Judson Press title helps Christians relate to religiously diverse world

VALLEY FORGE, PA (ABNS 2/15/18)—In just a few decades, the United States has changed from a largely Christian nation to the most religiously diverse country in the world. How can Christians broaden their knowledge of other faiths and build bridges of understanding?

In “Side by Side: Being Christian in a Multifaith World,” retired professor and pastor Richard P. Olson, M.Div., STM, Ph.D., reflects on living faithfully as a Christian in our religiously plural society—focusing on relations with Jews and Muslims, where the greatest tensions exist today. In a conversational style, Olson invites the reader to join him in discovery, reflection, exploration and meditation, as he shares his personal journey of interfaith encounters and experiences.

“Olson’s journey of transformation as he relates to Muslims and Jews is a compelling witness for this essential practice of faith,” says the Rev. Dr. Molly Marshall, president of Central Baptist Theological Seminary, Shawnee, Kan. “‘Side by Side’ moves beyond theory about dialogue, providing practical guidance for learning the ways God is at work in the religious pursuits of the great Abrahamic traditions.”

Journalist and author Bill Tammeus notes, “Rooted in experience, grounded in Christian generosity, reflective of necessary wisdom, and accessible to a wide audience, ‘Side by Side’ is the book to keep by your side as you engage in interfaith explorations.”

“Side by Side” offers readers fresh insight and guidance to live out their faith with respect, love and regard for those who follow a different religious path.

A former distinguished professor of Pastoral Theology at Central Baptist, Olson has extensive ministry experience as a pastor in a variety of congregational settings and career-long participation in ecumenical organizations. He chaired the planning committee for the American Baptist Churches USA-sponsored Midwest Baptist-Muslim Dialogue event, and he continues in extensive interfaith activity, study and speaking on these matters. He has authored 17 books with various publishers.

Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ-centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, and cultures.

American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ-centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

American Baptist Churches USA is one of the most diverse Christian denominations today, with approximately 5,000 congregations comprised of 1.3 million members, across the United States and Puerto Rico, all engaged in God’s mission around the world.