Islam and the West

This groundbreaking tome by Sudibyo Markus provides a comprehensive analysis of the history of Muslim-Christian relations, from the early spread of Islam to the present day. The author identifies four historical events that have profoundly affected these relations, beginning with the Crusades War, explained as the catalyst for the ensuing hostilities that persist between Muslims and Christians today. With references to the Qur’an, the work of notable scholars, and relevant statistical data, Markus details the causes and effects of prejudices and makes a case for peace. He points to several successful intercivilizational dialogues for religious peace in modern history: The Nostra Aetate Declaration of the Second Vatican Council, the open letter to Pope Benedict XVI “ A Common Word” (“ Kalimantun Sawa”), the 2016 Agenda for Humanity, and the Dubai Declaration on “ Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together” along with the Encyclical, “ Fratelli Tutti.” He insists that religious congregations worldwide must transform themselves into instruments for peace, especially in a time where so many people are displaced due to religious and ideological conflict.In addition to a broad discussion of the phases and processes of the global interaction between East and West, the book integrates a case study of Indonesia, the country of Markus’s birth, from the era of colonialism until its independence. He attributes much of his perspective to his years of work with a team of anthropologists in Indonesia. Islam and the West is an important and necessary read for not only religious scholars, practitioners, and workers in religious and civic activities, but anyone who seeks to foster a more peaceful world.

As one response to the question, What is special about Suidibyo’s book?: It is an important comparison to the great work by Max Weber. Weber died in 1920 and wrote one of the most important studies of religion, best known for one section, THE PROTESTANT ETHIC AND THE SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM. This is part of a larger volume which includes also a study of Hinduism and Confucianism. He died before focusing on Islam. Sudibyo’s book is equally global and does focus on Islam in comparison to Christianity. He provides much that else that Weber did not, despite his brilliance."—James Peacock, Former President of the American Anthropological Association & Professor of Anthropology at UNC"The author of Islam and the West, Sudibyo Markus, is known for his faith-based partnership and humanitarian work in Indonesia. In this work, he has compiled and demonstrated the interconnection of historical phases of religion into a single mosaic [...] We hope that Islam and the West will broaden and deepen this reflection on peace among all people, and continue to spread."—H. E. Jusuf Kalla, 10th and 12th Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia"This work of Sudibyo Markus is very helpful in bringing to light various advances that must be completed by both parties. Not only can this work enrich our literature concerning the relationship between the two worlds - Muslim and Western - throughout history, but, it can inspire us to develop a more harmonious relationship. For this work, I am very grateful to Sudibyo Markus. Congratulations."—Azyumardi Azra, Indonesian Historian

Sudibyo Markus is a humanitarian activist born in Pare, in Kediri, East Java, Indonesia. Upon completing his studies at the School of Medicine of Gadjah Mada University (Yogyakarta), he worked for the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia until 1988, when he joined the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to broaden his humanitarian vision and networks. He served as chair for several departments of the Muslim organization Muhammadiyah, of which he founded the youth wing and which has enhanced his connections with many civil society and interfaith communities worldwide.