Meeting Islam: A Guide for Christians (A Many Mansions Book) [Paperback]

George Dardess (Author)

Book Description

Series: A Many Mansions Book | Publication Date: September 2005

George Dardess believes that Jesus’ injunction to "Love your neighbor as yourself" means that serious Christians should engage with Islam and come to know their Muslim neighbors.

In this informative, enlightening book, Dardess invites us to explore some of Islam’s key beliefs and practices, using his own failings and successes as a guide. He shares how he sought to build bridges with the local Muslim community, and how his faith has been expanded and enhanced by the relationships and understandings that have resulted.

Each chapter includes a theological reflection on how a particular facet of Islam may enhance (rather than detract from) our own Christian self-understanding. At times humorous, questioning, and warm, Meeting Islam is an engaging guide to the rewards (and the dangers) of venturing outside the boundaries of one’s own faith.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Dardess, a deacon in the Roman Catholic Church and an English professor, describes in this brief book his own study of Islam, which began in 1992 and has included learning Arabic so he could understand the religion better. Although he remains steadfast in his own Catholic beliefs, he applies Islamic teachings to understand both Islam and his own religion better. He has a philosophical view of Islam, sometimes leading to dense descriptions, sometimes producing profound insights. Dardess poignantly recognizes the Islamic belief that all people are meant to be thankful and devoted to God and are born wanting to be good. He understands the Qur'an as a practitioner of the faith would, having studied it in the original language with Muslim teachers at his local Islamic center. He writes: "The Qur'an is so deeply imbued with moral challenge that it's impossible not to turn every remembered phrase in it into a mirror on one's conscience." This brief book provides some introductory information about Islam and is excellent reading for Christians who are curious about one of the world's fastest-growing religions. Dardess is both deeply religious and open-minded, a pleasant and surprising combination. (Sept.)
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Review

"Excellent reading for Christians who are curious about one of the world's fastest growing religions. . . Deeply religious and open-minded. . ." -- Publisher's Weekly, June 27, 2005

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Paraclete Press (MA) (September 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1557254338
• ISBN-13: 978-1557254337
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,399,831 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A welcome book, August 29, 2005

By 

Kathleen Schwar (Rochester, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Meeting Islam: A Guide for Christians (A Many Mansions Book) (Paperback)

I recently heard a man ask at a public forum how he might approach a mosque to learn about Islam -- could he stop in at a service as he might at a church? Should he call the mosque and ask for the imam? He really could use "Meeting Islam" and the inspiration of George Dardess' candid account of approaching the Islamic Center of Rochester, N.Y.
Dardess, a knowledgeable Christian, Catholic deacon and former teacher, thoughtfully and theologically works his way through his encounters with Muslims, their beliefs and practices. His writing is easy to follow, and the personal anecdotes, for example, the trip to a monastery, are memorable. The chapter titles show at a glance which aspects of his Christianity he will reflect upon as he learns certain Islamic teachings.
I haven't known many people who decided to study Arabic decades after graduation. This author's journey began this way and the story is truly admirable and delightful. Plus, we benefit from Dardess' love of languages as he explains the meaning and pronunciations Arabic words.
This book, in the end, can not only help readers learn basic Islam, but also may help ease the discomfort some Christians have about dialogue with Muslims. A friend calls this book a "healing book."

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A positive look at Islam, December 31, 2005

By 

andris virsnieks (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Meeting Islam: A Guide for Christians (A Many Mansions Book) (Paperback)

If you really want to meet Islam this could be one of the books you read but it must be one among many. I give Deacon Dardess two stars for learning Arabic and and two stars for going to an Islamic Center to get a better understanding of his Muslim neighbors. And then sharing the insights he gained from this hard work with his readers. I hold back one star, because the book lacks an index.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a pleasure to read, March 5, 2006

By 

Nowall Hassan - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Meeting Islam: A Guide for Christians (A Many Mansions Book) (Paperback)

I felt that Mr. Dardess gave a true and acurate portrayal of what the religion is about. This is a book that anyone can read and get an acurate understanding of the religion. As a Muslim I felt for the first time, a non-Muslim truely understands what Islam is all about. What a pleasure to read. What a great book and what a great writer.