Description
Book Synopsis
Why should Christians engage in interfaith dialogue with Muslims? Does Islam have anything to offer Christians? What is Islamophobia, and what should we do about it?
These are just some of the questions addressed in Finding Jesus among Muslims, an urgent new book from author Jordan Denari Duffner. Drawing from church teaching, the stories of saints and martyrs, and her extensive personal experiences living among Muslims in both the United States and the Middle East, Duffner explains why all Christians are called to participate in a dialogue of life with Muslims. Her intelligent and fresh approach makes Duffner a welcome voice on some of the most important social and religious questions of our day.
Trade ReviewWe are enriched in our own faiths, when we fully experience people in theirs. This is an elevating and personal read that challenges each of us to look deeper into others in order to learn more about ourselves. I appreciate Jordan's genuine friendship to the Muslim community, and her sincere desire to bring people of different faiths together.Imam Omar Suleiman, President of Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research
The gap between the world as it is and the world as it should be is daunting. I love
Finding Jesus among Muslims because Jordan-full of passion, grit, and courage-invites all humans into one of the most important conversations happening on Planet Earth today. Read this book. Then put it down and do something about it.Dr. Joshua Graves, Preaching and teaching minister for the Otter Creek Church in Nashville, Tennessee
In a time of political division and fear, Jordan Denari Duffner offers us a refreshing work of love, compassion and understanding.
Finding Jesus Among Muslims is an open invitation for all of us to better understand our shared values and the powerful beliefs that unite us. This is a work that can help all of us become peacemakers, love our neighbors, welcome strangers, and heal what has been torn apart.Martin O'Malley, Former governor of Maryland and Democratic presidential candidate
Weaving together her own compelling life story with the richness of the Christian and Islamic traditions, Duffner teaches, inspires, and challenges us. This book is ideal for students and adult learners. She persuasively explains why commitment to interreligious dialogue deepens-not threatens-one's faith in profound ways. With so much religious conflict in our world, we desperately need this passionately written testimony to grace at work in all people.Kevin O'Brien, SJ, Dean, Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, Author of
The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius in Daily LifeFinding Jesus Among Muslims is a beautifully written and honest testimony to the value and power of interreligious learning, grounded in Jordan Denari Duffner's own life experience, reflection, and prayer. It recounts in lucid terms the place of Islam, its piety, and friendship with Muslims in her journey as a young Catholic woman in the 21st century. That loving Islam has helped Duffner become a better Catholic will encourage many who find themselves today on the path between religions, encountering the new, yet finding their way home again. This fine addition to our growing library on interreligious learning is written with teaching in mind, and will be ideal for classroom use as well.Professor Francis X. Clooney, SJ, Parkman Professor of Divinity, Harvard University
Jordan Denari Duffner's magnificent new book is a game-changer. A book like this could only be written by a committed Christian who shares a deep love for Muslims, and has genuinely, spiritually, and intellectually engaged both her own tradition and Islam."Professor Omid Safi, Director, Duke Islamic Studies Center
In our world so fraught with division and despair, Jordan Denari Duffner's experiences bring a fresh insight into Muslim-Catholic relations. In addition to recounting her many positive encounters with people of the Muslim faith, Jordan shares her insights in the ways that her own Catholic faith has deepened as a result. This book is an oasis of hope and a must read by all who take seriously the need for dialogue and understanding, particularly between Muslims and Catholics.Bishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, Emeritus Chair of the Bishops' Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs
This is an exceptional introduction to interfaith engagement between Catholic Christians and Muslims. This book will teach you about a different religion and deepen the understanding you have of your own. Moreover, it offers practical advice for building interfaith friendships-not mention an awful lot of genuine hope!Eboo Patel, Founder and President, Interfaith Youth Core and author of
Interfaith LeadershipTable of ContentsContents Acknowledgments
Notes on Translation and Terms
Introduction
Interfaith Dialogue: Walking Together Toward Truth PART I MEETING GOD IN MUSLIMS 1
Mary, Mercy, and Basketball 2
What We Fear, and Who Gets Hurt PART II ENCOUNTERING GOD IN ISLAM 3
God Is Greater 4
The Width of a Hair PART III REEMBRACING GOD IN CHRISTIANITY 5
Arriving Where We Started 6
The Dialogue of Life Appendices
A Discussion Questions
B Guidelines for Dialogue with Muslims
C A Joint Prayer for Christians and Muslims
D Resources for Further Study
E Glossary
F Pronunciations and Definitions of Select Given Names
Notes
Index
