The relationship between the Christian and Muslim worlds has been a long and tortuous one. Over the course of the centuries the balance of power has swung in pendulum fashion-at times the initiative seems to have lain with the Muslim community, with the Christian world simply being compelled to react to developments outside itself, while at other points the opposite has been true and Muslims have found themselves having to respond to Christian challenges in different forms. Today Christians and Muslims comprise the world's two largest religious communities. Although they can coexist fairly peacefully, at times they still engage in violent confrontation, such as in the recent conflicts in Bosnia and the Sudan. This book investigates the history of the relationships between Christians and Muslims over the centuries, from their initial encounters in the medieval period, when the Muslims were the dominant group, through to the modern period, when the balance of power seems to have been reversed. This much-needed overview of the Christian-Muslim encounter places the emphasis on the context within which perceptions and attitudes were worked out and provides a depth of historical insight to the complexities of current Christian-Muslim interactions on different continents.

One of the most persistent problems in Christian-Muslim relations over the centuries has been the tendency by each to judge the other by standards and criteria not used in assessing itself. Goddard argues that such is no longer admissible and proceeds to offer a number of useful insights.

One of the most persistent problems in Christian-Muslim relations over the centuries has been the tendency of each group to judge the other by a set of standards and criteria quite different from the standards and criteria used in assessing itself. Hugh Goddard argues that in the 20th century such a procedure is no longer admissible. He goes on to point out some of the useful insight which may be gained - by the members of both communities in their understanding both of their own faith and of that of the other - by an attempt to apply the same criteria to both traditions. Goddard discusses parallels, similarities and divergences with clarity and insight. The question of "fundamentalism" is given particularly detailed analytical treatment. This book sets new standards in the understanding of both religions and their understanding of each other.

Hugh Goddard investigates the history of the relationships between Christians and Muslims over the centuries.

Christians and Muslims comprise the world's two largest religious communities. This book looks at the history of their relationship - part peaceful co-existence and part violent confrontation - from their first encounters in the medieval period up to the present. It emphasises the theological, cultural and political context in which perceptions and attitudes have developed and gives a depth of historical insight to the complex current Christian-Muslim interactions across the globe.

Christians and Muslims comprise the world's two largest religious communities. This book looks at the history of their relationship - part peaceful co-existence and part violent confrontation - from their first encounters in the medieval period up to the present. It emphasises the theological, cultural and political context in which perceptions and attitudes have developed and gives a depth of historical insight to the complex current Christian-Muslim interactions across the globe.