The Arab Christ: Towards an Arab Christian Theology of Conviviality

The author analyzes the challenges facing Arab Christian communities in fostering understanding between Christians and Muslims in the Arab world, particularly in Lebanon. He calls for a re-evaluation of attitudes and an engagement based on shared traditions and solidarity to address socio-political and socio-cultural challenges.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2022
Publisher: Gingko Library

Through a meticulous examination of the writings of four Lebanese theologians, the author delves into the intricate challenges faced by individuals within Arab Christian communities who strive to promote harmony and understanding between Christians and Muslims in the Arab world. The author analyzes the current state of the Arab Christian communities, particularly focusing on their weakened position in Lebanon following the country's civil war between 1975 and 1990. Furthermore, the author advocates for a fundamental re-evaluation of Arab Christians' attitudes towards Arab Muslims and their faith, urging them to engage in a meaningful dialogue based on mutual recognition of the shared traditions of Christianity and Islam. Additionally, the author emphasizes the importance of the faiths working together in solidarity to address the socio-political and socio-cultural challenges prevalent in the Arab world today. Concluding the study, the author identifies the foundation upon which a shared spiritual quest for moral and political commitment can be realized.

Introduction:
The Arab world is characterized by a rich cultural and religious diversity, with Arab Christians constituting a significant minority. Despite this diversity, there has been a longstanding tension and conflict between Christians and Muslims, often fueled by political, social, and economic factors. This conflict has had a detrimental impact on the Arab Christian communities, leading to a decline in their numbers and a loss of their cultural and religious identity.

The Challenges Facing Arab Christian Communities:
One of the primary challenges facing Arab Christian communities is the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Arab world. Islamic fundamentalism is a political ideology that seeks to establish a strict interpretation of Islam as the sole legitimate form of religion and society. This ideology has been gaining popularity in the Arab world, particularly in countries such as Egypt, Syria, and Iraq, where it has led to the persecution and marginalization of Arab Christians.

The Weakened Position of Arab Christians in Lebanon:
Lebanon is a country that has experienced significant political and social unrest in recent decades, including a civil war that lasted from 1975 to 1990. The civil war was characterized by sectarianism, which divided the country along religious lines, with Christians and Muslims forming two distinct groups. The war resulted in the displacement of millions of people, including many Arab Christians, and the destruction of much of the country's infrastructure.

The Need for Accommodation and Understanding:
In the face of rising Islamic fundamentalism and the weakened position of Arab Christian communities, there is a pressing need for accommodation and understanding between Christians and Muslims. This can be achieved through a re-evaluation of Arab Christians' attitudes towards Arab Muslims and their faith, as well as through an engagement between the faiths based on mutual recognition of the shared traditions of Christianity and Islam.

A Shared Spiritual Quest for Moral and Political Commitment:
To promote accommodation and understanding between Christians and Muslims, Arab Christians need to embark on a shared spiritual quest for moral and political commitment. This quest should involve a deep understanding of the teachings of both Christianity and Islam, as well as a commitment to promoting the values of peace, justice, and human dignity.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the challenges facing Arab Christian communities in the Arab world are complex and multifaceted. However, by promoting accommodation and understanding between Christians and Muslims, based on mutual recognition of the shared traditions of Christianity and Islam, and through a shared spiritual quest for moral and political commitment, Arab Christian communities can play a vital role in fostering peace and stability in the Arab world.

Dimension: 23 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914983023