Through a close analysis of the writings of four Lebanese theologians, the author outlines the challenges facing those in Arab Christian communities who seek to foster an accommodation and understanding between Christians and Muslims in the Arab world. The author examines the current position of the Arab Christian communities in the face of rising Islamic fundamentalism in the Arab world, with particular reference to the weakened position of those communities in Lebanon in the aftermath of that country's civil war between 1975 and 1990. The author goes on to call for a re-evaluation by Arab Christians of their attitude towards Arab Muslims and their faith, and for an engagement between the faiths based on mutual recognition of the shared traditions of Christianity and Islam and an understanding of the need for the faiths to act together in solidarity to address the socio-political and sociocultural challenges in the Arab world today. The author concludes by indicating the basis on which a shared spiritual quest for moral and political commitment can be realised.

'In this compelling text, Mouchir Basile Aoun highlights the challenges of re-thinking a contextual Christian theology of conviviality in times of sheer devastation. In a sober assessment of the current realities of Lebanon and the broader Arab World, he ponders over the increasingly arduous task of developing a life-and-hope-affirming theology. Christian witness in a deeply troubled environment necessitates such a theology, and for Aoun it can only be worked out in togetherness and solidarity with fellow Muslims of the region.' Elizabeth Suzanne Kassab Associate Professor of Philosophy, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies

Mouchir Basile Aoun is Professor of Philosophy at the Lebanese University in Beirut where he teaches the history of German philosophy and hermeneutics. He is the author of several works on philosophy and religion which have been published in Arabic, English, French and German.