Theology is not done in a vacuum. Our theology is affected by the culture in which we live, and our theology can have unexpected effects on the lives of Christians who live thousands of miles away. This point emerges clearly as we listen to seven Arabic evangelical theologians address issues that are of critical importance to Christians living as minorities in the Muslim world. North American readers may find that many of their assumptions are challenged as they see how respected Christian thinkers from a very different context address issues of biblical interpretation, national and international politics, culture and gender.

Political Islam, Citizenship, and Minorities discusses the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East and the future of political Christianity. The emergence of political Islam and the recent changes in political Christianity in the region have both contributed to a new perception of the role of Arab Christians. Political Christianity is a part of the political discourse in the Middle East; it makes a major contribution to the political life of the region.This book explores Arab political participation in general and particularly examines the role of minorities. The author considers both the impact of political Islam on politics and the concept of a political system based on religious principles. The Copts of Egypt and the Maronites of Lebanon are compared in order to examine the nature of political participation by Arab Christians, and to consider the political theologies behind both communities. Arabism, as a broad concept that includes Islam and other faiths, is our concern. A new vocabulary and fresh concepts for the effective political participation of Arab Christians are introduced in this book, and a new concept of dynamic citizenship that is based on the development of civil society and learns from the problems of the past is developed.

Political Islam, Citizenship, and Minorities discusses the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East and the future of political Christianity. The emergence of political Islam and the recent changes in political Christianity in the region have both contributed to a new perception of the role of Arab Christians. Political Christianity is a part of the political discourse in the Middle East; it makes a major contribution to the political life of the region.This book explores Arab political participation in general and particularly examines the role of minorities. The author considers both the impact of political Islam on politics and the concept of a political system based on religious principles. The Copts of Egypt and the Maronites of Lebanon are compared in order to examine the nature of political participation by Arab Christians, and to consider the political theologies behind both communities. Arabism, as a broad concept that includes Islam and other faiths, is our concern. A new vocabulary and fresh concepts for the effective political participation of Arab Christians are introduced in this book, and a new concept of dynamic citizenship that is based on the development of civil society and learns from the problems of the past is developed.

The Egyptian church has long existed as a minority within a nation dominated by the political, religious, and cultural power of Islam. In this book, Andrea Zaki Stephanous explores the complex relationship that exists between the church and the Egyptian state, tracing the impact of recent political, theological, and societal developments on Christian engagement with broader Egyptian society. Dr. Zaki explores the development of Egypt s protestant theology against a backdrop of over fifty years of Egyptian history, from the rise of political Islam to Egypt s most recent revolutions. He demonstrates the significance of the church s growing commitment to interreligious dialogue, community development, and social engagement as tools for manifesting the kingdom of God amidst the significant cultural and sociopolitical challenges faced by Egypt s Christians. An indepth overview of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) is included as a powerful example of kingdom values in action and the potential of the church to transform society through tangible, incarnational love of neighbor. While this book is an excellent resource for those interested in Christian-Muslim dialogue, political theology, or the modern Egyptian church, it is also a powerful source of encouragement for Christians globally, especially those serving in contexts hostile to the gospel message.

Theology is not done in a vacuum. Our theology is affected by the culture in which we live, and our theology can have unexpected effects on the lives of Christians who live thousands of miles away. This point emerges clearly as we listen to seven Arabic evangelical theologians address issues that are of critical importance to Christians living as minorities in the Muslim world. North American readers may find that many of their assumptions are challenged as they see how respected Christian thinkers from a very different context address issues of biblical interpretation, national and international politics, culture and gender.

Political Islam, Citizenship, and Minorities discusses the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East and the future of political Christianity. The emergence of political Islam and the recent changes in political Christianity in the region have both contributed to a new perception of the role of Arab Christians. Political Christianity is a part of the political discourse in the Middle East; it makes a major contribution to the political life of the region.This book explores Arab political participation in general and particularly examines the role of minorities. The author considers both the impact of political Islam on politics and the concept of a political system based on religious principles. The Copts of Egypt and the Maronites of Lebanon are compared in order to examine the nature of political participation by Arab Christians, and to consider the political theologies behind both communities. Arabism, as a broad concept that includes Islam and other faiths, is our concern. A new vocabulary and fresh concepts for the effective political participation of Arab Christians are introduced in this book, and a new concept of dynamic citizenship that is based on the development of civil society and learns from the problems of the past is developed.

Political Islam, Citizenship, and Minorities discusses the relationship between religion and politics in the Middle East and the future of political Christianity. The emergence of political Islam and the recent changes in political Christianity in the region have both contributed to a new perception of the role of Arab Christians. Political Christianity is a part of the political discourse in the Middle East; it makes a major contribution to the political life of the region.This book explores Arab political participation in general and particularly examines the role of minorities. The author considers both the impact of political Islam on politics and the concept of a political system based on religious principles. The Copts of Egypt and the Maronites of Lebanon are compared in order to examine the nature of political participation by Arab Christians, and to consider the political theologies behind both communities. Arabism, as a broad concept that includes Islam and other faiths, is our concern. A new vocabulary and fresh concepts for the effective political participation of Arab Christians are introduced in this book, and a new concept of dynamic citizenship that is based on the development of civil society and learns from the problems of the past is developed.

The Egyptian church has long existed as a minority within a nation dominated by the political, religious, and cultural power of Islam. In this book, Andrea Zaki Stephanous explores the complex relationship that exists between the church and the Egyptian state, tracing the impact of recent political, theological, and societal developments on Christian engagement with broader Egyptian society. Dr. Zaki explores the development of Egypt s protestant theology against a backdrop of over fifty years of Egyptian history, from the rise of political Islam to Egypt s most recent revolutions. He demonstrates the significance of the church s growing commitment to interreligious dialogue, community development, and social engagement as tools for manifesting the kingdom of God amidst the significant cultural and sociopolitical challenges faced by Egypt s Christians. An indepth overview of the Coptic Evangelical Organization for Social Services (CEOSS) is included as a powerful example of kingdom values in action and the potential of the church to transform society through tangible, incarnational love of neighbor. While this book is an excellent resource for those interested in Christian-Muslim dialogue, political theology, or the modern Egyptian church, it is also a powerful source of encouragement for Christians globally, especially those serving in contexts hostile to the gospel message.