Bridges to Islam: A Christian Perspective on Folk Islam, By Phil Parshall
Bridges to Islam
paperback
  • Length: 159 pages
  • Published: April 10, 2007
  • Imprint: IVP
  • Item Code: 5615
  • ISBN: 9780830856152

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In the acclaimed book Muslim Evangelism, Phil Parshall devotes one chapter to "bridges" which can assist in facilitating understanding between Islam and Christianity.

In Bridges to Islam he expands that key chapter into a book. The most promising bridges can be found not in orthodox Islam, contends the author, but in "folk Islam", which is less well known in the West but which influences about 70 percent of the world's Muslims. "Popular Islam consists largely of people who desire to know God and to be accepted by him", writes the author. "They have a high view of one God who is . . . all-powerful and merciful."

The mystical Sufis press for a more satisfying personal relationship with Allah. These teachings and aspirations, argues the author, have immense potential as bridges, which he has personally witnessed spending many years ministering among Muslims. This thorough and in depth study of ways to bridge folk Islam will be invaluable to missionaries, students, and those interested in reaching Muslims for Christ.

"This is the first attempt to explicitly explore ways in which the Sufi expression of faith can be a bridge for Gospel-sharing."

David W. Shank, Eastern Mennonite Board of Mission

"When God is hidden in a mountain of Muslim laws, the heart breaks through to look for him in other ways. Can those 'breakouts' become 'breakthroughts'? Phil Parhall says yes, and, against the reality of actual experiments, seeks to show us how. Let us all learn from his trials and our errors."

Dr. Harvie Conn, Westminister Theological Seminary
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CONTENTS

Foreword
Acknowledgments
Introduction

1 Mysticism in Historical Perspective
2 Sufi Belief
3 Practices of Folk Muslims
4 A Critique of Folk Islam
5 Bridges to Mystical Islam

A Final Word
Glossary
Bibliography
Subject Index
Scripture Index

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Phil Parshall

Dr. Phil Parshall completed graduate studies at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (M.A.), Wheaton Graduate School (M.A.), Fuller Theological Seminary (D. Miss.), and Fellowships at Harvard and Yale Divinity School. He has been a missionary among Muslim people for the past 44 years. He also has authored Muslim Evangelism (Authentic) and Lifting the Veil (InterVarsity Press).