Recommended Books and Video

There is no shortage of books and videos in the marketplace, but not all are helpful.  Some concentrate solely on political struggles and wars over the centuries, other are highly theological, some just plain hostile.  We've listed a favorite few to get you started, with recommendations for further study.


Pictured at left are the "Interfaith Amigos," engaging in dialogue with wisdom, heart and humor. Click to watch their inspiring TED talk.

Introductory Books
  • Religion Gone Astray: What We Found At The Heart of Interfaith - Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Imam Jamal Rahman
    The “Interfaith Amigos” bring their unique blend of spiritual wisdom, warmth and humor to    this refreshing guide to interfaith dialogue. They lay out five stages of interfaith relationships, ending in a place where conflict can be tolerated and the presence of God shared.
  • What Everyone Needs to Know about Islam - John L. Esposito
    This is a highly readable introduction to Islam written by a Georgetown University professor. The Q&A format allows the reader to study items of greatest interest, and access information easily when questions arise.

Introductory Videos
  • Discover Islam - DVD's
  A series of six 20-30 minute introductory videos on various aspects of Islam and Muslim life, created by Muslims. In the style of a PBS documentary, they are well written and beautifully produced. Click here to see a trailer.
We have been given a large quantity of these series to distribute to churches, schools and other institutions for the cost of shipping alone.  Click here to order. For a printable, downloadable study guide click here.
  An excellent interview with scholar Todd Green. Green places historical context around common misperceptions; a great combination of scholarship and heart.
  • Mohammed: Legacy of a Prophet - DVD
    PBS documentary portraying the Prophet’s life in vivid detail. Interviews with prominent scholars, a nurse and a New York City firefighter bring the message to life.   Reality TV done right. A young, conservative Christian agrees to leave his hometown and spend thirty days living with a Muslim family, learning Arabic and the Qur'an, and dressing and acting like a Muslim.  His transformation is painful, uneven, and unmistakably real. He returns home with his faith intact and his horizons broadened.

For Further Study

Books

  • The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West - Todd Green
   Green is one of the foremost voices countering Islamophobia today. He provides an astute analysis of the political, cultural, economic and religious factors shaping today's climate. He offers a hopeful yet realistic path toward greater peace.
  • Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time - Karen Armstrong
    Armstrong is among the most respected writers on the monotheistic religions. Her work is meticulously researched - and quite academic. Great resource for the highly motivated.
  • My Neighbor Is Muslim - Lutheran Social Services MN
    An introduction to Islam, giving a description of several aspects of Muslim belief and practice and a response to each written from a Christian perspective. The glossary and practical advice on everyday interactions with Muslims are particularly helpful. Available for download here.
  • What Everyone Should Know about Islam and Muslims - Suzanne Haneef 
Haneef, a convert to Islam, is well respected as a scholar in the Muslim world. She provides a thoughtful, forthright and positive overview of Muslim thought and practice from the perspective of a devout member.

Videos
   A half-hour video on the life of Badshah Khan, "the frontier Gandhi."  Badsha Khan, a Muslim, led an unarmed army of 100,000 men in nonviolent resistance to the British and then to the government of Pakistan. A dear friend of Gandhi's, he is a man of equal stature whose story is being lost. While the video doesn't quite capture the power of the man, his legacy is important and this is the best available.
  • Inside the Koran - Antony Thomas - DVD
    A 90-minute look at the Koran and the complex issues it raises. Interviews with Islamic and Christian spokespersons at all points on the political and religious spectrum.  An engaging and perceptive resource.    Great and sometimes lighthearted short interview with Tamim Saidi on a very serious subject.    A joint effort of the Islamic Resource Group and the Minnesota Historical Society, this project brings alive the experience of Minnesota Muslims. The Islamic Resource Group is a superb  resource for speakers and other information. Click for further information on the traveling installation.  
  • National Geographic Presents Jerusalem - DVD
​    Originally produced for Imax theaters, this visually stunning piece takes viewers inside the Holy City from the perspective of a young Muslim, Christian and Jew.    This is an hour-long, wise and witty presentation on the challenges and potential of interfaith dialogue. The “Interfaith Amigos” also have two TED talks and several other presentations available on Youtube.    Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Adichie provides a compelling argument against settling for a unidimensional picture of the other. She reminds us of the power of story and of the wisdom that can come from suffering.    Julia Bacha, a young Brazilian filmmaker, has been chronicling ongoing efforts by Palestinian and Israeli peace groups. Bacha’s courageous work inspires and challenges.

For the really motivated
  • How To Be A Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook - Stuart M. Matlins and Arthur J. Magida, eds.
    Described by the LA Times as “The Things Miss Manners forgot to tell us about religion,” this handy reference book outlines basic beliefs and traditions of 29 faiths/denominations, with wise advice on being a respectful and appropriate attendee at celebrations and worship.
  • Islam in America - Jane I. Smith
    Smith begins with a general introduction to Islam and then outlines the diversity among Muslims in America and challenges of living an authentic Muslim life in a pluralistic society.
  • Muslims, Christians, and the Challenge of Interfaith Dialogue - Jane I. Smith
    Smith brings a wealth of experience and resources to the challenges and adventure of interfaith dialogue. She provides wise guidance for creating lasting relationships and avoiding the pitfalls caused by conflict or inertia.
  • The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion - Jonathan Haidt
    Haidt is a social psychologist who studies the impact of emotion and intuition on worldview and morality.  He offers fascinating insights into how humans  make sense of the world - and how we can shift toward greater wisdom and compassion in ourselves and others.
  • Who Speaks for Islam? : What a Billion Muslims Really Think - John Esposito and Dalia Mogahed
The results of an extraordinary Gallup poll that gathered information from 50,000 Muslims in 35 countries. A data-based counterpoint to the swirling debate on Muslim beliefs.