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Description: In recent months, scholars and popular analysts have paid much attention to Islam and the greater Muslim world. Some have been openly hostile, while others have offered overly simplistic analyses. Islam in Context goes behind the recent crisis to discuss the history of Islam, delineate its basic structure and beliefs, describe the current division between Muslim moderates and extremists, and suggest a way forward for Islam.

Drawing from sources such as the Qur'an, Ibn Ishaq's biography of Muhammad, early Christian chronicles of the Crusades, and contemporary Muslim and non-Muslim writings, authors Peter Riddell and Peter Cotterell approach their topic with academic rigor. At the same time, they retain readability by avoiding the esoteric and obscure. The authors move beyond the stereotypes of Muhammad-both idealized and negative-and argue against the myth that relatively recent events in the Middle East are the only cause for the clash between Islam and the West. Rather, current events represent only one chapter in the saga of empires.

Riddell and Cotterell ask the non-Muslim world to attempt to understand Islam from the perspective of Muslims and to acknowledge past mistakes. At the same time, they challenge the Muslim world by suggesting that Islam stands today at a vital crossroads and the way forward is for them alone to decide.

Islam in Context is an ideal text for courses on Islam or world religions. Additionally, it will appeal to all those who are interested in an alternative to the easily packaged descriptions of the relationship between Islam and the West.

Author Information: Peter Riddell (Ph.D., Australian National University) is Director of the Centre for Islamic Studies and Muslim-Christian Relations at London Bible College. He is the author or editor of several books, including Islam: Essays on Scripture, Thought, and Society.

Peter Cotterell (Ph.D., London University) is Associate Senior lecturer at the Center for Islamic Studies. He has lectured for 19 years at London Bible College, where he also served as the principal.

Endorsements: "Islam in Context is a must read for anyone who wants to better understand contemporary Islam in its various forms and especially the role jihad has taken in today's world. Incorporating historical, theological, and modern reflection, the authors offer an invaluable service to those of us who struggle to grasp the ideology and theology behind such horrible events as the September 11 attacks."--A. Scott Moreau, Wheaton College

"Riddell and Cotterell's Islam in Context carefully outlines the major tensions within the Muslim world and between that world and the West and gives us enough history to understand clearly how these tensions have arisen. This fair, balanced, and lucid book is good for the general reader and fills an important gap in the literature."--Paul Marshall, Senior Fellow at Freedom House's Center for Religious Freedom and author ofIslam at the Crossroads

"This book is a 'must' for anyone looking for a highly readable, balanced, scholarly overview of the history of Islam and its current manifestations. The authors address complex, sensitive, and controversial issues with integrity, providing an immensely valuable analysis of the role of Islam in today's world and of the challenges within Islam that Muslims themselves need to address. This outstanding book is therefore a timely and invaluable contribution to discussions of great contemporary significance, and I recommend it unreservedly."--The Baroness Cox, House of Lords, London

"I must confess that when I first saw the title, I groaned at the prospect of yet another simplistic effusion on Islam, targeting astoundingly parochial North American readers and capitalizing on our heightened paranoia and xenophobia in the wake of 9/11. I was wrong. Indeed, as I got into the manuscript I found it difficult to put down. In my opinion, Riddell and Cotterell have produced the most helpful book on Islam thus far appearing under the imprimatur of an evangelical publishing house, elucidating those key cultural and religious dimensions of Islam that have given rise to the present uneasy interface between that religion and the secularized West. The book is informative, irenic, lucid, and current, making for compelling reading. Despite its relative brevity, it will do much to dispel the fog of ignorance and misunderstanding that prevails among Christians in the West. If I were back in the classroom teaching world religions, this would be required reading."--Jonathan J. Bonk, executive director, Overseas Ministries Study Center

"Many books have been written on Islam, but this book surpasses all of them in its well-balanced treatment of Islam from historical, theological, and sociopolitical perspectives. The book traces the causes of the present-day tension between the Muslim world and the non-Muslim world in general and between Israel and the Palestinians-as well as among the Muslims themselves-in particular. The authors have faithfully and candidly delivered the most comprehensive book on Islam, flavored with up-to-date information that makes it exciting, educational, and informative and reflects a sincere concern for peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims."--Debela Birri, director, Ethiopian Graduate School of Theology

"In the aftermath of September 11, the question probably most often asked by Christians in the West was, 'Why do they hate us so?' Riddell and Cotterel have produced a clear and readable answer to that question, intermixing narrative and analysis to probe the developing relations between Islam and Christianity in a historical context. One message of the book is that concerned Christians need to build more bridges to moderate Muslims. This needs to be done with critical faithfulness to Christian beliefs, however, and without taking up a posture of mindless self-flagellation. In the shadow of war, this is an important message to spread."--William Gervase Clarence-Smith, professor of the economic history of Asia and Africa, School of Oriental and African Studies

"Islam in Context is a timely book addressing a crucial issue. It is very well written by those who know the Islamic context as well as Islam as a religion. The treatment clearly deals with historical development as well as theological distinctives. Written in an easy-to-read style, and with academic documentation, the book is one that will appeal to many. I appreciate the fairness with which they treat a rather heated issue."--Ken Gnanakan, president, International Council for Higher Education, India

Reviews: "Avoiding stereotypes and generalizations, Riddell and Cotterell . . . offer balanced summaries of different Muslim groups. . . . The authors also propose ways to resolve tensions between Christians and Muslims. . . . The information provided is well organized, accessible, and comprehensive. . . . Christians who desire a greater understanding of Islam and current events in the Middle East will find this lucid overview lends context to newspaper headlines."-Cindy Crosby, Christianity Today

"Comprehensive on social, ethical, and theological issues. This book is excellent for anyone looking for an introductory textbook to the Islam-Christianity debate."--Brian L. Fargher, International Bulletin of Missionary Research

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