Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard : A Guide to Building Relationships with People of Other Faiths and Cultures

Rating:
Summary: Excellent! Practical, concise, and loving...
Review: A straightforward and caring resource for understanding one's owns views of other cultures and religions, as well a guide to relating to individual internationals.

In the first part, Pillai outlines "America's Great Opportunity." A quiz reveals your knowledge of other cultures, outlines present opportunities, and asks you to look at your own attitude as you interact with internationals. (I'm a "dodger" p.36)

Part 2 provides specific guidelines for a variety of cultures. Did you know you should not point your feet or the soles of your shoes toward an Egyptian? (p. 143)

Part 3 addresses the most effective ways to present the gospel to people of other religions. There are difficult issues to ponder, for example, a Muslim may say, "Since Jesus was not able to save himself from persecution, how can he be God?" (p. 203)

An epilogue deals with starting a ministry to Internationals in your church.

This book is a loving challenge and resource for all Christians.

Rating:
Summary: Particularly mindful of human considerations
Review: Reaching The World In Our Own Backyard by Rajendra K. Pillai is a guidebook for spreading the Christian faith to Americans whose native cultures may be unfamiliar -- particularly those of Muslim and Hindu backgrounds. From overcoming personal biases; to the do's and don'ts for handling culturally sensitive issues; to starting a ministry dedicated to internationals in within one's own Christian community, Reaching The World In Our Own Backyard is an excellent primer and one which is particularly mindful of human considerations that need to be taken into account when doing Christian outreach work.

Rating:
Summary: What everyone should know
Review: This book presents a refreshing look at the way our world has changed, right under our noses. It is well written, easy to read, and promises to be an eye opener for many. It is full of practical ideas on how we can bridge the gap between ourselves and people from other cultures, ethnicities, and religions. Anyone who cares about getting to know people from other parts of the world, as well learning how to sensitively share their faith, should have it.