Rethinking Christian-Muslim Relations: Toward Respectful and Effective Witness in a Global Age

Hospitality, Peacemaking, and the Spirit’s Work Across Traditions

Islam is poised to become the world’s largest religion, and with most Muslims and Christians now living in the Majority World, encounters between the two faiths are inevitable. Centuries of misunderstanding, conflict, and oversimplification have repeatedly hindered genuine dialogue and faithful witness. How can Christians engage Muslims with both theological conviction and genuine respect?  

Rethinking Christian-Muslim Relations gathers leading global voices to reflect on Christian engagement with Islam and Muslim communities in our interconnected world. Building on Fuller Seminary’s legacy of pioneering Islamic Studies—shaped by the scholarship of J. Dudley Woodberry and Evelyn Reisacher—the contributors explore themes ranging from peacemaking and contextualization to attachment theory and reciprocal hospitality. Contributors assess post-Orientalist approaches to Islamic studies, explore models of contextualization in Muslim-majority societies, and examine the theological implications of Muslim-background believers for mission. Together, the authors offer fresh pathways for understanding and collaboration while affirming the lordship of Jesus.