No God But One Review

No God but One: Allah or Jesus? Nabeel Qureshi. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016.

Mind. Reason. Debate. Logic. Evidence. History. Nabeel Qureshi presents his new book No God but One: Allah or Jesus? as the “mind” of his journey from Islam to Christianity (following his book Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus which he calls the “heart” of his own personal story). Yet, mind, reason, debate—dry words. Weighty words. Potential-weapon-words. This is not the case with Nabeel’s book. Personal stories and anecdotes keep it from becoming too dry. But more—why does this matter? Not a mere intellectual debate. Heart beating, tears, blood, lives are lost. Nabeel does not lose this and does not allow us to lose this perspective. No mere mind matter, but life and death.

Nabeel succinctly takes the huge topic and presents it under two questions: Are Islam and Christianity really all that different? Can we know whether Islam or Christianity is true? Well organized, linear, succinct summaries help guide the reader through weighty and controversial topics, alternating between Islam’s presentation and Christianity’s stance. He creates small steps towards understanding, building upon each other. Not denying Christian truth nor diminishing it, but not overly exaggerating differences either. Because he deals with such weighty topics such as the Trinity, original sin, differences between the Christian God and Allah, Quran and the Bible, the reader can sometimes wish for greater depth. However, Nabeel’s presentations are sufficient and manageable. His goal is to build bridges, open doors, not exhaust. 

This book is impressive in its breadth. Delving into history, uncovering. It is impressive in its logical and bold search for truth. A gamut—from history, Crusades, holy war, resurrection, death on the cross, Nabeel is zealous to answer his Muslim friends’ questions. He probes into some of the tough questions and gives enlightening insight. However, if this daunts the reader, Nabeel doesn’t get caught off track with minute questions but is able to clearly lay out the essentials, the foundational arguments in a way that helps me feel truly equipped to get to the heart of the matter.

As a Christian reader, more than mind was edified. I learned from the Muslim perspective on our God—augmenting the wonder of grace. Learning from their high view of holiness. Deepening appreciation of love. Knowing our God is worthy of public confession, no matter the cost. There is a love that is better than life—more than mind truth, a Living True God.

It also equipped the readers for conversations among Christian circles to understand our Muslim friends rather than fear or distance. We need not be afraid of our Muslim friends or of the truth. It is not just a tool, not just a dry debate, it is a book that helps create planks in the bridges of conversations and friendships. It is a book that will find an undusty home on my bookshelf. 

Special pre-order offers for individuals and groups: http://www.nabeelqureshi.com/no-god-but-one-pre-order