Once in a while the Lord turns someone's heart toward exploring unlikely places and peoples. To most of us, the endeavor seems cumbersome and unnecessary, but has the potential to result in a glimpse into an evasive world. David Pinault is one of those people whose childhood aspirations turned into a career that led him to many Muslim countries, where he gained knowledge about the religion that is most resistant to the Gospel. This newly found knowledge not only deepened his own faith but also resulted in his singular book: The Crucifix on Mecca's Front Porch.
Pinault introduces his book by explaining why studying Islam will help the Christian become deeper in his own faith. As witnessed in his own spiritual journey, Pinault argues that being confronted about his beliefs as he traveled in Muslim countries and taught Islam compelled him to learn about the Catholic Church. As a convert, I couldn't agree with his observation more. Of course, we do not need to learn about Islam to become virtuous and holy people of God. However, in our attempt to unearth why Islam spread so far and wide and why Muslim countries remain so closed to the Good News of Christ, we will first develop a new appreciation for the Trinity and the Incarnation and then realize that the permanent solution can only be found in the arms of Christ.
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