An accessible introduction to basic issues in Christian-Muslim relations by one of the world's veteran experts... clarifies the foundational issues that unite and divide the world's two largest religious traditions.

According to Father Troll, "If Huntington's 'clash of civilizations' is to be avoided, there is no alternative to an honest, open--and at the same time critical--dialogue of religions and cultures between Christians and Muslims, who together constitute more than half the world's population."

A participant in Muslim-Christian conversations for decades, Troll knows intimately the practical problems and shortcomings of both traditions. Learning to distinguish carefully in order to clarify what is at stake, Troll says, is necessary, "if the witness of faith is to meet open hearts and minds, with both sides honestly trying to solve the many problems both traditions have," utilizing the many resources each brings to a suffering world.

Christian W. Troll, a Jesuit, has engaged in studies of Islam since 1961. He is a graduate of the School of Oriental and African Studies in London and the author of several books and numerous articles. German by birth, he has served as professor in India, London, Birmingham, and Rome.