BREAKING THROUGH THE BARRIERS
Leading Muslims to Christ
By Rosemary Sookhdeo. Isaac Publishing. 160 pages. £8.99
ISBN 978 0 982 521 816
This thoroughly accessible book is written to help Christians understand Muslims better and help us reach them for Christ. Divided into two parts, it gives clear cultural guidelines on our attitudes and response to various situations when relating to Muslims. It explains cultural norms that we would expect to find, and how to avoid embarrassing blunders.
The author clearly explains how to share the gospel effectively and how to lead a Muslim to the point of receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Included are very helpful explanations as to how to overcome barriers that hinder Muslims coming to Christ. There is a clear explanation of Muslim beliefs and practices, and a particularly helpful Appendix which contrasts Muslim and Christian beliefs.
I would love to discuss with the author some issues, such as the suggestion that we always use a new, unmarked Bible because Muslims feel that to write notes in a holy book is desecrating it. Rosemary knows much more about Muslims than I, so I would like to ask her how much we should give in to their views, rather than explaining ours. We read of her successes and setbacks in sharing the gospel with Muslims. There are rich insights as she shares her winning ways with us. It is worth reading the book just for the section on whether Allah and the God of the Bible are the same — it is a gem!
Christians in the UK owe a great debt of gratitude to the Sookhdeos, and this book only increases our indebtedness. Theirs is a lifelong commitment to ministry among Muslims, which the book crystalises into pithy wisdom that all who want to be effective will find beneficial. It is a little treasure chest!
