Islam & Christianity: A Revealing Contrast
AI Summary & Reviews.
Islam & Christianity: A Revealing Contrast by Dr. James F. Gauss is a comparative analysis that examines the theological and ideological differences between Islam and Christianity. Published in 2009 by Bridge-Logos Foundation, the book spans 389 pages and is available in both paperback and digital formats.
Overview and Themes
Dr. Gauss, drawing from his extensive experience in Christian ministry and research into Islamic teachings, aims to provide readers with insights into the fundamental distinctions between the two religions. The book delves into topics such as the origins of Islam, the nature of God in both faiths, the roles of Jesus and Muhammad, concepts of salvation, and the treatment of non-believers. Gauss presents his arguments from a Christian perspective, often highlighting areas where he perceives contradictions or challenges within Islamic doctrine.
Reception
The book has elicited a range of responses from readers. Some appreciate its straightforward approach to contrasting the two faiths, noting its utility in understanding Christian apologetics. Others criticize it for perceived bias and a lack of nuanced understanding of Islamic beliefs. For instance, one reviewer on Goodreads expressed that the book felt unwelcoming and lacked a balanced perspective.
Availability
Islam & Christianity: A Revealing Contrast is available for purchase through various retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Powell’s Books. It can also be found on the author’s official website, Books by Gauss.
If you’re interested in exploring comparative religion from a Christian viewpoint, this book offers a perspective that emphasizes the contrasts between Christianity and Islam.
Endorsements & Reviews.
5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for America
Lt. Gen._Jerry Boykin (Ret.)
This review is from: Islam & Christianity (Paperback)
This book is an important read for Americans regardless of their religious beliefs. As James Gauss explains, the threat from Islam is based on a 1400 year old theology which Gauss outlines in the most understandable terms of any book I have read on the subject. The book debunks many of the myths about Islam that have created confusion for Americans in general and for Christians specifically. I will use this book as a reference for dialogue on the subject of Islam. I highly recommend this to all.
James
Thanks so much. I have a copy and have read it with great interest. You are doing a great work and I feel that it is only a matter of time until people like you will be recognized as ” watchmen”. Keep up the great work. I would love to have a signed copy. My address is 118 South South St, Farmville Va, 23901. May God bless you…………..Jerry
Sent from my iPad
On Dec 13, 2010, at 3:58 PM, “The Patriot’s Corner”
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Amazon 5-star. To the Churches of the US: Learn About Islam, May 4, 2010
Amazon Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: Islam & Christianity: A revealing Contrast (Kindle Edition)
Our Christian Churches are ignorant about traditional Islam and its current resurgence. With this book Christians have no excuse to remain ignorant of Islam. I have searched through dozens of books on Islam, especially those that compare and contrast Islam with Christinity. Most sugar-coat that religion and draw false conclusions in their comparisons. This is the first book I’ve found that presents an accurate and concise doctrine by doctrine comparison between Islam and Christianity.
It is understandable that Obama, a former(?) Muslim and a self-declared Islamic sympathizer, defends Islamic nations and refuses to identify Islamic terror as a component of traditional Islamic ideology. He defends his brethren.
It is understandable that the media, most of whom are atheists or half-hearted believers raised in liberal churches, do not distinguish Islam from any other religion in terms of its destructive culture and propensity toward terror. They appeal to the ignorant masses.
It is understandable that academicians who make their living by critiquing the evils of the status quo and the bright future of cultural diversity and alternative lifestyles defend Islam. That makes them agents of new ideas and super tolerant of the intolerant.
What is not understandable is the silence of our Christian Churches and Jewish Synagogues regarding Islam. A search of the websites of the major Presbyterian, Methodist, Lutheran, Baptist and Catholic denominations show an absence of understanding of the Islamic threat. Instead, there is typically the simplistic injunction to “love your neighbor” and “embrace all believers in God or Allah – we are all God’s children.” A call for ecumenicalism – “discover what we hold in common” – is often the priority when churches refer to Islam. Jews simply succumb to the Stockholm syndrome and don’t say anything just to get along though their subliminal fears from their past.
Churches fail to understand and teach the diametrically opposite and potentially deadly doctrines of Islam. Christianity: Love and forgiveness; Islam: Intimidation and submission. Christianity: Tolerance; Islam: Intolerance. Our churches have not grasped the concept “that when tolerance becomes a one way street it leads to cultural suicide” as stated by Lt. Col. Allen West. Opposites even exist in the beliefs concerning end times: The Christian “savior” (Messiah) is the Islamic anti-Christ, and the Islamic savior (Mahdi) is the Christian anti-Christ. God and Allah are not the same. Their differences are striking for those who care to understand them.
When will the churches wake up? Sure, “the meek will inherit the earth. But the meek don’t need to remain ignorant. Their culturally diverse political correctness will corrupt their beliefs. At a minimum our churches need to be teaching the true nature of Islam in their Sunday School classes. Teaching commonalities is nice. We have things in common with Scorpions (we are all God’s creatures) but, really, the differences are very important. Differences are essential to convey to its members. There should be strong words from the pulpits concerning these differences. There are numerous sermon topics that can spring from defining such differences: God and Allah: Are they the same? Who is the anti-Christ: Christian and Islamic Interpretations. Love and forgiveness: Contrasting perspectives. And my favorite: Terror: Christian or Islamic? There are countless relevant sermon topics on this subject.
Churches waste significant time and energy bashing the so-called Christian “cults” (the “big three”: Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and Christian Scientists) which in fact hold 95% in common and promote the same morality and culture. These are the wrong boogie men. That energy needs to be reprioritized and devoted to revealing facts, motives, and actions about Islam.
The churches don’t have to “preach hate” to get the truth across. Truth is not hate. The facts are not hate. The church really needs to get a spine and enhance awareness among their members of the critical distinctions between Islam and Christianity before they are subject to persecutions that make it even more difficult and painful to reveal the truth. There is something compelling about the expression “the truth shall set you free.” Once we are intimidated against revealing the truth we cease being free.
Islam & Christianity is indeed a revealing contrast – one that every Christian in the US needs to read. This book would make a great text for much needed Sunday School contrasting these two diametrically opposite religions.
I purchased the Kindle version. The bookmark feature is exceedingly helpful. You can create your own customized index. And with the highlight and notes feature, you can enter your own notes and instantly recall them along with the key passages of the text that have made the greatest impact.
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Christian Book 5-star
Reviewed by Betty C Potts (Greenup, IL), July 27, 2010
This book is exactly what I wanted – to learn more about Islam and threat it poses to America – it is frightening – everyone needs to know about this and I hope spread some information – I can always find anything I need at Christianbook.com
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“In every generation, satan raises forces to combat the truth of God and His eternal Word. These forces of darkness are framed within a religion, a philosophy, an ideology, or a political movement. The most forceful of them all is religion. If a religion does not touch the Gospel, its purpose is only the damnation of its adherents. But when religion contradicts the Gospel and also claims superiority over it, then we have an anti-Christ force. Islam is precisely this, an anti-Christ spiritual force.
“The church does not have a pretty history in its combat against Islam. Turkey, Syria, Spain, and Albania are some of the examples of our defeat. These nations were the center of Christendom. What happened then is currently taking place in Great Britain, Europe, and the United States of America. The church became self-centered, indulging in a worldly life, and losing its love for the truth. Consequently, in such spiritual conditions, there will be only a remnant of voices crying out on the roof tops the truth of one true God. These faint voices are men and women who love their God and love the souls of men. They refuse to remain in the status-quo. They are men and women of great conviction.
“Dr. Jim Gauss is one of these voices, raising up a banner against the lies and deceptions of Islam. For a non Muslim to write accurately about Islam takes a lot of research and much study. I commend Dr. Gauss for his accurate description of Islam and his great love for the Muslim people. May this book become an arrow in the heart of Islam, exposing the darkness of this evil religion, and may it open doors of freedom to one fifth of the world’s population.”
Pastor Reza Safa,
A former radical Muslim
Author of Inside Islam
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“. . . the premier, universal authority on Islam today.
“This is now the book on Islam! Unlike other books on the topic, it shines a blazing spotlight on the true nature of Islam by comparing it with Christianity point by point by point. It doesn’t just discuss Islam and then leave you to try to piece together the comparisons. Probably every question you ever had about Muslim beliefs, history, attitudes, and actions is answered in Islam & Christianity–concisely, without wasting a word. You’ll find it difficult to put down this solid, even-handed book. And I doubt that any thinking person could remain a Muslim after reading the real story here.”
James Rutz, author, Megashift
President, Megashift Ministries
Chairman, Open Church Ministries
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“Islam & Christianity is a trumpet blast of warning to the West about the imminent spiritual and geo-political threat of Islam. A classic in-depth study of the contrasts between Christianity and Islam, this monumental work is required reading for anyone wanting to understand the greatest struggle for the souls of men in the 21st Century.”
Rev. Peter Marshall
Peter Marshall Ministries
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“Islam and Christianity provides a very thorough theological comparison of Christianity and Islam. Dr. Gauss goes into great detail relating the beginning of Islam, its writings and beliefs, in sharp contrast to the Bible and Christianity. For someone who loves theology, has contact with Muslims and would like to be able to intelligently discuss the difference in beliefs, this would be a great resource.”
Tom White, Executive Director
The Voice of the Martyrs
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“In an age when the moral equivalence of Islam and Christianity is a dogma that must not be questioned and forms a non-negotiable prerequisite for the public debate, Islam and Christianity comes as a detailed exposition of why they are not equivalent, and why the devout adherents of each may behave in such very different ways. Christians will find this book an enlightening and energizing response to the Islamic jihadists’ civilizational challenge.”
Robert Spencer, author of the New York Times bestsellers
The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (and the Crusades) and
The Truth About Muhammad
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Biblical Study Resource Center
Islam and Christianity: A Revealing Contrast, by James F. Gauss, Ph.D. is a side-by-side comparison between the two religions. Doctor Gauss writes from a Christian perspective. He has obviously made a life-long study of the Bible and has used this background as a means for investigating the Koran. He delves deep into claims that are made by modern adherents of Islam as well as elements in the press, especially regarding its pacific nature.
The book explores areas of the Koran and other Muslim texts about which readers in the West often hear, but never get any cogent analysis. For example Gauss explains the infamous “Satanic Verses” when Mohammed said it was permissible to pray to certain pagan gods in intercession with Allah. Then he reversed himself a short time later saying he had been told to allow the pagan gods by Satan.
Muslim treatment of women is also discussed. It is important to note that in Muslim teaching, women have a second class status. In Muslim texts women are depicted as being less intelligent, and almost chattel for men. Women are not even allowed in a mosque, where they are considered to be a distraction.
Interestingly, the Muslim religion is a successor to the Jewish and Muslim religions. Muslims see themselves as descended from Abraham through his son Ishmael. They believe Ishmael was the legitimate heir of God’s covenant. Mohammed is considered the last in a long line of prophets which included Jesus. Many of the sayings of Mohammed are filled with talk about Jesus, Mary, and other familiar biblical figures.
As “Islam and Christianity” is written from a Christian perspective, Christian readers will find it most interesting. Even so, readers who do not consider themselves Christian will find the book informative on many levels. Theologically, sociologically, and practically, Islam and Christianity are compared and analyzed. Dr. Gauss writes in an engaging and convincing style. He has considerable command of the subject matter. His arguments are clear concise and intelligent.
Ultimately, Dr. Gauss presents fanatical Islam as an aggressive force that must be confronted. In the closing chapters he presents practical things that Christians can do. “Islam and Christianity” is an excellent work for anyone who wants to learn more about Mohammed, the Koran, and Islam, as they relate to current events in the world at large.
Review by W. J. Rayment
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Goodreads Review by Rod
An amazing book that endlessly contrasts Christianity and Islam. Whether people like it or not Islam is quickly taking over the world. How does this happen? Because people are uneducated.
Does Christianity have problems? Sure it does. But these problems happen when people don’t do what the Bible recommends. In Islam the problems start because of their Holy book.
Now I would like to read one that is from an Islamic point of view. although I have a feeling that it would be full of lies.
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More Amazon 5-star Reviews.
The Essence of Similarities and Differences
After purchasing several different books written by various authors concerning this topic, I finally found the ONE! The author takes the reader TO and compares the essence OF each belief system. James Gauss compares the content of the Qur’an (direct quotes and the foremost Islamic authorities) with the correlating content in the Scripture (with direct quotes) ….simply, plainly. Easy to find, to read, to understand the topics of comparison: beliefs, messengers, messages, missions. There is no hidden agenda with this author (as compared to other authors who seem to carry an edge of anger, distrust, confrontation and the like woven between the lines). The truth of each belief system speaks for itself. This is my GO-TO reference for all my teaching. It is worth more than double the price of the book.—Nana K.
Most enlightening! A must read.
This work is very enlightening and almost prophetic as it packs out, in 2007, many warnings that are happening today.
Christians need to know the real origins, mission and drive of Islam. This book gives a wonderful insight with direct application to our present society.—P. A. Clark
Great Book.
This is a great book for sharing what the Koran says and how it relates to Christianity. It is for those who appreciate an educated perspective of the Koran and the Bible. It is straight forward and explains things directly. If you want a book that lays it out straight, this does. I appreciated the defense, using the Koran, the author provided for why Muslims should get along with people of the Bible (Christians and Jews). If you are open-minded and not a Christian, you may like this book. Muslims may not like what it has to say if they are not open-minded. If you are a fundamentalist Muslim, you will probably not like this book unless you can read it with an open mind. If you are an educated person that is Muslim, you may read it for enlightenment.
The contrast of truth and lies.
Although many similar books deal with comparative theology, there is little comparsions [sic] of these two religions, except both are major religions. Unlike many books this is a book about the contrast of Christaininy [sic] and Islam. It is all about contrast: love and hate, black and white, truth and fiction, and history and self-serving fabrication There are no similarities. Even though some say this is the one and same God, you will discover they are not. There are no significant comparsions [sic] with the Judeo-Christian God and the Islamic Allah. One is evil and the other is love. I advise anyone who is seeking the truth to read this book.—Paul Clark
Only One True Religion
The author writes clearly and concisely. An excellent comparison of Christianity versus Islam. Gets right down to the sources–the bible, the Koran, and hadith–and shows the contradictions between the two world religions. The author reconfirms what I have learned from reading Robert Spencer’s books: Islam is a religion of war and of hate; Christianity is a religion of peace and love. Allah definitely is not the God of the bible, the God of Jews and Christians.—Richard
A No Compromise Look at Islam
This is an amazing book! Dr. Gauss gives a stirring and penetrating look at the history of Islam from a Christian perspective. Also, he delves into theological errors and current events relating to Islam. Gauss also shows how Islam has such a long, bloody history. Even some Muslim historians have called Mohammed the prophet of the sword. To me, Muslims are the new Pharisees, with their obsession on foods, rituals, legalism, a focus on external holiness rather than heart purity, and self-righteousness. This book gives a thought provoking analysis of Islam and its threat to Western civilization. Gauss gives a great comparison of the major differences between Islam and Christianity. He has some interesting insights, especially the fact that Muslims don’t have a “Golden Rule”, that they reject original sin, and they have no teaching that all humans are created in the image of God. These theological rejections by Islam, explain the resulting behaviors that we see in the world today. Also, Islam has no redemption for sin and no gospel. The only hope is the gospel of grace, through the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Highly recommended.—G.S.I 2816
This Book is Needed
Lately I have been doing study on Islam. As a Bible College graduate, I was familiar with the basic tenets of Islam, and through the Voice of the Martyrs, I knew Muslims were the biggest persecutors of Christians. Also thanks to the work of Joel Richardson, I was familiar with the Islamic End-Time theory.
Then I came acorss (sic) this book by Dr. Gauss. I was blown away by the information presented. This book is a MUST READ for everybody. It dispels the myth that the God of the Bible and Allah are the same. It dispels the myth of “moderate” Islam and it reveals the ignorance of our society.
Joel Richardson in his book “The Islamic Antichrist” makes a strong case for the Biblical Antichrist rising out of Islam as Al Mahdi and the last major empire being an Islamic Caliphate. James Gauss in his book “Islam and Christianity” shows WHY. He exposes the insecurity of the Muslim mindset and the true goal of Islam…global domination through jihad.
While by no means a “doomsday” book, it does show that the situation is indeed grave and the Church…as well as America has to wake up.
God Bless Dr. Gauss for having the courage to be politically incorrect and telling the truth.—W. Pardy
Very clearly written contrast between the teachings of Islam and Christianity
It’s a large book, well documented and written in an easy-to-read style.—United Kingdom Customer
Every Christian should read this book to better understand the differences between the two religions. The best book on this subject that I have ever read.—Janet Darnell
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