Customer Reviews

More in Common Than You Think: The Bridge Between Islam & Christianity

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William W. Baker has written a clear and concise text that calls for both Christians and Muslims to better understand the similarities and shared historical origins of each other's great faiths to reach a common ground that will provide for a better working relationship to meet the challenges facing the societies where the practioners of both religions coexist. As a Christian theologian, Baker understands that there are differences between Islam and Christianity, but these differences do not warrant tensions and hostilities between peoples. He provides a brief but poignant presentation of the historical foundation of Islam and its relationship to the other monotheistic faiths, Judaism and Christianity, whose scriptures it has embraced.(p)

Baker's main emphasis and hope throughout the book is for the reader to enhance his understanding of the need for a common ground between Christians and Muslims because of shared origins and beliefs and to use this knowledge to do further investigation on how stereotypes and misperceptions that currently exist between the two pepoles may be overcome. This is certainly a must read for everyone interested in building a society based on trust and respect for the constructive values of each other's religious beliefs.

This is the 8th copy I have ordered from you! The reason is because I heard the author on Dr.Robt.Schuller's Hour of Power a year ago and he made so much sense in helping me learn about other people and their religious beliefs. Therefore, I wanted to find out for myself. Now I have told others that if they don't find out for themselves we're going to have the bloodiest Holy War out of ignorance - that never would happen if we understood instead of condemning out of predjudice and ignorance. I have spoken to groups about this book and why I have passed out 8 copies of it so the word gets out!!
Here's how ignorance plays out. For example: Are you a Muslim?? Now let me tell you what the Arabic word "Muslim" means in English. "One who submits or surrenders to God." Now tell me whether you're a Muslim or not.

Bill Baker, a Christian and a former college Professor of ancient history and biblical studies, manages to present in a cogent, and succinct manner the important outlines of a great religion while dismantling numerous misconceptions and outright falsehoods spoken against Islam. In a measure of his success, the book's back cover bears testimonials from two prominent American religious leaders: Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui (Islam) and Dr. Robert Schuller (Christian). Dr Baker is the founder and president of CAMP, Christians and Muslims for Peace, and he writes in the final chapter: "The only hope to resolve and end the wars and acts of hatred and intolerance between Muslims and Christians is to seek and promote dialogue, and this is precisiely the purpose and function of CAMP. Through the establishing of CAMP Chapters, Christians and Muslims meet together to discuss the greatest needs of their villages, citites, and nations. Working together, these two great religions carry out the primary command of both faiths, to take care of tht poor, the homeless, the helpless and the innocent, and to demonstrate Mercy, Compassion and Tolerance in political policies and everyday living." More people should read this book. Many Christians will be surprised to find how much of their values are shared by Muslims.

William W. Baker has written a clear and concise text that calls for both Christians and Muslims to better understand the similarities and shared historical origins of each other's great faiths to reach a common ground that will provide for a better working relationship to meet the challenges facing the societies where the practioners of both religions coexist. As a Christian theologian, Baker understands that there are differences between Islam and Christianity, but these differences do not warrant tensions and hostilities between peoples. He provides a brief but poignant presentation of the historical foundation of Islam and its relationship to the other monotheistic faiths, Judaism and Christianity, whose scriptures it has embraced.

Baker's main emphasis and hope throughout the book is for the reader to enhance his understanding of the need for a common ground between Christians and Muslims because of shared origins and beliefs and to use this knowledge to do further investigation on how stereotypes and misperceptions that currently exist between the two pepoles may be overcome. This is certainly a must read for everyone interested in building a society based on trust and respect for the constructive values of each other's religious beliefs.

This book is an honest and factual representation of religion that can serve to educate and enlighten almost anyone who reads it-regardless of their faith. It's it tremendously fair, and does not represent a shred of bias to alter the readers mindset in a way that might be uncomfortable. I think it has a valuable place in our society and should be a must read for religous leaders of both the Islamic and Christian faith, as well as, world media, religous scholars and students. It is well written and easily understood.

Do we, Muslims and Christians of the world, really need to build a bridge between Islam and Christianity?

In my opinion, It's not the aftermath of 9/11 that calls for an answer to the question and it shouldn't. However, one needs to bring to mind and heart decades and centuries of mutual understanding and coexistinace between members of the two faiths.

This is why, my wife (Dr. Laila) and I, had to have this great book at times like these for better ones when PEACE governs our hearts and actions.

Blessings and prayers from Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Esam Mudeer
A Saudi writer

I got my copy free at a Mosque. Well written by a Christian Apologist for Islam.

He has on p58 "God does not forgive for associating something with him; He forgives anything beside that. Anyone who gives God associates has indeed invented an awful offense" Quran 4:46 and this will be punished on the p54 "Day of Retribution and Wrath" [contrast with 'Day of Judgement'], but does not explain it.

Thus praying to Jesus is a moral sin in Islam, while John 3:16 says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son..."

The book has a useful description of Holidays and religious practices, but be wary when he discusses 'misunderstandings'.

His other books "Kasmir, Happy Valley, death Valley" and "Theft of a Nation" slander Hindus and Jews.