wfn.org | NCC Friendship Press Offers Book on Islam

[Carol Fouke <carolf@ncccusa.org>]

National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Contact: NCC/CWS News (Information/Jan. 2002ff Interviews), 212-870-2227
E-Mail: news@ncccusa.org; Web: www.ncccusa.org
Reporters: Request Review Copy (Jan. 2002) from Dee Glover:
dglover@ncccusa.org
NCC12/12/2001 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES FRIENDSHIP PRESS OFFERS BOOK ON ISLAM

December 12, 2001, NEW YORK CITY - Written especially to help North American
Christians understand Islam, the second edition of "God is One: The Way of
Islam" is due off press in January 2002.  "God is One" responds to a surge
of interest in what Muslims really believe and how Christians can relate to
their Muslim neighbors - interest that has resulted, ironically, from acts
carried out Sept. 11 in the name of Islam.

Dr. R. Marston Speight's original text (1989) won acclaim from both
Christians and Muslims for its accurate portrayal of Islam and helpful
introduction to Christian-Muslim relations.  Dr. Speight, a committed
Christian and former missionary, spent 23 years living among Muslims in
northern Africa.

A United Methodist and Texas native (now retired and living in Connecticut),
he wrote "God is One" while he was director of the NCC's Office of
Christian-Muslim Relations (1979-1992).  The office - located at Hartford
Seminary, Hartford, Conn., from 1976-1991 and now New York-based -- produced
the second edition in partnership with the seminary's Macdonald Center for
the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations.

The second edition includes a new six-session study guide and a new resource
section listing books, videos and other resources for further study of
Islam.  It adds a substantial "Afterword" that places the material within
the context of more recent developments in the Islamic world and provides
up-to-date statistical information.

A basic reference book on Islam for Christians, "God is One: The Way of
Islam" explains the Islamic faith and highlights such points of agreement
for Christians and Muslims as the devotion to one God. It presents who
Muslims are, what they believe and how their faith not only unites them but
also shapes every aspect of their lives.

The book responds candidly to such questions as: Who was Muhammad and what
inspired him?  What is the Qur'an and what does it say?  What do Muslims
believe about Christ?  How can Christians and Muslims talk today?  What
about the "radical" Islamic movements that permeate our news?

It calls on Christians to confront their prejudices and inform themselves
about Islam.  It challenges Christians to develop an understanding of Islam
and to recognize Muslims as their neighbors.
"God is One: The Way of Islam" is illustrated throughout with Islam's
contributions to science, art, medicine, architecture and literature as well
as its significance as a world religion.

Orders for the second edition (approximately 170 pages, paperback, $9.95)
may be placed by phoning Friendship Press at 1-800-889-5733 or sending an
e-mail to nancyj@fuse.net

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