Isa

Muslims have always believed in the Prophethood of Jesus - or 'Isa - (peace be upon him). Islam is the only religion (other than Christianity) that recognizes Jesus and makes it compulsory upon its adherents to believe in him. The Qur'ān is replete with anecdotes about the life and teachings of Jesus. I commend Dave Andrews for writing these wonderful reflections about Jesus to enhance the 'interconnectedness' between Muslims and Christians in a time of hostility. His work is a testimony to his genuine desire to bring people of different faith persuasions together, to discuss Jesus in a respectful manner. I ask God Almighty to bless this honourable treatise and grant success to its author in bringing people together in a way that can enhance our humanity. Mohamad Abdalla Mohamad Abdalla is regarded as one of Australia's most respected Muslim leaders. He is Founding Director of the Griffith Islamic Research Unit and the Director (QLD Node) of National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies Australia As a leading community development practitioner, Dave Andrews has enjoyed the friendship of people from various religious traditions ... and has sought to find common ground with his Muslim friends... In this reflective reader he has sought to bring about a respectful listening regarding the Messiah from the New Testament tradition and that of the Muslim faith... This is the song of a God for all and close to all: a God in whom we have our very being ... who draws close and nurtures us ... in the Stranger from Galilee. Charles Ringma Charles Ringma is a world-renowned Brisbane-based theologian who has served in Asia, Canada and Australia. He is Emeritus Professor of Regent College, Vancouver and Research Professor of Asian Theological Seminary, Manila. Dave Andrews, his wife Ange, and their family, have lived and worked in intentional communities with marginalized groups of people in Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India for forty years. Dave is interested in radical spirituality, incarnational community and the dynamics of personal and social transformation. He is author of many books, including Not Religion, But Love, A Divine Society, People Of Compassion, Compassionate Community Work, the Plan Be series, Bismillah and Isa. Dave and Ange and their friends started Aashiana, Sahara, and Sharan, faith-based community organizations working with slum dwellers, sex workers, drug addicts, and people with HIV/AIDS in India; and they are now part of the Waiters Union, an inner city Christian community network that is working alongside people of other faiths with Aborigines, refugees and people with disabilities in Brisbane, Australia. Dave is a founder of the Waiters Union; an educator for TEAR Australia; an international aid agency; a trainer for Praxis Community Co-operative; a teacher at Christian Heritage College; an elder emeritus for Servants To Asia's Urban Poor; and a member of AMARAH--Australian Muslim Advocates for the Rights of All Humanity.