Pilgrims of Christ on
the Muslim Road:
Exploring a New Path Between
Two Faiths
Paul-Gordon Chandler

Today's tensions between the "Islamic" East and the "Christian" West run high. Here Paul-Gordon Chandler presents fresh thinking in the area of Christian-Muslim relations, showing how Christ -- whom Islam reveres as a prophet and Christianity worships as Lord -- can close the gap between the two religions. Historically, Christians have taken a confrontational or missionary approach toward Islam, leading many Muslims to identify Christianity with the cultural prejudices and hegemonic ambitions of Westerners.

On the individual level, Christ-followers within Islam have traditionally been encouraged by Christians to break away from their Muslim communities. Chandler looks at how Christ can be "naturalized" on the Muslim Road--at how "Christ walks the Muslim Road"--addressing how a Muslim may follow Christ and remain an active participant, albeit an insider, in his/her Islamic culture as opposed to be ostracized from it. In this regard, Chandler boldly explores how these two major religions -- which share much common heritage -- can not only co-exist, but also enrich each other. He illustrates his perspective with examples from the life of Arab Syrian novelist Mazhar Mallouhi, widely read in the Middle East. Mallouhi, a self-identified "Sufi Muslim follower of Christ," seeks to bridge the chasm of misunderstanding between Muslims and Christians through his novels and life.

ENDORSEMENTS for Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road: Exploring a New Path Between Two Faiths

Philip Yancey, author
"I consider this an important book. What a life Mazhar Mallouhi has lived! He stands in an almost singular position as a bridge between two worlds which, alas, seem to be separated by an ever-increasing divide."

Archbishop Emeritus Desmond M. Tutu
Events of recent years have exacerbated mutual suspicion, fear and misunderstanding between Christians and Muslims. Yet Jesus Christ set in motion a unity that knows no boundaries; he broke all barriers. We must think beyond the present walls of the church to move forward. The issues dealt with in this timely book demonstrate God's divine embrace, providing a bridge in the gap."

Philip Jenkins, distinguished Professor of History and Religious Studies, Pennsylvania State University and author of GOD'S CONTINENT: CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM, AND EUROPE'S RELIGIOUS CRISIS and THE NEXT CHRISTENDOM.
"Following Christ within Islam? As Paul-Gordon Chandler shows, the idea is neither absurd nor impossible. In his timely, refreshing and often surprising book, Chandler seeks to break down the seemingly enormous barriers that divide Christians from Muslims, and in the process offers a potent manifesto for waging peace on Islam. I hope the book finds a very wide readership."

Eugene Peterson, author and Professor Emeritus of Spiritual Theology, Regent College, Vancouver, BC
"That Christians and Muslims don't understand one another is an understatement. Paul-Gordon Chandler knows both groups in detail and first hand. He pushes the rubble of stereotypes to the sidelines and in the cleared space tells the story of the novelist Mazhar Mallouhi, well known in the Arab world. Incredibly, understanding emerges. This book couldn't be more timely."

Lord Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury
"An important and exciting introduction to Mazhar Mallouhi’s life and teachings. I commend this book to all who wish to understand Islam.”

Terry Waite, CBE, former envoy for the Archbishop of Canterbury, hostage negotiator, author
"This very timely book is a must for anyone who would wish to understand Muslim/Christian dialogue. Mazhar Mallouhi has a unique insight which has largely been gained through personal suffering. He has much to teach us."

William Dalrymple, author (From the Holy Mountain, The Last Mughal) and historian
"At a time when Islamaphobia has gripped many Western Christians, Paul-Gordon shows what Christians and Muslims have often been, and can today still be: in a 'clasp' rather than a 'clash' of civilizations. Never has a book like this been more timely, or more necessary."

Brian McLaren, author/activist (brianmclaren.net)
“More and more of us are waking up to our calling to be followers (or disciples) of Jesus, not simply adherents to a form of the Christian religion. For disciples today, that rediscovered identity is exciting, liberating, sometimes disconcerting, unpredictable, barrier-bridging, and wild - just as it was for the original disciples. Paul-Gordon's beautiful new book introduces us to a living example of what this way of life can look like in our contemporary world. Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road is inspiring, timely, potentially controversial, and desperately needed”.

Archbishop Elias Chacour, Melkite Catholic Palestinian Archbishop of Galilee and the Holy Land, Nobel Peace Prize nominee and author of Blood Brothers
“Mazhar Mallouhi is a unique example of courage and a determined witness for truth. His life is among those of the first followers of Christ who risked their lives for him and for the salvation of their people. What Paul-Gordon Chandler has done with the writing of this book is a strong and inspirational act of faith. They are birds of the same feather and they fly together.”

Lamin Sanneh, Professor of World Christianity and of History, Yale University
"Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road" presents the story of the conversion of Mazhar Mallouhi, a Syrian, by exploring his Arab Muslim background and his exile and travels in many countries in North America and the Arab world. Mazhar's own voice comes through in the interview section, which is the last chapter of the book. Described as a man of letters and a child of many cultures, Mazhar Mallouhi offers important insights on Christianity among the Arabs as well as on issues of faith and community. His story is an object lesson on the religious principle in intercultural relations."

Rev. Colin Chapman, Anglican priest and author of Whose Promised Land and Cross and Crescent
"At a time when the political stakes are so high in the confrontation between some Muslims and the West, Christians desperately need to find new ways of thinking about Muslims and Islam. In this context, Mallouhi, a Syrian who describes himself as 'a Muslim follower of Christ', and Chandler, an American Christian, form a powerful and creative partnership. This book therefore has a highly significant message about Christians relating to Muslims all over the world today."

Luci Shaw, Author, The Crime of Living Cautiously, Writer in Residence, Regent College
"I was profoundly moved. This book is unique in presenting the way of Christ through the lens of an influential Muslim writer's life. Mazhar Mallouhi, a Syrian Jesus-follower who remains within his Islamic culture, exemplifies in his own life a startling model of God's forgiving and embracing love. Though his life has been crowded with difficulty and persecution, Mallouhi has influenced the lives of tens of thousands through his books and his personal presence. As well as presenting the many-colored quilt of diversity in belief and practice among Muslims, Chandler shows us the God of "irregularities" and surprises, who works transformatively outside our established systems and strategies, bridging cultural barriers to convince us of the wideness of his mercy."

Ralph Winter, founding president, U.S. Center for World Mission
"Don't be fooled. This is not a book primarily about Islam. Rather it is a unique and surprising new way of looking at the Biblical faith, rescuing it from centuries of human Christian cultural and theological tradition, thus freeing it to become highly attractive to Hindu, Buddhist, and, yes, Muslim seekers. Moreover, it is superbly readable, employing as a "teaching vehicle" the pilgrimage of a Middle Eastern Muslim who was first attracted to Jesus by the concept of Christ in Hindu garments, and has now for decades worn Muslim garments as a believer in Jesus Christ. This book is truly significant for missiology on a global level."

David Neff, Editor and Vice President, Christianity Today
“The stunning story of Mazhar Mallouhi reminds us that God does not leave himself without a witness in any culture, that seemingly impervious soil can bear spiritual fruit, and that the Holy Spirit can do amazing things through humble instruments. Anyone who thinks Islamic culture is a spiritual wasteland simply must read Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road.”

Dr. Greg Livingstone, Founder, Frontiers
“The subject of this book, Mazhar Mallouhi, has been my primary mentor in the Arab World since 1968. This Syrian Muslim, my shepherd, has been more committed to seeing me demonstrate Christ among Muslims than anyone else. Perhaps hundreds of "Peacemakers" could echo my gratitude. This book is a must read-though it won't tell the half.”

Brother Andrew
“We urgently need a thousand more bold initiatives like this one by Paul-Gordon Chandler. I wholeheartedly endorse this book: I pray it will build a new much needed bridge…”

God's Global Mosaic,
What We Can Learn From Christians
Around the World
Paul-Gordon Chandler
Foreward by John Stott

Christians around the world form a “divine mosaic” with each piece of the mosaic being different cultural expression of faith, contributing to a beautiful portrait of who God is. And as we learn from these many cultural expressions of Christian faith, our own faith can be made more complete.

Paul-Gordon Chandler highlights themes from each region and tells inspirational stories, based on scriptural illustrations, from Christians worldwide. As we see God through the eyes of others, new windows of devotion, encouragement and growth open before us, enabling us to see God afresh.

ENDORSEMENTS for God’s Global Mosaic: What We Can Learn from Christians Around the World

You will want to read the interesting (sometimes surprising, often moving, many humorous) stories and illustrations in Paul-Gordon Chandler’s book, God’s Global Mosaic. It is my prayer that you will be blessed, encouraged, and challenged as you read about your Christian brothers and sisters in cultures vastly different from your own, and yet all joined together in one family of God! 
Dr. Billy Graham

My ministry over the last eight years as Archbishop of Canterbury has shown me just how insular we “first world” Christians can be. With his wonderful vision of the global Church, Paul-Gordon Chandler has written a book that brings its glorious diversity and riches to life. I warmly commend it as an encouragement and a challenge to us all.
Lord Carey, 103rd Archbishop of Canterbury

I really liked this book because Paul-Gordon Chandler shows us mission work at its best. It is a style of ministry that is marked by listening and learning from indigenous Christians. It is about partnering with Christians from around the world in the task of contextualizing the Gospel.
Tony Campolo Ph.D., author/activist and professor at Eastern College

Like Paul-Gordon Chandler, I have traveled all around the globe, and have been blessed to worship and serve God with believers of all stripes - - I have seen what he describes. With its broad and insightful perspective, God’s Global Mosaic will open your eyes to the fullness of our faith and refresh your awe of our infinite God.
Charles Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship International

Paul-Gordon Chandler’s book is a “must” read to understand how God is moving throughout the world. I gave copies to all of our senior staff. I heartily recommend it.
Dr. Eugene B. Habecker, President, Taylor University

Having traveled widely… myself, I was excited by this outstanding account, far more extensive than my own experience. Chandler gives us brilliant personal insights into the diversity of Christianity all over the world. We need this book to enlarge our vision, stimulate our compassion and enrich our understanding of the good news.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Green, Former Advisor to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York

Churches with white steeples, people arranged in orderly pews, choruses of “Rock of Ages” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness” – this is often the limited view Americans have of the Christian faith. In God’s Global Mosaic, Paul-Gordon Chandler reveals a broader, richer and compelling view of the Christian faith as a world-wide faith; a view that speaks to the bigness of our God and the diversity of His purposes for all the nations.
Richard E. Stearns, President, World Vision

It is an unfortunate fact that the culture we live in determines much of how we read the Bible and even experience God. Fortunately, God’s Global Mosaic takes off those cultural blinders and exposes us to the profound and sometimes provocative perspectives of non-Western Christians.
Dr. Wesley K. Stafford, President, Compassion International