The Nearest in Affection: Towards a Christian Understanding of Islam

by Stuart M. Brown Jr.

He Nearest in Affection to those who believe," according to the Quran, "are the ones who say, 'We are Christians.'" Yet in many parts of the world where Christians and Muslims live side by side, the reality of their relationship falls far short of that ideal. Suspicions and fears arise from ignorance of each other's history, beliefs, and practices, often leading to tensions and open conflict.
This short introduction to Islam for Christians offers a wide-ranging overview of what Muslims believe and where their beliefs and practices reveal points of contact or divergence with Christianity. It thus provides both an agenda and a solid foundation for strengthened and respectful encounters between members of the world's two largest faith groups.

124 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1995

About the author

Stuart Brown, M.D. is a medical doctor, psychiatrist, clinical researcher, and the founder of the National Institute for Play. He speaks regularly to Fortune 500 companies and groups across the country on the significance of play in our lives. The producer of a three-part PBS series, The Promise of Play, he has also appeared on NPR and was featured in a front-page story in The New York Times Magazine. He lives in Carmel Valley, California.

Dr. Stuart Brown is a medical professional trained in general and internal medicine, psychiatry, and clinical research. His studies on the importance of play began with research on homicidal young males and felony drunk drivers, where he found a common lack of play during childhood. Throughout his career, he held various positions at prestigious institutions, including Baylor College of Medicine, Harvard's McLean Hospital, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, and UCSD School of Medicine.

Dr. Brown documented thousands of personal play profiles, demonstrating the negative consequences of a play-deprived life and the presence of ongoing play in successful individuals. In 1989, he left clinical medicine to study animal play, collaborating with the National Geographic Society and Jane Goodall. This research led him to understand the importance of play for human well-being and survival.

Dr. Brown founded the National Institute for Play to promote play's integral role in human development. He has written, lectured, and produced documentaries on the topic, and authored the book Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul.