Christians: Secularism Yes and No
Jan H. Boer

5.25 x 8 - 288 Pages
Studies in Christian-Muslim Relations--Volume 5

A basic challenge today is the question of Islam versus Secularism. It is a major contributing factor to the 9/11 debacle. Volume 4 of this series discloses the Muslim rejection of secularism. This volume contains two Christian approaches to the same issue: that of Nigerian Christians and the more wholistic approach of Neo-Calvinism. Both approaches were hammered out in the course of politico-religious struggles. One seeks refuge in the face of a Muslim community that reacts to threats. The other develops a wholistic pluralistic alternative against oppressive and intolerant "liberal" secularism. The Neo-Calvinist response to secularism today evokes the consent, not to speak of admiration, even of the spiritual descendants of those early "liberals" as well as of Christians from around the world. The two approaches are not pitted against each other: the Neo-Calvinist approach is meant to supplement and deepen the approach most current in Nigeria.

This series is a case study of the general global crisis in the relations between Christianity, Islam and Secularism. As such, it has serious relevance for all who are interested in these relationshipsóand today, who isn't?

Dr. Jan H. Boer (Ph.D.-Amsterdam) has worked in Nigeria for a total of thirty years. He has served the Institute of Church & Society, the Christian Health Association of Nigeria, the University of Jos, the Theological College of Northern Nigeria and the Christian Reformed Church of Nigeria. He has written significant books on economic and social issues in Nigeria. See his Web site www.SocialTheology.com. He continues research and writing in Vancouver, Canada, with occasional trips to Nigeria.