge a US school administration, after a Muslim teenager ran for student council president, but did not previously read their rules about the mandatory appearance at a dance. This is truly ridiculous, to challenge Christians for a type of Social Justice which has nothing to do with the Bible.

- It gets worse when the author appreciates Christian churches which support Muslims in building mosques:

"On one occasion, an immigrant Muslim congregation confided to me that in their community outside Philadelphia, the churches are their most trusted allies. If they need land to build a mosque and zoning challenges arise, the churches will stand by the Muslims to defend their right to build a mosque. It is not always that way. But I was delighted to hear that this mosque experienced the churches as genuine welcoming communities."

While we do not live anymore in Old Testament times where THEOS would have been very consequent with the handling of places of idol worship, it is inconceivable that a Christian leader today animates Christian churches to support the construction of similar places. We have therefore to utterly condemn the teachings of David Shenk as heretical and anti-Christian.

It is more than enough to silently tolerate existing places and to acquiesce to the intentional destruction of Christian churches in many Muslim and recently even Christian countries such as Canada, but it is against THEOS to support the construction of new places of the worship of others gods.

- Not one single discernment is found in the book about Muh***ad. He exclusively uses positive attributes, such as:

"I spoke about ways Mennonite Christians and Muslims have worked together for the uplift of children, a commitment that Jesus models and that the orphan Muhammad was deeply concerned about."

or

"The account of Muhammad going from Mecca to the town of Taif is an encouragement to Muslims seeking peaceful ways to deal with those who abuse them. At a time of great discouragement after his wife's death, Muhammad visited Taif and was stoned and severely treated. He was forced to leave the town and return to Mecca, where he was also frequently maltreated. His response was to find solace in G-d and to have the confidence that retribution belongs to G-d [notice again the deceptive change of His name]. In the Taif experience, Muhammad demonstrated the qualities that are essential in the person of peace. Jesus commanded his disciples to look for the person of peace. The person of peace in a community can influence the community in peacemaking ways."

- Endorsement of the Roman Catholic Church as part of Christianity - specifically of the Vatican and the Pope:

"One example of what I am writing about happened in the midst of the June calamities I have just described. On Pentecost Sunday, June 8, 2014, Pope Francis invited the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, and the president of Israel, Shimon Peres, to meet with him in the Vatican Gardens for sunset prayers for peace. The prayers focused on three themes common in the prayers of Muslims, Jews, and Christians: thanking G-d for creation, seeking forgiveness from G-d, and petitioning G-d for peace. The pope's spokesperson commented that within the seemingly insurmountable obstacles for peace in the Middle East, "prayer has the ability to transform hearts and thus to transform history." All three of these leaders profess faith in the G-d of Abraham, who commissions believers to be a blessing to all nations. They believe peace is the will of G-d."

"Appearances of the resurrected Messiah are often significant in opening doors for Muslims to consider Jesus. I asked a Catholic priest living in Khartoum what had been especially encouraging for him during his many years in Sudan ..."

"I usually experience Muslim questions to be sincere efforts to resolve perplexities. For example, some years ago I was part of a dialogue at The Interchurch Center in Manhattan." [this building can be described as "the closest thing to a Vatican for America's mainline Protestant denominations." The mainline churches include the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Reformed Church in America, Methodist and United Church of Christ denominations]

- Endorsement of the Anglican church and of a '3 journeys' theology:

"I asked Mark Oxbrow, a director of the Church Missionary Society [Anglican] in the United Kingdom, "What do you preach about in England in times like these?" His immediate response was, "Three journeys: Jesus to Jerusalem [Christianity], Muhammad to Medina [birth of Islam], Constantine to Rome [birth of Catholicism]. We must each decide which of these three journeys we will follow."

Needless to say - stay far away from this book and other books of the author.

[Steve · Rating 2 out of 5]

Shenk is a remarkable man. His life experience in relationship with a variety of Muslim communities and explanation of basic Muslim theology is excellent. A number of his stories are inspiring and speak to both the diversity of Muslim life and the core of peacemaking in mainstream Muslim thinking. For someone seeking to build a friendship with a Muslim who has never had that experience, this will be a good read.

That said, Shenk has produced a simple book. It's not very deep either in terms of sociology, psychology or theology. Which is fine. But for any who have much experience with Muslim friends, there's not much beyond the basics.

If you are seeking to establish a healthy and quality friendship with a Muslim and have no experience, this book will be of help.

[Michael Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for understanding the common ground between Christians and Muslims and how to improve rapport between the two religions. I read the book as part of my training to work with Peace Catalyst-- a Christian organization that seeks to establish such rapport. My interest in this organization arose after writing my book, God Still Winks, which tells the story about Martin Webster, a Christian, and Adeelah El Sayed, a Muslim--soon to be published. See https://www.thewrightauthor.com/

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really valuable book. Shenk’s life experience and stories are engaging and there’s a lot to learn from them as well! This book covers a lot of basics, and I would recommend reading it if you’re considering missions work with Muslims, or just wanting to be a peacemaker. It’s a good read!

[Josh Loomis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shenk has great insight into reaching and interacting with Muslims as a Christian. I was challenged by his 12 steps to real relationship and was encouraged by the themes that wove throughout the book. I would recommend this book for anyone who’s engaged with evangelism.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really helpful, informative, and nuanced introduction about Christian-Muslim engagement and peacemaking.

I highly recommend it if you are looking to build interfaith friendships.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring read. Shenk clearly has lived out what he preaches, having spent much time loving Muslim friends while sharing Jesus respectfully with them.

[Lanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on Christian-Muslim relations. I've recommended it often.

[L.T. Getty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is not meant to be a memoir, but relay personal experience with Mennonite missionaries preaching the gospel in a territory and a culture where it can be more than hostile – it can be criminal. The idea isn’t necessarily the conversion of all parties, so much as acknowledging interacting with people in territory where there is a very different culture, and making not only friendships but alliances that allows groups one might assume would by their nature not interact with much, not so much coexist but thrive together. This book isn’t necessarily about strategies for integrating those from other cultures into western culture, although I found the questions at the end of each of the chapters helpful in examining my own worldview.

For instance, I don’t adhere to the principles of pacifism myself, but I respect those who do so faithfully. I don’t expect perfection out of anyone, and perhaps one of my issues in reading the memoirs is the way that it’s recited back – how the events are remembered and presented made me sceptical, but I understood the need for wanting to present everyone as not only reasonable, but able to be reasoned with. Given how many Muslim-dominant countries there are that disagree with one another, and how various sects critique one another, I don’t think a one-size fits all approach can work.

I think the overall key to what this book reminds us is that interaction with other groups, for all our similarities and differences, boils down to respect and attempts at intellectual honesty, although I found myself disagreeing about certain premises. For instance, many people think that the Abrahamic God is the same as Allah. The words are similar (‘el’ meaning ‘god’ – ‘el-ah’ my-god) but given how various Christian groups and Jewish groups aren’t even consistent on their interpretation of God, I found it telling. (This is elaborated on later when trying to discuss the trinity as polytheism, another common misinterpretation).

Given that converting someone can be seen as political, it’s understandable that there would be backlash, even if the community was supportive, that there’s potential for shifting alliances. However, the book is all about respect and becoming welcome in that community, they’re able to make conversations with local religious leaders, and extend friendship into the other camp.
And to me, the crux of this book is about acknowledging that although the end goal is allowing the gospel to be available, that there is a need to acknowledge that there are others who simply won’t react to it, or will only react to it with hostility. This book isn’t so much about converting everyone so much as working with the local imams and other influential people so that the missionary work can continue.

I suppose for me would be acknowledging that there’s the need for striving for peace and working together, despite inherent differences of culture, which I respect. I can't say I'd go about it the same way (or even if by my very nature, I'd be too confrontational and be too much about the debate) but I think overall the book was a good read and helped me think about the state of the world from a different viewpoint.