Resources in Arabic

To order any of the following resources, contact the office of Middle Eastern Ministries at (888) 728-7228 x5089 of by email. Items with a “PDS” number can also be obtained through the Presbyterian Distribution Service at (800) 524-2612 or by email.

Recommended reading about Middle Eastern Christianity and Arab Americans

The Cradle of Our Faith: The Enduring Witness of the Christians of the Middle East

By General Assembly Council, PC(USA)

This is the story of the enduring witness of Christianity in the Middle East. The Christians who live there are the "living stones" of the early Church and today. A 20-page full color keepsake that tells the story of Christians in Egypt, Jordan, Israel/Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iran and Iraq from biblical times to the present in a part of the world where geopolitical developments affect us all. Includes maps, statistics and fascinating facts.

$5.00 each 1-19, $4.00 each 20 or more
PDS #2646608001

Who Are the Christians in the Middle East?

By Betty Jane Bailey and J. Martin Bailey

A welcome addition to the literature on Arab Christians, this book presents in a brief, highly readable format basic information on the various Eastern Churches.  Introductory essays present the Churches' histories and their increased contemporary cooperation. The authors profile each community and their leader, including Web sites and email addresses. An instructive book.

ISBN  0-8028-1020-9

Available at online retailers or your local bookseller.

Dying in the Land of Promise: Palestine and Palestinian Christianity from Pentecost to 2000

By Donald E. Wagner

This book presents the reader with two simultaneous narratives, the dominant of which is the story of Palestinian Christianity. The narratives are set within the context of Palestine’s changing political and religious history. Gradually the secondary narrative overtakes the Christian narrative, particularly during the last 125 years with the rise of nationalism, Zionism, the triumph of Israel and the dramatic decline of Palestinian Christianity in the Holy Land.

ISBN  1 90176422 2

Available at online retailers or your local bookseller.

From the Holy Mountain
A Journey Among the Christians of the Middle East

By William Dalrymple

A retracing of a pilgrimage of A.D. 587 chronicles the journeys of two monks across the pre-Islamic Byzantine Empire as they collect the ancient Christian wisdom of sages and desert hermits and discusses the same region today. ISBN  0-8050-5873-7

Available at online retailers or your local bookseller.

Arab Friends, Neighbors, and Guests
A Study Guide for Christians

By Katy Abdallah

Increase your understanding of Arab Americans and the Arab world through Bible studies, discussion question and activities. This four-part study guide will help you show hospitality to Arab Americans, share faith stories with Arab Christians and non-Christians and discover the diversity of Arab cultures and religions.

ISBN  0-8066-4447-8

Available at online retailers or your local bookseller.

Arab-American Almanac

By Joseph R. Haiek

The most comprehensive reference book on the Arab-American community. Begins with a historical chronology, then discusses Arab-American organizations, press and religious institutions, with contact information for all. Information on the Arab states and each of the U.S. states is presented, along with an Arab-American Who's Who.

Recommended reading on being Presbyterian

Selected to Serve – A Guide for Church Officers

By Earl S. Johnson, Jr.

Johnson has created an accessible, popularly-written "textbook" for Presbyterian churches, which covers all aspects of officer training — call, duties, ethics, the Presbyterian Constitution and much more. Johnson is well-known among Presbyterians because of his long-standing column in The Presbyterian Outlook, which deals with these same issues on a regular basis.

The book begins with a chapter on the call to serve as an officer and follows with chapters on questions officers often ask, the various sections of the Book of Order, the ordination vows, ethics for church officers and guidelines for growing a church. Presbyterian congregations will find Johnson's advice indispensable for the recruitment and training of effective church leaders.

$14.95
PDS #501656

The Presbyterian Handbook

The Presbyterian Handbook provides historical and theological information about Presbyterian beliefs alongside fun-filled facts and practical tips on being a churchgoing follower of Jesus Christ. Complete with illustrators, the book presents a wonderful combination of vast truths, complex details, and bits of humor about Presbyterian understanding of the Christian life. This unique and incredibly
handy resource is perfect for Presbyterian adults, youth, students, families, and all those interested in learning about much of what encompasses life in the church.

Available from Presbyterian Publishing Corporation.

Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith

By Donald K. McKim

Featuring a unique question-and-answer format, Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers is an accessible treatment that provides a sampling of questions on important topics in Presbyterian theology and beliefs that frequently arise from discussions and brief but complete answers from a distinguished Presbyterian theologian. Among the questions included are: What is the purpose of the Bible? Why are Presbyterians associated with predestination? How do Presbyterians interpret the Bible? What is the meaning of the cross? What is the purpose of life? Arranged according to doctrinal topics, the book is ideal for individual or group study, church officer training, new member and confirmation classes, and all those interested in Presbyterian theology.

$12.95
PDS #0664502504

Resolution on the Middle East

This report, adopted by the 209th General Assembly, provides a remarkable understanding of peacemaking and justice issues in the Middle East.

$3.00
PDS #6860098011