Malay Muslims: The History and Challenge of Resurgent Islam in Southeast Asia
Overview
Although Muslims of the Malay race are the largest ethnic community of Muslims in the world, they are little known in the Western hemisphere. Writing as an American Christian missionary who lived among Malay Muslims in the Philippines for over 40 years, Robert Day McAmis provides the first comprehensive look at Malay Muslims, describing their history, practices, influence, and distinctive customs. McAmis also gives special attention to the history of their relationship with Christians—a history that is key to understanding the current state of religious and social life in places like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Since Muslims and Christians together comprise 94 percent of the Malay population, peaceful interaction and cooperation between mosque and church are crucial to realizing the economic and political goals of the entire region.
Considering the so-called “Islamic resurgence” of the last few decades, McAmis pleads for dialogue and mutual understanding. Islam is not monolithic, he says, and Muslims are not the enemies of Christians. Malay Muslims in particular, with their diverse traditions and rich history of international relations, are open to outside influence and exchange. McAmis concludes that “the future of Malay Southeast Asia is bright indeed if Muslims and Christians of goodwill work together to solve the problems of this area.”
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Interested in similar titles? Be sure to check out the Eerdmans Christianity and Islam Collection (4 vols.).
- Provides the first comprehensive look at Malay Muslims
- Explores the history and relationship between Malay Muslims and Christians
- Explains the importance of open dialogue and mutual understanding
McAmis’ Malay Muslims must command the attention of all who are eager to learn more about the place of Islam in our world, particularly those who wish to enter with sensitivity and insight into dialogue with Muslims.
—Robert Kolb, Missions Professor of Systematic Theology Emeritus, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis
A helpful introduction to the Muslim population, beliefs, and practices in Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. New missionaries, development workers, and students at Bible colleges and seminaries will find a gold mine of information here.
—Calvin Theological Journal
Writing as an experienced missionary with more than 40 years’ experience in the Philippines, Robert McAmis provides a history of the penetration of Islam, its influence, and the history of Christian-Muslim relations. Noteworthy is the attention given to the traditions and customs of the Malays. In recounting the recent Islamic resurgence, McAmis pleads for Christian-Muslim dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
—International Bulletin of Missionary Research
- Title: Malay Muslims: The History and Challenge of Resurgent Islam in Southeast Asia
- Author: Robert Day McAmis
- Publisher: Eerdmans
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 185
- Resource Type: Topical
- Topic: Islam
