WestBow Press Perceptions of Christianity Among South Asian Muslims in America

This book explores and articulates perceptions of Christianity among South Asian Muslims in America. The South Asian Muslim population in America includes many immigrants and their families. This book analyzes the perceptions of Christianity held by South Asian Muslims in three areas: theological, sociocultural, and ethical (moral). This book addresses both positive and negative perceptions of Christianity; although it mainly focuses on the misperceptions that give rise to conflicting views between Muslim and Christian. The primary goal of this book is to consider how flawed perceptions hinder the effective communication of the Christian gospel in efforts to witness to Muslims in America. This book further explores the sociocultural and ethnic differences among South Asian Muslims and the ways in which their perceptions of Christianity differ. More specifically this book identifies the factors most likely to influence both positive and negative perceptions of Christianity among South Asian Muslims in America. This book also briefly explores the multi-faceted historical background of Islam in South Asia and the impact Islam has had on the assumptions and perceptions of Christianity of South Asian people in general, and specifically on the thinking and perceptions of South Asian Muslims in America. This book includes qualitative research using an ethnographic case study approach. Data presented in this book are collected from two different sources: scholarly literature related to the focal group, and structured interviews with a representative sample of South Asian Muslims in America. The anticipated result is to provide useful information and insights so Christian practitioners can develop useful tools for building harmonious relationships with South Asian Muslims in America and effectively communicating the gospel to them.