Islamophobia: What Christians Should Know (and Do) About Anti-Muslim Discrimination

In this impactful analysis, Duffner (Finding Jesus Among Muslims), a doctoral student in theology at Georgetown University, urges Christians to own up to and combat Islamophobia. The author, informed by her own Catholic faith and its robust “social teaching,” positions Islamophobia as both a social justice and a religious freedom issue. She provides an informed introduction to Islamophobia, tracing “waves of worsening” anti-Muslim rhetoric in American politics, rising numbers of attacks against Muslims, and xenophobic language from Christian pulpits. Particularly powerful are stories of Muslims being disparaged, abused, or otherwise discriminated against in Christian contexts—such as the Islamophobic chain email that inspired her to write this book—that offer “tragic and tangible evidence” of an Islamophobia that is often invisible to or ignored by most Christians. Duffner calls Christians to confront Islamophobia by speaking out against it, using one’s “insider status” to help Muslim neighbors in need, and admitting personal biases. This affecting testament and call to action will persuade any Christian to practice love for their neighbors, regardless of their faith. (May)