Bibliography Author: Carol LaHurd

Guest editor for theme issue and author of article. LaHurd summarizes the global history of Muslim-Christian interaction, explores issues that can help or hinder future relations and cooperation among Muslims and Christians in the United States, and provides an appendix of resources for guiding such encounters.

In the face of ongoing ethnic and political conflicts worldwide, reading and discussion of scripture across religious boundaries is one strategy for defusing antagonisms. Drawing upon the author’s experience with both biblical interpretation and dialogue among Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this essay describes potential benefits and hazards of such interfaith reading and provides practical suggestions for initiating this form of dialogue encounter.

In the aftermath of the first Persian Gulf War, the authors describe economic and political characteristics of the Arab Middle East, the effects of that 1991 conflict, and Arab aspirations for change. Also explored are potential positive roles for American churches and Christians.