Christians and Muslims: From Double Standards to Mutual Understanding

Hugh Goddard provides a cogent analysis to the problems inherent in Christian-Muslim understanding. He begins by recognizing the great level of ignorance that exists between these religious communities and the subjective standards they apply to each other. Both Christians and Muslims criticize each other through a flawed and narrow lens that distorts rather than illuminates, and when self-criticism is applied double-standards emerge. Goddard offers an alternative which challenges both religious communities to adopt a more consistent approach in the way they observe and understand each other. Although Goddard may not resolve all the complexities of interfaith dialogue, he provides a foundation for mutual understanding to take place. This is, perhaps, the best book I've read on Christian-Muslim relations. I strongly recommend it to anyone interested in understanding the dynamics between Christianity and Islam and/or comparative religions.