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Answering Islam: The Crescent in Light of the Cross

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Norman Geisler is one of America's leading Christian apologists. He is also one of the most prolific, with well over sixty titles to his name. In this volume he teams up with a former Muslin to present one of the most detailed, scholarly and up-to-date-assessments of Islam yet offered by the Christianity community.

Answering Islam is a thorough examination of the major teachings and beliefs of Islam. The book is comprised of three main sections. The first deals with the various core teachings of Islam: the Koran, the place of Muhammed, the Muslim's view of man and salvation, and the doctrine of God (Allah).

A number of issues are dealt with in these opening chapters, including the place of prophets in Islam, the Muslim concept of creation, the place of Christ in Islamic thinking, and the nature of eschatology in Islam. Were the book to finish here, the reader would have been treated to a wealth of information and insight into Muslim beliefs.

But the second section takes us much further, offering an in-depth Christian assessment of some of these doctrines. Three subjects are given extensive treatment: the nature of Islamic monotheism, the person of Muhammed, and the claims of the Koran.

Concerning strict Muslim monotheism, a number of issues are covered. The unity of Allah is closely examined, as is the notion of divine sovereignty. The authors show that Allah lacks the personal, loving nature which the God of Judeo-Christian beliefs presents. Instead Allah is seen as harsh, authoritarian and utterly transcendent. Muslims know nothing of the personal intimacy which Christians have with their Lord. Yes, the God of the Bible is transcendent, but he is also immanent as well, making him one to both fear and love simultaneously.

And the utterly deterministic nature of Allah makes any concept of personal freedom and responsibility difficult to maintain in orthodox Islam. The extreme fatalism and strict determinism found in Islam result in a master-slave relationship, instead of the close friendship which Christians can enjoy with their God.

The chapter on Muhammed is equally revealing and incisive. The authors carefully assess his character, his claims to miracles, and his concept of prophethood. And the chapter on the Koran looks at its claims to being divinely inspired. But the supporting credentials are just not there, argue the authors.

Finally, the third major section of the book offers a positive defense of key Christian doctrines: the deity of Christ, the Trinity, salvation, and Biblical authority. As these are main stumbling blocks for Muslims, the authors present a detailed defense of these biblical concepts, interacting with Muslim misunderstandings along the way.

On top of all this, there are 6 extensive appendices on such issues as Muslim religious practices, Muslim sects and movements, and Muslim attacks on the New Testament. But most readers will race to Appendix 5, "Islam and Violence".

In the wake of September 11, many will want to know if Muslim militancy is an integral part of Islam or an aberration of it. The authors provide a close inspection of the concept of jihad, or holy war. The authors contend that there are plenty of Koranic texts which appear to justify acts of violence and aggression. Indeed, it seems to be an essential feature of Islamic teaching, as found in the Koran and the hadith, or oral tradition of Islam. Both lend support for armed attacks on non-believers.

The authors point out that such justification for holy war is not comparable with what appears to be the Old Testament equivalent. This order to fight was limited in both time and place, while the Islamic version appears to be universal and timeless. Warfare in the New Testament is clearly spiritual in nature, and church and state have their separate spheres ("Render onto Caesar..."). But Islam knows no such distinction. Thus political power and religious authority are seen as one by most Muslims. Here, and in many other areas, Islam differs radically from the Christian faith.

In an age which appears to see all religions as being largely the same, and in a culture where Political Correctness reigns supreme, it is hard to make theological and ethical distinctions. But that we must do, and this book helps us to do just that in regard to the two main religious movements of our day. Many other good books exist which evaluate Islam from a Christian perspective. However, if you can afford only one, this should be your choice.

Answering Islam is a decent,scholarly and level-headed rejoinder to the typical,twisted claims and bald accusations frequently put forward by Islam on Christianity. That this book is wonderfully level-headed,practically free of polemical anti-islamic wild accusations stands in stark contrast with comparable material circulating around the popular muslim press in a large part of the muslim world eg.Deedat(but already fully refuted by Gilchrist). Instead, two men have put their heads together, one a reputable scholar and the other, someone who has left Islam for the light of Christianity, to reply to some of the false claims and charges brought by muslims. The previous charge of mis-interpretations cuts both ways. Islam has very, very frequently misunderstood and misinterpreted the Gospel and Jesus Christ's teachings extremely arrogantly, blindly and foolishly. Now, That is the height of ignorance. Thats what Geisler and Abdul Saleeb have addressed in both an open and objective way with "Answering Islam", in the most gentlemenly of ways and yet keeping the straight talk un-muddied with malicious slurs and emotional polemics-something which I have difficulty saying about similar muslim writings. Get this book and study it, regardless of what the detractors want to say-it is worth your last cent, then also browse through Dr.William Campbell's "The Quran and the Bible in the light of History and Science"

If you as a Christian are looking for a good book to help you discuss differences of belief with a Muslim friend, then look no more! This volume is an excellent summary by a noted Christian apologist. It is a great start on understanding Islamic beliefs from a Christian perspective.

It must be understood from the outset that this book has a definite Christian bias. It is not likely to be warmly accepted by Muslims, nor is that kind of reception its intent. This volume is a Christian apologetic work, summarizing Islam, identifying weaknesses in its major beliefs, then elaborating on the ways in which Christianity is superior to it.

Geisler and Saleeb (a former Muslim) begin by describing the Islamic positions on monotheism, creation, prophets, Muhammad, the Quran, and the end of time. They then move to responding from a Christian viewpoint to these positions. The subjects of monotheism, Muhammad, and the Quran are given particular attention.

Geisler and Saleeb conclude the main body of their work with a defense of the Bible, the deity of Jesus, the trinity, and the substitutionary death of Christ. Four helpful appendices are included. They describe Muslim sects, religious practices, the Gospel of Barnabas, and Islamic objections to the authority of the New Testament.

For a Christian wanting to share his faith relationally with a Muslim friend, this volume is the one to buy!

Answering Islam does not pretend to be a text book on Islam. It is, however, a reply to the claims and charges typically made against and on Christianity by Islam, as its title suggests. In that department, we from the muslim far-east feel that this Book is great, par-excellance! Both Geisler and Abdul Saleeb have simply exercised their "right of reply" to answer the typical muslim claims against Christianity and the Gospel, much of which have no basis in fact whatsoever or have them in sheer ignorance in the face of the facts. Abdul Saleeb, being a former muslim does provide valid and valuable insights into his former religion-Islam. Both writers deserve a round of applause for exercising the right to reply and answer, and this Book itself deserves More than five Gold stars for addressing the Topic in such a lucid and eye-opening way. Yet this will be evident only to those who read it with an open mind.

This book is a good read. I have read Geisler's book about Apologetics and that book requires much more concentration for comprehension.

Geisler presents the differences in the Bible believing Christians and Koran believing Islam's. The book tells of those beliefs generally held by Sunni and Shiite. Shiite believe the leadership flows from Muhammad to Mohammed's grandson et. . The difference between fundamental Islam doctrines are not covered, because doctrinal differences with Christianity are the same. The first two hundred pages is a presentation the two faiths differences ( Christian and Islam ). The rest of the book is the argument about the truth of Christianity.

This book is not about the superiority of Western culture over Middle East Culture. I am pretty sure the author sees none. It is about the source of the two faiths. How the two faiths view God and each others theology. Can a man living on this earth have a relationship with God? Can God be three persons and yet be one God.? Christianity argues yes. Mohammed said no. How is Jehovah different from Allah? Geisler argues the God of the Old Testament is a much more caring God than the one described in the Koran. The Koran teaches that Allah was the God of Adam, Moses , and Abraham. But it also argues that the Old Testament has been corrupted through time. Islam clerics argue that the Koran has not. The point being the Koran argues for a different "God" and a different truth about Old Testament figures.

Geisler cautions very few passages in the Koran deal with Jesus, but these passages argue that Jesus was a prophet second to Mohammed. That Allah would never allow one of his devoted followers to die such a shameful death. That Allah only made it appear that Jesus died on the cross. Geisler tells about many different arguments that clerics give how the deception was carried out.

Also in the book is the difference in views about the nature of Man's disobedience to God. Evangelical Christians believe man cannot over come his own disobedience through service to God and/or good deeds. Islam teaches that entry into a spiritual afterlife paradise does depend on man's ability to have more plusses than minuses. One who practices Islam does not believe in a need for a redeemer.

Geisler also details the difference in how the Koran and the Bible were put together.

"Answering Islam does not pretend to be a text book on Islam. It is, however, a reply to the claims and charges typically made against and on Christianity by Islam, as its title suggests. In that department, we from the muslim far-east feel that this Book is great, par-excellance!"

I agree whole-heartedly with the above statement and would like to give 5 Gold-star rating for Answering-Islam. We in Malaysia can testify to the extreme prejudice and close mind many Muslims have especially toward Christianity. This very neutral and fair book provides an objective assessment on Islam to balance the scales on the subject. The writers-one of them an ex-Muslim, gives fair and scholarly insight into the religion itself. Norman Geisler himself is a scholar acknowledged by non-Christians and Christians alike! Far from being "anti-Muslim", this book makes good reading for Muslims themselves to understand what the real & true Gospel is.

Keep it up! This fair book is great value for money.

This Volume by Geisler and Abdul Saleeb is substantial and covers all the aspects pertinent to the discussion ie.'Answering Islam'. Firstly, the contribution of Abdul is valuable as he was a former Muslim (who has converted to Christ) and his input gives credance to chapters 1 to 6 on the Basic doctrines of orthodox Islam as a first-hand source for the tenets. Secondly Geisler himself properly evaluates the Muslim views and preconceptions of divinity, revelation and prophethood and replies to the typical Muslim charges towards their Christian 'cousins' and being the fine apologist that he is, culiminates his Christian Response section with a defense of Salvation by the Cross. His approach is both sound and scholarly, with systematic & step-by-step assessments of the similarities and points of differences between Christianity and Islam. This Book will greatly benefit BOTH non-Christians and Christians alike who are interested in the subject and will certainly give them value for their money. The Appendices are comprehensive; throwing light on sectarian and cultic strands & interpretations of Islam, the 'gospel of Barnabas' and tracing its sources, showing it for the forgery that it is; and even not avoiding popular muslim accusations against the New Testament. Finally, theres a good Glossary section, an even better Bibliography (with Both Christian and non-christian Authors) and an excellent Suggested Reading section-for further research and study. ALL these are found in One Volume -what more can one ask for the layman as well as the specialist !

... political and Christian leadership have so far chosen not to address the source of the brutality, preferring to convince people that Muslims are REALLY a lot like, say, Methodists ("...another interfaith service, anyone?")

But false premises will eventually prevent correct action, providing secular governments with no basis for understanding what they are dealing with. Weeds will keep sprouting from roots.

The reality of Islam needs to be examined ... from its origins in visions Muhammad first thought came from demons until his wife convinced them they came from God, to their integration with incompletely understood aspects of Christianity Muhammad picked up here and there, adapting them to Arab nomadic paganism to the extent his human understanding allowed (for example, Arab fathers tend to be distant and harsh, thus a Muhammad not inspired by God could make no sense of God as a loving father figure who cared about His creation. So that was excised along with related understandings like "forgiveness" -- mercy not being the same thing). Islamic denial of the innate sinfulness of mankind, the uniform tendency of man to separate from God, leads to a reward/punishment system based on simple human deeds.

This book covers the history and theology of Islam at a fairly scholarly yet readable and accessible level. The first 130 pages describe the basic beliefs of orthodox Islam concerning God, creation, prophets, Muhammad, the Qu'ran and salvation. This is drawn mostly from Muslim sources like the Qu'ran, Muslim tradition (the Hadith), and Islamic commentators.

The next 76 pages are a Christian analysis of those beliefs and various criticisms that have been suggested, with the goal of reaching conclusions on the level of support and validity of Islamic claims. A great deal of attention is paid to the factual basis for and internal consistency of the claims.

This is followed by 80 pages of response to common Islamic depictions of Christianity; the evidence for the Christian counter-claim. 24 pages of appendices provide supplementary material on Islam such as Muslim sects, religious practices, and Muslim use of modern biblical criticism methods.

There is no pointless vitriol, just eyes-open examination. Another good book that adds a little more is "Islam Revealed" by Dr. Anis A. Shorrosh.

It's not likely Christian leadership in the U.S., to the extent it exists, will soon drop its embrace of Islam as an equal. Modern seminaries and theological departments tend to produce secular humanists who want the moral authority to advance agendas regarding racism, gay rights and so on, along with the resulting approval of a secular culture, more than anything, so end up squeezing God out. They are hesitant to speak the truth because they don't think there is such a thing (incoherent, since the lack of truth would itself be a truth, thus is a contradiction); they don't want Islam exposed because they think they will be exposed. This is only their failure; Christianity will thrive with honest scrutiny. Islam cannot. This is one reason Christianity gave birth to liberal democracies while Islamic countries execute missionaries.

Only conversion of Islam to Christianity will solve the problem we face, not eliminating terrorist networks. Of course, that means you first have to understand Christianity. One excellent aid here is "How Now Shall we Live" by C. Colson and "Nothing but the Truth" by B. Edwards

Let me start off by saying that this book merits it's five starts based on what it seeks to answer. The book is divided into three sections, each dealing in one way or another with Islam. The first section gives a general overview of Islam, but of course to be general it touches upon some unorthodox Muslim beliefs that maybe only one or two sects in Islam follow and not all. Most of the time, though, this section does represent Islam fairly and touches upon most of the ideas common to all sects of Islam.

The second section of the book deals with a response to the first section. It illustrates the flaws and holes in Islam (this piece is quite scholarly and thoroughly researched). Those who give one or two stars to this book are usually close minded Muslims unwilling to face facts, reason, and rationality. There is no twisting of the Qur'an anywhere in the book. If there is any twisting going on it is in the hearts and minds of those who, faced with a rational refutation of their practice, choose to blame the authors of being wrong instead of their soundly refuted beliefs.

Finally, the third section of the book is a defense of the most rigorously attacked doctrines in Christianity by Muslims. There are some folks (like the fellows from Dallas,TX and Washington below) who seem to think this section, and the rest of the book for that matter, is supposed to be directed at defending Christianity from atheism. If you want to read about that you might as well look for something written by William Lane Craig or other works by Norman Geisler. This section and the rest of the book is an answer to Islam and a very good one I might add. It does not answer all questions but it does answer many and provides enough answers to soundly reject Islam as being a true religion.

I'd like to make a couple of notes. First many of the reviews below seem to think that because this book is written by a Christian and ex-Muslim it cannot possibly represent Islam truthfully. In response to that I'd like to say a couple of things. First, even Dr. Jeremiah McAuliffe (a muslim who participated in an online debate with Abdul Saleeb over issues raised in this book) said: "The first part of the book is Abdul explaining Islam. I couldn't believe it. It was really good! I wondered how the Christian was going to refute it." I would like to mention pertaining to the so-called "Christian-bias" found in this book, does anyone really believe you will find an unbiased Islam book written by a muslim? No of course not, any "fundamentalist" Islamic book will be as biased, if not more, as this book, only from a Muslim perpective. Additionally, as I briefly mentioned, many Muslims are happy with the first section of the book, they just dislike the second and third sections because, of course, it contradicts their beliefs. I'd like to also ask those who say that a big deal is made about the ex-muslim author, what is the big deal? It is only mentioned in the back of the book that one of the authors is an ex-muslim, after that you never hear about it in the book, in fact you cannot tell when the ex-muslim (whom by the way is Abdul Saleeb) is writing and when Dr. Geisler is writing. So the whole big deal they claim is non-existent, moreover it is just another way of evading the real issue, that this book is a great tool in soundly refuting Islam on historical as well as philosophical grounds.

The final note I'd like to make is to fellows like the guy from Dallas, TX below. I'd like to make it clear that Christianity if anything, is no myth. Historically, archeologically, philosophically, scientifically, and even axiologically Christianity is quite reasonable. I'd like to mention that I was not always Christian but like the great literary genius of the 20th century C.S. Lewis, "I was brought to Jesus because of my mind." The fellow from Texas asks that Norman Geisler be put in front of Larry King Live in front of atheists. I ask him to choose which ones. Some of the most intellectual contemporary atheists like Frank Zindler, Peter Atkins, Theodore Drange, Massimo Pigliucci, Doug Jesseph, Antony Flew, Kai Nielsen, and Quentin Smith have been masterfully debated by Christian apologists like Dr. William Lane Craig. To judge for yourself how incredibly sound the reasoning for Christianity is you should look for some of these debate tapes available on the internet. The debate with Quentin Smith is available through Amazon in the form of a book.

All this leaves me with this conclusion: In my spiritual journey I was an atheist and I almost become Muslim because a very good friend of mine nearly convinced me. But like I said before, I was brought to Jesus because of my mind. In fact, atheism and Islam require more faith to believe than Christianity! Christianity is a superbly intelligent faith, if it weren't for that fact I would not be Christian. I will end with two final quotes which are found in a book of a debate between christian scholar Dr. Gary Habermas and atheist philosopher Dr. Antony Flew. One of the professional debate judges who was present (non-Christian judge by the way) said of the evidence for the resurrection based on that presented during the debate: "Since the case against the resurrection was no stronger than that presented by Antony Flew, I would think it was about time I began to take the resurrection seriously. My conclusion is that Flew lost the debate and the case for the resurrection won." Another debate judge said, "I conclude that the historical evidence is strong enough to lead reasonable minds to conclude that Christ did indeed rise from the dead."

As for all those who asked why should Christianity be the only way, I simply refer to the last statement I made. Historically, if the resurrection did occur, then Christianity must be the truth. And truth by its very nature and definition is absolute. Everything contrary to truth is false. Including Islam, atheism, and the rest. I don't meant to put any of these faiths down, I simply am stating that as a truth-seeker, I am led to Christianity because of it's historicity, it's intelligence, and especially it's message. I invite all to read the New Testament and study it's historicity. I believe it can change your life as it changed mine.

Geisler and Saleeb have written a very practical and concise guide for understanding the points of conflict between Christianity and Islam. The particular focus of the book is how Christianity answers Muslim accusations and objections against it. While it is in no way comprehensive, each section is well written and contains information which would be immediately practical to anyone interested in the subject.

The most valuable contribution that this book makes is in its positive defense of Christian doctrines such as the Trinity, the Deity of Christ, and the authenticity of the Bible. These sections are written with Muslim objections in mind, making them very useful.

This is a meaty book which is a good read and then a great reference for anyone who is interested in Christian/Muslim apologetics. Geisler is certainly a trusted name in aplogetics, and his partnering with a former Muslim for this book makes it twice as valuable.

While this book does spend some time giving a background to Islam, it is from a decidedly Christian perspective. In order to understand Islam and Muslims first hand sources are obviously indispensable. There are countless books written from a Muslim perspective about Islam. Any one of them would be an excellent companion to this great book.