More in Common Than You Think: The Bridge Between Islam and Christianity

By William W. Baker, 1998, Defenders Publications, Las Vegas, NV, 125 pp. List: $13.95; AET: $11.50.

Reviewed by Srinidhi Anantharamiah

William W. Baker, a well-traveled Christian theologian and Biblical archeologist, has released an important work that is timely and pertinent to advancing human understanding and tolerance by shattering stereotypes and misconceptions that have often arisen between followers of the world’s two largest monotheistic faiths, Christianity and Islam. In this clear and concise text, Baker introduces lay persons to the great religion of Islam, which now has some 1.2 billion adherents and is the fastest-growing religion in both the United States and the United Kingdom. When the media reports tragic conflicts between Muslims and non-Muslims in such diverse regions as Kosovo, Ethiopia, Kashmir, Lebanon, and Israel/ Palestine, one can only ask, is it religions that bring about wars, or is it opportunistic politicians misusing scripture, who bring about the death, destruction and needless suffering?

Baker’s central theme throughout More in Common Than You Think is mapping the common ground between Islam and Christianity. The first three chapters give the reader some insight into the origins and development of Islam. Even in the historical background, the author illustrates the common origins of Islam and Christianity and the significance of Old Testament scripture to both faiths. He draws special attention to the life and message of Prophet Muhammad and his vision of tolerance and peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims. Baker also provides a good explanation of the five basic tenets of Islam: Witnessing, Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving, and Pilgrimage. He relates these basic tenets of Islam to the basic principles of Christianity.

Chapters four through six are devoted exclusively to clarifying common misperceptions and stereotypical presentations of Islam and Christianity, which have sadly come to be accepted as facts by many Westerners. These include the role of the Gospel of Christ in Islamic thought, the persistent equation of Arab and Islam, ignoring the fact that not all Muslims are Arab and not all Arabs are Muslim, the differing roles of women in Islamic countries, and the various meanings of the term jihad. These chapters are perhaps the most important in Baker’s compilation of common ground between Muslims and Christians. They are presented very succinctly and are not accusatory or denunciatory toward any religious community. Baker argues intelligently that blindly accepting popular media representations of fringe elements in both Christianity and Islam is a serious injustice to the millions of Muslims and Christians who follow their respective faiths and live and work side by side.

The last chapter gives special emphasis to contemporary Islam and Christianity and the possibilities of building dialogue at the community level to avoid misunderstandings and to seek a more accommodating environment based on peace and mutual respect, particularly in the West. He also presents examples of Islamic contribution to the arts and sciences.

Baker’s final analysis also poses an important challenge. He asks the reader what he or she will do with the knowledge acquired from reading this summary of the parallels between the world’s two largest religions. He urges readers not only to do more research and reading about Christianity and Islam but also to share their understanding with fellow truth seekers.

Baker notes that his own insights into the similarities between the two faiths have culminated in the founding of CAMP (Christians and Muslims for Peace). CAMP is an organization of Christians and Muslims who believe that by working together within their communities and nations they can help resolve many of the current conflicts in which Muslims and Christians are opposing one another. Baker directly asks what is wrong with peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims.

Baker supplements his text with an easy-to-comprehend glossary of Islamic terms and a suggested reading list to encourage the reader to further his or her understanding of both Islam and Christianity. He provides some photos of his work at CAMP to promote peaceful dialogue between Muslims and Christians.

As a person of Hindu background who accepts Christian principles and is seeking to understand the parallels between the world’s two largest faiths, I think Bill Baker’s book serves as an excellent reference and one whose time has come. It is not intended as a scholarly treatise on comparative religion. Instead, as Baker points out in his analysis, his intention is to open the minds of all readers. The author kept my interest through concise and clear explanations in a question-and-answer format. I highly recommend this text to anyone of inquisitive mind who wishes to seek knowledge in the hope of sharing it with others.

Chinese philosopher Lao-tzu said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” True understanding of the common ground that exists between Islam and Christianity can begin with a reading of this thought-provoking book.

Srinidhi Anantharamiah, Ph.D., is an economist and free-lance writer currently based in Mississippi. He can be reached via e-mail at Srinidhia@Hotmail.com.