ENGAGE - Abu Nasir (eBook)

Love without truth corrupts and truth without love kills. When it comes to current Christian Mission to Muslims, it is rare to find an appropriate Christ-centered combination. Some are so accommodating of Islam that they dilute the uncompromising gospel; others are so antagonistic that they make it almost impossible for their Muslim hearers to sense any compassion in the message - or see it in the messenger. In this book, Abu Nasir and Maryam dispense love and truth in beautiful balance. Over and again, Abu Nasir points out that there is a difference between Islam and Muslims, that it is necessary to both examine Islam in the light of truth as revealed in Scripture and to daily lay down our lives for Muslims in love. Courageously and Biblically, Abu Nasir reveals the spirit of Islam and sheds light on how we can and must respond. Much missiology today is unfortunately sourced in the social sciences. What is refreshing about Engage! is that it is first a theological work, for it is from solid exegesis that lasting missiology flows. Only when we are firmly Biblical do we have the discernment to employ the insights of the social sciences without slipping surely towards syncretism. Only when we are repeatedly filled with the Holy Spirit do we have the power to glorify Jesus when surrounded by an ideology that denies His rule and reign. Abu Nasir repeatedly bases his instruction on what the Bible says, building his call to commitment on the commands of our Lord and Master. It is true that experience, research, praxis, study, anthropology, and trial all season this work - but Engage! is unique as it is first and foremost a Biblical reflection on an ideology that determinedly defies the deity of Jesus. Standing firmly on the Scripture, Abu Nasir and Maryam proceed to transparently share their joys and sorrows, their victories and setbacks, their hard-gleaned insights, and the discernment that can only be gained from long hours of sharing life with Muslims. I can testify that the authors have lived an open and hospitable life with Muslims of every age, caste, race, and status flowing in and out of their home. The words of this book are not theory; they are living words from daily experiences. I can testify that the authors have lived sacrificially and have depended on the Holy Spirit to help them love truthfully. Love and Truth - you will find both in this book, and it is only in their Jesus-centered and uncompromising union that we will see eternal freedom come to the Muslims we all know and respect. - D.B,