Engaging With Muslims (The Good Book Company 2015, $11.99), John Klaassen
Review by S. Craig Sanders
Now more than ever, understanding the basic beliefs of Islam is imperative for advancing the gospel around the world. But it is also essential if Christians are to engage Muslims living in the United States. In his new book, Engaging with Muslims, John Klaassen delivers a helpful tool for learning more about what your Muslim neighbors believe and how to share the good news of Jesus with them.
“It is my prayer that as you read this book, you will lose some of the very natural fears you might have about sharing the gospel with a Muslim friend, neighbor or work colleague,” Klaassen writes in the introduction. “And as you share that life-saving message, you will rejoice with heaven as the lost are found by Jesus.”
Klaassen formerly worked in North Africa among Muslims and currently serves as associate professor of global studies at Boyce College and associate director of Southern Seminary’s Jenkins Center for the Christian Understanding of Islam. In the first section of the book, Klaassen provides a basic overview of the beliefs and characteristics of Muslims, clearing up misconceptions and describing the diversity of adherents.
“The key is to ask your friends what they believe is necessary to honor God with their lives, and then share what you believe and demonstrate with your life what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ,” Klaassen writes after describing the five pillars of Islam. “They assume many things about you that are not true. Live a life worthy of emulation, a life worthy of the gospel, and you will challenge their view of what a ‘Christian’ really is.”
While Klaassen offers an accessible and accurate summary of Islamic beliefs and sects, his practical guidance for engaging Muslims with the gospel proves to be the most helpful component of this book. Klaassen directs local missions efforts at Highview Baptist Church in Louisville and draws from his experience abroad and in local neighborhoods to guide readers in ministering to Muslims.
At the foundation of his approach, Klaassen develops a pyramid for fruitful engagement with Muslims consisting of prayer, presence, proclamation, and persuasion. Following this succinct presentation, Klaassen outlines several “bridges” of gospel proclamation, including personal testimony, biblical stories, discussions of the Quran, and conversations about God.
“For a Muslim, whatever happens was written by God and predetermined,” Klaassen writes. “What that means for you is that you can approach life with your Muslim friend and always talk about God. Every aspect of their lives is centered around God and his plan for them, which does not sound so different from what a Christian would say.”
Each chapter concludes with questions ideal both for personal reflection and church small group discussion. Klaassen also reviews “do’s and don’ts” for Muslim engagement corresponding to the chapter topic. For instance, Klaassen ends the discussion on bridges to the gospel with 25 “do’s and don’ts” for working with Muslim families in local neighborhoods. Ranging from taking shoes off when entering a home to not shaking hands with the opposite sex, these tips will allow Christians to cross cultures at home without causing any unnecessary offense.
Engaging with Muslims also includes personal testimonies from Christians of Muslim backgrounds. Readers should take note of Ivan’s testimony, which Klaassen says is an illustration of “the importance of patient, but persistent encouragement, love, and a warm family atmosphere.” Overall, the book’s accessibility and brevity lend to its resourcefulness for churches seeking to engage Muslim neighbors.
