GENERAL

Easy First Steps

Relating to People of Other Religions (What Every Christian Needs to Know) by M. Thomas Thangaraj

If you are very new to the concept of interfaith (or have a friend who is), this is a good place to start.  It deals with very natural questions about how Christianity might relate to the other religions, and does so both with compassion and with respect.

Divinity and Diversity by Marjorie Hewitt Suchocki

A very accessible book that is, as its cover states, “A Christian Affirmation of Religious Pluralism.”  I love this book.

Getting to the Heart of Interfaith by Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Sheikh Jamal Rahman

This is a wonderful and eloquent expression both of the need for interfaith dialogue and how three beautiful souls accomplished it.  It is both an inspiration and a "how to" book in one.

A Bit More Challenging

Encountering God by Diana Eck

A scholarly work, but accessible.  It ardently explores the author’s journey, as a Christian, to a pluralistic view of spirituality.

Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel

Less scholarly but no less ardent or well written than Eck’s book, it explores the author’s journey, as an American Muslim, to a pluralistic view of spirituality – with a engaging and insightful focus on the crucial importance of Interfaith and youth.

Fundamentalism as an Ecumenical Challenge edited by Hans Küng and Jürgen Moltmann

A rational look at fundamentalism in Judaism and Christianity as well as Islam.  It explores the challenges each places to dialogue.  Its calm, non-demonizing, approach to the subject allows a real opportunity for enlightenment.  That the book is out of print is a scandal.  There may a few, outrageously expensive copies available somewhere.  Demand a new printing!

No Religion Is an Island (The Nostra Aetate Dialogues) edited by Edward Bristow

Five years of fascinating interfaith dialogues between top flight Catholic and Jewish scholars.  A superb model for interfaith dialogue in that it shows that it is NOT necessary always to agree -- but it is essential to be respectful.   Truly a “must read.”

ISLAM      

The Fragrance of Faith by Jamal Rahman

If you’re looking for a good, heart-felt introduction to Islam, this is your book.

Approaching the Qur’an introduced and translated by Michael Sells