New Books in Religion

Wafik W. Wahba, "Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs" (InterVarsity Press, 2025)

Mar 31, 2025

Wafik W. Wahba, a Professor of Global Christianity at Tyndale University, dives deep into the intricate relationships between Christianity and Islam. He blends personal insights from his journey from Egypt with a look at historical interactions that shaped these faiths. Wahba highlights key moments of coexistence and tension, discusses the influence of theological traditions, and emphasizes the importance of interfaith dialogue for a harmonious future. His perspectives serve as a guide for understanding contemporary dynamics between these two world religions.

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Wafik W. Wahba

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Quick takeaways

Understanding the historical context between Christianity and Islam is essential for interpreting current interactions and mitigating future conflicts.

Recognizing differing views on the intersection of faith and public life is crucial for fostering mutual respect and constructive dialogue between the two religions.

Deep dives

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Intro

4min

Bridging Histories: Christianity and Islam

11min

Faiths in Interaction: Christianity and Islam

7min

Theological Influence and Interfaith Dialogue

12min

Navigating the Confusion: Islamic Nations and the Secular West

4min

Faith and Public Life: A Comparative Exploration

13min

Faith and Salvation: A Comparative Analysis

8min

Exploring Interfaith Understanding and Future Hope

3min

Together, the adherents of Christianity and Islam make up over half of the world's population, and their numbers are expected to keep growing. The influence of these two faiths—and their relations with each other—is seen in politics, economics, and social interactions. Religious identity and aspirations remain powerful and appealing to people around the world. Understanding global realities today requires understanding the histories and dynamics of the world’s largest religions.

This book provides a comprehensive overview of Christianity and Islam, covering three interrelated areas:

historical developments and encounters,
the influence of religion on politics,
and religious beliefs and worldviews.

Wafik W. Wahba highlights key points of similarity and difference and particular factors that contributed to divergence between the Western world and the Muslim world. Exploring the various narratives that have shaped both Christianity and Islam, he argues, is crucial to understanding current trends in Christian-Muslim interactions and their impact on future relations between the two communities globally.

Drawing from decades of experience teaching around the world, Wahba clarifies core beliefs that influence the actions of Muslims and Christians and their attitudes toward the other faith. Global Christianity and Islam: Exploring History, Politics, and Beliefs (InterVarsity Press, 2025) demonstrates how learning from the past should help us avoid repeating mistakes in interactions between religious communities.

Dave Broucek, retired missionary, mission educator and mission administrator, is a lifelong learner in the field of global mission. He values authors who provide critical reflection on the history, theology and practice of Christian mission and considers it a privilege to host author interviews to disseminate their work to a wider public.

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