How to love Muslims, from a man with experience

By Karin Armstrong and ChristianWeek | November 3, 2009

Knowing the mistrust, fear and sometimes hatred towards Muslims in the western world, Carl Medearis writes from first hand experience about finding common ground and developing relationships with the followers of Muhammad.

Medearis begins by giving a brief history of Muhammad. He then goes on to explain some of the pillars and teachings of Islam as well as detailed references to Jesus in the Qur'an. From there he moves to more personal aspects of relating to Muslims. He shares questions some Muslims have asked about Christians and tells how our fears may be overcome with love in practical ways.

Interwoven in the facts are "Stories of Faith," first hand experiences of the Medearis family's life among Muslim people during their 12 years in Lebanon and now in the U.S. These are stories of interaction with regular folks, diplomats, business people and royalty. Many chapters include sections entitled, "A Christlike Perspective." Here he presents what he believes might be a response "sanctioned by Jesus Christ" on issues such as jihad, the Qur'an and attitudes towards women.

Far from being strictly informative and promoting cookie cutter methodology regarding evangelism, Medearis writes from a heart of love and compassion with methods marked by the leading of the Holy Spirit. He cautions against "friendship evangelism," which is often simply friendship with an agenda to convert. While the Muslim people are the focus in this book, the principles of loving people are applicable to any people group or individual.

It is so easy to develop stereotype attitudes when one is ignorant of truth. It is easy to resist truth and continue to live with these attitudes. The challenge I received from reading this book is to become educated about the culture and beliefs of people who live and think differently from me. But most of all to obey the command of Jesus who tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God and to love people.