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Any thoughts that peace and prosperity are assured, or that worldviews no longer matter, have been shattered. American Christians must recognize that we are engaged in a real war: a battle for hearts and minds is no less crucial than the battle on the ground.

Americans—even some evangelicals—will be uncomfortable raising such ideas, preferring faith to be a private matter and treating all religions as leading to the same God. Civic religious ecumenism is in fashion. Of course, we want to do nothing to disparage moderate Muslims, create ill will toward peaceful Muslims in America, disrupt national unity, or feed the passions of radical Islamists. But at the same time, we need a bracing dose of realism: like it or not, ancient worldviews are again struggling for domination; we do not all worship the same God.

Christians must take their place, prepared to defend winsomely and lovingly the great kingdom truths that offer love and hope to all humankind.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

In early October, Books & Culture Corner's John Wilson reported that "until a month ago, learning more about Islam was a low priority for all too many Americans. Since the attack, that has changed." In November, Wilson said "There's good reason to believe that there will be staying power to the West's belated 'discovery' of Islam."

Christianity Today's January cover story asks, "Is Islam a Religion of Peace?"

Christian sites discussing Muslim beliefs about Jesus and Christianity are available at The Muslim-Christian Debate, Answering Islam, Campus Crusade for Christ, and FarsiNet.

Muslim perspectives on Jesus and Christianity are also ubiquitous online. They include Al-Sunnah, Harakah, Islam 101, Answering Christianity, and WhatIsIslam.com

In the 1998 article, "Is Islam the enemy?," Sojourners magazine said that the navigation of the road ahead for Christians and Muslims would have profound consequences for both communities—and for the world.

In 2000, Christianity Today focused on Muslim-Christian relations in a series by Wendy Murray Zoba. Articles included:

Islam, U.S.A.Are Christians prepared for Muslims in the mainstream? (March 27, 2000)

Islamic FundamentalsChristians have a responsibility to understand our Muslim neighbors and their beliefs. (March 28, 2000)

How Muslims See ChristianityMany Muslims don't understand Christianity—especially the idea of salvation by grace through faith. (March 29, 2000)

Engaging Our Muslim NeighborsThe Church faces a challenge not just to understand Muslims, but to befriend them. (March 30, 2000)

For more perspective on the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, see previous Christianity Today essays including:

Letter from a Muslim SeekerChristians aren't the only ones asking 'Why?' after September's tragedy. (Dec. 5, 2001)

Leaving 'Normal' BehindLife before September 11 seemed more secure, but do we really want it back? (Dec. 12, 2001)

Blame GameSeeking mercy is a better response to 9/11 than seeking meaning. (Nov. 8, 2001)

To Embrace the EnemyIs reconciliation possible in the wake of such evil? (Sept. 21, 2001)

After the Grave in the AirTrue reconciliation comes not by ignoring justice nor by putting justice first, but by unconditional embrace. (Sept. 21, 2001)

Taking It PersonallyWhat do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

Recent Charles Colson columns for Christianity Today include:

Wake-up CallIf September 11 was a divine warning, it's God's people who are being warned. (Nov. 5, 2001)

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January 7 2002, Vol. 46, No. 1