The Many Faces of Islam (America Responds) [Abridged] [Audio Cassette]

Nabeel Jabbour (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Islam is the world's second largest religion and arguably it's least understood. Jabbour, who was born in Syria and educated at the American University of Beirut (BA) and the University of South Africa in Pretoria, where he wrote his dissertation on Islamic fundamentalism in Egypt, believes his life and work experiences offer him unique insights into both the Islamic world and American life. With objectivity, the author outlines the tenets of Islam, addressing the issues of compassion and understanding between faiths. He attempts to answer the questions, "What do Muslim people believe?" "Is Islam evil?" and "Why is America a lightning rod for the anger of many Muslim fundamentalists?" Jabbour makes distinctions between the Muslim people and the Islamic sect of fanaticism. His earlier book, The Rumbling Volcano, was praised by critics because he was "close to being an `insider' as is possible without actually being a Muslim." The praise holds true for The Many Faces of Islam as well. Recommended. Pam Kingsbury, Florence, AL
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile

This is a lecture about Islam recorded shortly after the September 11 attacks on America. Nabeel Jabbour has excellent credentials: He's a native of Syria, a resident of Egypt for 15 years, a possessor of advanced theological degrees, and the author of a book on Islamic fundamentalism in Egypt. But one's expectations for the lecture are not met because the recording is of an inferior quality and the lecture is not clearly organized, although there are some excellent parts. During the question-and-answer period, one can clearly hear only Jabbour's responses. Jabbour appears to be an excellent resource, but this tape does not take advantage of his abilities. M.L.C. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Oasis Audio; Abridged edition (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589260589
• ISBN-13: 978-1589260580
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,450,919 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Arab Christian with a godly love for Muslims, August 27, 2002

By A Customer

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This review is from: The Many Faces of Islam (America Responds) (Audio Cassette)

If you desire to understand Muslims and their feelings towards the west, as well as how one should respond to them, buy this tape!

Dr. Jabbour is an amazing man with a wide breadth of experience in the Muslim world, including his own experience of being a Christian Arab who had to learn to love his Muslim neighbor as himself.

A must for anyone who wants to understand September 11th.

5.0 out of 5 stars The crux of the problem - Identification with the problem, October 27, 2007

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Lasgo "Lasgo" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Many Faces of Islam (America Responds) (Audio Cassette)

This book is an excellent "insider's" view to Islam. More important than increasing understanding of Islam, though - is its recommendation as to how the problem of Islamic fundamentalism can be addressed. I walked away confirmed in my belief that (on both sides of the isle - Muslim and Christian - and, for that matter, on other isles as well - Jewish and those of other faiths and non-faiths) the true problem is in fundamentalism - or radicalism. Until we come to grips with how people of all faiths and non-faiths radicalize - and end up being suicide bombers; or abortion clinic bombers; or Murrah Building bombers; or unabombers - than we'll continue to be led into a trap of thinking that evil is defined by Islam, or Judaism, or Atheism, etc. etc.

The problem is the radicalized element in any faith - including Christianity - that, when matured, as in the case of Christianity, can lead to catholic priests raping alter boys; or, as in the case of Jewish radicals, killing massive numbers of worshippers at the Al Aqsa mosque.

Bottom line is an agreement with Nabeel's prescription of Jesus - that there is a freedom in forgiveness that, unfortunately, and tragically, the Muslim does not experience. Out of love and compassion for Muslims who feel that their only guaranteed path to Heaven is martydom - we should reach out in ways that are new and creative and as deep in the Lord's love for us - that yet, as sinners, He has forgiven us for all our sins - past, present, and future.

It is with our guarantee, therefore, as always being loved by Christ that we should reach out to Muslims and others outside of our faith - not that we are better than they are - but because we hope for them the same liberty and freedom from sin that Christ has given us through his door of salvation (we can still choose to sin, and will suffer the consequences, but He is there ready to pick us up after we've come to our senses - always).

Christ's message can only be successfully delivered if it is wrapped in a package of humility and service to others, exampling Christ in every regard. The question Christians must ask themselves is WHO ON EARTH DID CHRIST COME FOR? THE SAVED OR THE SINNER??? When we do so, reaching out to Muslims or anyone else in the world can be difficult - may seem impossible at times - but is demanded (as much as Christ reached out to the whole world - so must we be equally impassioned to reach out to others).
As Christians, already guaranteed Heaven, we should always place others struggle to comprehend Christ's sacrifice before us. If the messages of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, and temperance are implicit in our actions, our message will be delivered. Are we endeavored to reach across the gulf as much as Christ was endeavored to reach out to us. What depths do we imagine ourselves going to in order to understand other's issues with Christ?
In the difficulties we encounter in our attempts to reach out we'll be shunned and ridiculed and driven away; but do we not do the same with Christ every time we sin?
Take a bold step in the right direction, with a right sense of understanding and keen balance, by reading or listening to The Many Faces of Islam. We are all sinners, we are not better - we are, as Christians, just forgiven.