Beyond Dialogue

In these times of rising tensions between Christians and Muslims across the world, the need for harmony and peace has never been more urgent. As one of the world’s leading advocates of interfaith dialogue, Craig Considine introduces readers to the provocative idea of the Synthesis of Civilizations, a theory that pushes beyond dialogue to show where and how Western and Islamic civilizations have been – and continue to be – in a deeper union with one another.

With an open mind and a deep appreciation of the Abrahamic tradition, Considine takes readers on a fascinating journey across history and the current state of Christian–Muslim relations in seven “battleground” regions of the world. Alongside the undeniable tensions between Christians and Muslims, the book presents and applies an interfaith community-building tool – DEUCE – focused on dialogue, education, understanding, commitment, and engagement. With unprecedented civilizational scope and sweeping sociological insight, Considine does full justice to the religious and social bonds between Christianity and Islam.

While daily headlines highlight the shared fear, persecution, and violence experienced by Christians and Muslims worldwide, Beyond Dialogue is intended to inspire interfaith bridge builders who are passionate about defending and promoting civility, humanity, and pluralism on the world stage.

Introduction
Chapter One – Humanity
The Arabian Peninsula
Chapter Two – Hybridity
Europe
Chapter Three – Heterogeneity
Turkey and Its Neighbors
Chapter Four – Honor
Pakistan and Its Neighbors
Chapter Five – Harmony
West Africa and Egypt
Chapter Six – Healing
The United States of America
Chapter Seven – Holiness
The Holy Land
Conclusion “Craig Considine isn’t just a scholar; he’s a real-world practitioner. That’s why what he writes is so powerful, and there has scarcely been a time in the world when these lessons were needed more than they are now.”
Rev. Johnnie Moore, President, The Congress of Christian Leaders

“In this thought-provoking book on one of the world's most challenging issues, Considine introduces a new way of thinking and acting to foster stronger bonds between Christians and Muslims. Going beyond the Dialogue of Civilizations, it promotes a Synthesis of Civilizations, urging pluralism over mere tolerance and fostering deeper, meaningful interfaith relationships for the public good.”
Professor Ihsan Yilmaz, Research Chair in Islamic Studies, Deakin University Craig Considine is an award-winning sociology professor at Rice University. He is recognized as an authority in interfaith dialogue, particularly Christian and Muslim relations, issues on which he regularly speaks for public audiences and media outlets around the world.