While the world around us is intent on political ends, the alternative goal of Christianity is one of redemption. At times there are those in the political realm who would attempt to diminish or misrepresent our access and efforts. At other times it is just our lack of knowledge of God's will for the advance of the Gospel. (Romans 10:14)

In our American approach we spend a lot of time preaching and treating people as targets. That is a method which not only does not work in the Muslim world, but even worse, it would create animosity and destroy a person's ability to persuade (Gal 1:10). In the Muslim world the Gospel is only effectively spread through relationships.

In these relationships we must not only show relationship respect but belief respect. Understand Islam, treating the Qu'ran with respect, and other important concerns.

Carl Medearis presents a quality case for sensitive evangelical persuasion. It is an approach that does not compromise the gospel but makes it effective in a context that most of us would avoid.

But this is not only about the mission field. This is about living and working in the United States where the Muslim population is growing. This is about making the Gospel real where the lies of Golden Compass and The Davinci Code would make Christianity into something else. The truth is both lived and verbally communicated when it is most effective.

Get the book. Use it in your local church for improving your evangelism training.

This book is a must not only for those seeking a deeper understanding of Muslims, but for all of those peculiar people today we call the Church. Carl weaves almost unbelievable personal and intimate stories into the broader call to love our neighbors and enemies. A wise man once remarked that if you want to understand a person you have to climb into their skin and walk around a bit. Muslims, Christians and Jesus offers us the chance to step carefully into the shoes of Muslims and walk around a bit with Jesus of Nazareth as your guide.

I have read as many good books regarding Muslim/Christian relations as bad. This is simply one of the best. It is as concise as it is clear. This book is extremely practical in its premise and offers enough history and religious context to begin that necessary dialogue. But what is the point? The point is always very clearly to move beyond dialogue into a relationship...into a relationship where Jesus, the saviour of all humanity, is to be found.

It is the prayer of Carl Medearis that his book "Muslims, Christians, and Jesus" will help the reader see Jesus more clearly, that He will become more tangible, and in some way more accessible, less theoretical less mystical and more practical. It is his desire that the book will help the readers gain new insight, more compassion, and a greater faith, as they share their life as a follower of Christ. He also trusts that they will see Muslims as Jesus always saw people; interacting at their point of need.

Many chapters end with a section entitled "A Christ-like Perspective." These perspectives stirred me as I examined my own heart and motives in light of the life and example of Jesus. Another feature is called "A Story of Faith." These stories are from Carl's own experiences in being a friend to a Muslim and the way they were often multiplied into fruitful endeavors that extended beyond the incident itself.

I appreciated the fact that the chapter title clearly state the material to be covered. In a logical and orderly progress Medearis covered such topics as the foundation of Islam, their articles of faith, angels, the Holy Books of Muslims, the prophets, judgment day, and predestination.

Carl discussed the five pillar of Islam, which include: The testimony, the fast, giving, prayer, and pilgrimage. He devotes one chapter to a comparison of passages from the Qur'an and the New Testament.

The main thrust of Carl's message is to awake the Western Christian to overcome fear with love as he introduces Muslims who follow Jesus. He provides a Christ-like perspective on how to reach out in genuine love to our Muslim neighbors.

Medearis' twenty-five years of first hand experiences well qualify him to author this compelling, practical message. The message of "Muslims, Christians, and Jesus" is simple, yet profound. An engaging read.

So much of our training about sharing Jesus with others has an artificial, even adversarial tone. This book strikes a different and refreshing note. You might not agree (at first) with everything Carl says but you can't afford to ignore his message.