Jesus, Jihad, and Peace by Michael Youssef - A Review

Michael Youssef was not only born in the Middle East but spent his early years there. He is not only aware of Islam but he is also qualified to speak about the social, cultural, political, economic, and religious climate surrounding the area and the people of the Middle East. In Jesus, Jihad, and Peace, Dr Youssef provides concise answers to the issues in that region and how it affects the rest of the world. One of the best features of the book is the simple and understandable side-by-side comparison of Islam and Christianity. It would have been great if he had provided references from the Koran and the Bible so readers can look up the passages and be ready during their evangelistic encounter with their Muslim friends.

	Islam	Christianity
1.       Allah/God	Distant (unknowable). Does not reveal himself; reveals only his will Merciful (depending on his mood) Capricious (he leads and misleads) Vengeful Almighty (emphasis on power)	Personal (knowable) Reveals Himself through the Incarnation of Jesus Christ Loving (His love is unchanging) Truthful Just and loving Almighty (power balanced by love)
2.       Christ	A prophet Not God incarnate	God’s Son The Word made flesh
3.       Bible	Revealed by God Changed and corrupted by unfaithful Jews and Christians	Revealed by God Authoritative Word of God
4.       Trinity	God, Jesus, and Mary (Islam’s distorted version)	Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; One God in three persons
5.       Faith	Intellectual agreement that Allah is One and Muhammad is his prophet	Recognition that we are sinners and unable to save ourselves; we trust in Christ’s substitutionary atonement for sins
6.       Sin	Rebellion against God Result: shame, embarrassment Dishonor to family People are inherently good We are absolved by good works	Rebellion against God (primarily) Result: guilt Requires God’s forgiveness People are inherently fallen The penalty of sin is death; Jesus paid the penalty for our sin
7.       Salvation	God saves those whom he chooses Faith and works are required We cannot be assured of salvation	Salvation is available to all who believe Our works cannot save us All who believe in Jesus will be saved
8.       Sanctification	Based on rituals and obedience to the Koran Keep the Five Pillars of Islam External and ceremonial	Based on our growth toward Christ likeness through the work of the Holy Spirit Inward, spiritual, based on a living relationship with God
9.       Love	Islam recognizes erotic love and family love Self-sacrificing love is seen as weakness	Highest form of love is Christlike, self-sacrificing, agape love Family love, friendship love, and erotic lovehave their place, but secondary to agape love
10.   Belief in supernatural	Belief in unseen world Angels (good and evil) Satan is a force of hate and power Islamic belief is fatalistic; all events are foreordained by Allah	Belief in spiritual realm Belief in angels and demons are described in the Bible Satan in the rebellious archenemy of God, completely evil, but his power is no match for God’s power Human beings can overcome evil only through the power of God that is supplied by the Holy Spirit

Heartfelt by Joneal Kirby, PhD

               Dr Joneal Kirby gives practical advice from her personal experience to equip women to cultivate meaningful relationships with women through all the different seasons of life. In Heartfelt, Kirby includes prayers and discussion questions at the end of each chapter that will guide the reader to get the conversation started in their small group. She states that one of the most important aspects of Titus 2 ministry is learning how to cultivate authentic relationships with one another. In other words, women have to be real with each other and since church services are not the proper venue for this type of relationship, the small group format provides an excellent opportunity for this endeavor. She also provides some great advice to study and glean from God’s word. The combined efforts of many women lead to discussions and dissecting of the Word that will enhance their understanding in ways that cannot be realized in isolation. Kirby provides some great insights and encouragement in her book. Read it to be wise!