Dialogue of Life: A Christian Among Allah's Poor

By Bob McCahill

Book Overview

Here is the inspiring testament of Maryknoll Father Bob McCahill, a priest and missioner who for twenty years has pursued an unusual witness among the Muslim poor of Bangladesh. Rather than traditional pastoral work, McCahill simply tries to live as a friend and brother to his Muslim neighbors, offering a positive witness to the gospel ideals of service and love. In a series of small towns he has lived a life of utter simplicity, serving the sick, showing respect for Muslim piety, and explaining to all those who inquire the reasons for his way of life and good works.

In simple yet vivid prose, Father McCahill describes his life, the rhythms of his days and those of his poor but faith-filled neighbors, the occasions for "interreligious dialogue" that emerge out of this living encounter, and his challenging reflections on the implications of this experience for Christian life and mission in the world.

Enhanced by McCahills own prizewinning photographs, Dialogue of Life is a moving example of spirituality in action, and witness to "God who is larger than our hearts."

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1570750661
• ISBN13: 9781570750663
• Release Date: February 1996
• Publisher: Orbis Books
• Length: 109 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Muslim-Christian Dialogue

Bob McCahill in this book gives you a window into the lives of Bangladesh Muslims. He lives his Christian message of Love daily among these people without trying to convert them. The people of Bangladesh who do not believe in altruism are suspicious of his generous giving of self to them. They cannot understand why he would want to do all that he is doing just for them. His work has helped to change the negative view of Bangladesh Muslims about Christians. This book in my opinion should be called "The Diary of a Christ-like Man." It is a day to day account of how one man tries to be Christ-like among non-Christians. You would enjoy every page of this book.

A different type of mission

The man is a pluralist and yet a very devout Christian. I've done several short term mission trips to Bangladesh as a physician. I've met this man and I've lived in villages where life goes on very much as he describes. He is very accurate and compassionate in describing the life of the poor in rural and semi-rual Bangladesh. This is a very good introduction into a theology of non-evangelistic missions. I don't completely agree with him, but I think anyone contemplating missions in an Islamic context should read this book and ponder his message carefully.

A jouney of a compassionate soul

This is a great book. Those who are disturbed by many political crises of our "Modern" world. This book will give you hope. This man earned trust of the people of a war torn country. At the end they thought he was an angel. Genuine compassion can build bridges. I am very impressed by the author's devotion to help people in need. At the same time common people of Bangladesh moved me with their love for Allah (SWT) and their friendliness. Every war takes a little bit of humanity from us. I am pleased to see people of Bangladesh have plenty of humanity left in their heart. May Allah (SWT) bless and guide Bangladesh. May people of all faith live in peace.

A great man's story

A wonderful man's journey through one of the poorest countries. Mr. McCahill shows that true compassion disolves all differences.

Great book!

Bob McCahill's writing really touched the heart. If you are one of those missionaries who are in the the mood of saving "unsaved" people in third world country, then stop...this book isn't for a bigot like you! But if you really want to understand what goes on underneath those small village huts in Bangladesh, how those poverty stricken people live in pride and harmony..then read this book. Cudos to Bob McCahill for writing this book. and many thanks to him for his selfless service to the Bangladeshis who are definitely allah's poor. May you be blessed by the allmighty.