Ask of Me, and I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for your possession. (Psalm 2:8) Gods promise to the Son in this passage can seem nearly unattainable, especially when dealing with Muslims, but J. D. Greear offers help in Breaking the Islam Code.
Greear, who lived and worked among Muslims in Southeast Asia before becoming a pastor in North Carolina, explains what Muslims believe, which is common among books about Islam. However, he doesnt stop there but takes the reader into what moves them and what their objections to the Gospel are. Beyond that, he discusses what aspects of the Gospel appeal to them, aspects that differ from Western Christians. Especially interesting is his use of the arguments of the early church fathers in witnessing to Muslims. He also deals with Muslims objections to various perceptions of Christian doctrines and lifestyles.
Greear does make a few statements that I would disagree with, such as: The Apostle Paul was a great example of a religiously zealous man who hated God (p. 99). This statement was in relation to someones feeling that their uncertainty about measuring up to Gods commands makes them resentful of that God. Statements like that are rare and infrequent.
The author challenges readers to intercessory prayer for Muslims and for self-sacrifice in the Romans 12: 1 sense to reach Muslims. At the end he lists additional resources which include both books and websites that appear quite helpful. He also adds a chapter on different approaches to winning Muslims in Muslim countries, or living as a completed Muslim, and the problems and weaknesses of some of the approaches. Its both challenging and thought provoking.
Greear writes in a straightforward, practical, personable style with anecdotes and Scripture. The book is easy to read and quite interesting, not in the least stodgy and not too theological for the average Christian. Ive reviewed probably a dozen books on various aspects of Islam, some excellent, some harder to read, but Greears deals more directly with witnessing and winning Muslims than most of the others. This may be a good book for a Sunday school class to study in an area with numerous Muslims, or for any individual with opportunities to talk with Muslims about the Lord. I highly recommend this to anyone wishing to witness to Muslims. Debbie W. Wilson, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com
