The following extract has been taken from ‘Christianity’ magazine, July 2005. 

“I have a dream of a world where Christians will be like Jesus in their interactions with Muslims; like him in knowledge and in wisdom as well as in holiness and love. They will not be afraid of Muslims, nor crippled by ignorance, anger or history. 

ECMCS is an independent study centre co-operating with the University of Edinburgh.We encourage Christians to do serious academic study of Islam in the University, and promote study and research on the Muslim-Christian interface. Those who will do this hard work of research can equip those who teach the pastors who, in turn, enable the Body of Christ. 

I still have my dream that Christians will understand that ‘The objective is not, as the Crusaders believed, the repossession of what Christendom has lost, but the restoration to Muslims of the Christ whom they have missed.†’” 

† K. Cragg, The Call of the Minaret, 2nd Edition, Collins, 1986, p220.   

John Chesworth reviews Ida Glaser’s new book: 

“The Bible and Other Faiths: What Does the Lord Require of Us?” 

This book sets out principles of studying the Bible to learn what it says about inter-faith relations. It explains the current approaches to other faiths and ways to read the Bible; uses Bible studies to explore how Israel and the early church related to other faiths; and uses the Bible as a mirror to ask ‘what does it tell us about ourselves and the peoples we meet?’ This is a timely book that opens up the Bible and challenges us to understand how we should relate to other faiths. 

Ida Glaser: The Bible and Other Faiths: What Does the Lord Require of Us? Leicester: IVP 253 pages, ISBN 1-84474-080-3 Cost £7.99 

Cross & Crescent courses - understanding other faiths 

What help is there in understanding other faiths for people who are not studying theology? 

Faith to Faith runs ‘Cross & Crescent’ courses to help you understand Islam and relate to your Muslim neighbours. 

Where are the courses held? 

The course will come to you. Get together a group of 10-40 and organise a venue.We’ll send you the material and if you need one, a facilitator. 

How long would it last for? 

Either a Friday evening/Saturday, over a weekend, or spread over a period such as Lent. 

I’m interested but my neighbours are Buddhists. 

There are similar courses on Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Sikhism, New Age and Chinese Religion. 

What do people who’ve done the courses think of them? 

“The course and further reading I have done has not only helped me to understand Islam a little, but has actually strengthened my Christian faith.”JH (Bucks). 

How can I find out more? 

Look at Faith to Faith’s website: http://www.faithtofaith.org.uk/training.htm or ring 0121 633 8860 

  Crosslinks magazine January 2006 index