Langham Scholar Launches New Book for Arab Christians
June 25, 2008
by Helen Turnbull Goody
26 June 2008
The National Evangelical Church of Beirut has deep roots in Lebanon, first established in 1848 and later creating the first evangelical Arabic-speaking congregation in the Middle East. It has a long history of serving as a center for publishing and other communication among Arab Christians. In June, the tradition of this church continued as it became the venue for a book-launch of Langham scholar Riad Kassis’ latest publication to an enthusiastic crowd that included many local and national dignitaries.
Organized by Clarion Publishing House, the event celebrated the publication of Riad’s book Why Don’t We Read the Book That Christ Read? Towards a Better Understanding of the Old Testament (Beirut: Clarion Publishing 2008). The book was released in Arabic and supported in part by a grant from the Langham Literature program. Riad is the first Langham writer to publish in the Middle East and the first to publish in Arabic.
The main objective of the book is to approach the difficulties that an Arab reader may face when reading the Old Testament, to provide an appropriate methodology on reading the Old Testament, and to show the relevancy that the Old Testament has for the ethical, social, and political issues of the Arab world today. The book launch was sponsored by Clarion Publishing and the educational and spiritual ministry committee of the National Evangelical Church of Beirut.
Among the attendants of the event were following: the president of the Supreme Council of the Evangelical Churches in Syria and Lebanon, the president of the Evangelical Alliance in Lebanon, many pastors, school principals and teachers, as well as the presidents of several theological institutions in Lebanon.
“I was also pleased to see the most influential writer and biblical scholar in the Maronite/Catholic church of Lebanon, and perhaps in the whole Middle East, Father Dr. Boulos Feghali,” Riad said. “Even Father Feghali, who was not scheduled to speak, insisted to say a few words on the importance of my work.”
Riad was honored and thrilled with the excitement from the people who attended. One leader from the Lebanon chapter of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES) wrote, “Allow me to thank you for yesterday’s ‘classy’ signing event. I liked all of its parts, especially your word! … May the Lord bless you and keep your pen running for His glory!”
Crews from local media–including SAT-7 (the evangelical satellite television) and Noursat (the Catholic satellite television)–were also present. SAT-7 will be broadcasting the book-launch event on July 2 and 3, 2008, and will feature a special interview with Riad on July 10. It is expected that the event will also appear in several major newspapers in Lebanon and the Middle East.
Please join Riad in prayer that the success of his book release will help promote the need for the publication of more books written by and for Arab Christians.
Read the recommendations for Why Don’t We Read the Book That Christ Read?
View more photos of Riad Kassis’ historic book launch.
6 Responses to “Langham Scholar Launches New Book for Arab Christians”
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July 1st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
I am thankful to my lord Jesus Christ for all the efforts of John stott ministry
July 3rd, 2008 at 9:25 am
Sounds great…. where can I buy a copy… Elsie
July 7th, 2008 at 7:40 am
Hi Elsie: Here is the publisher’s contact information:
Clarions Publishing House
POBox 16/5428
Ashrafieh. Beirut 1100-2040
Lebanon
Telefax: +961 1 563303 or +961 1 563392
Cell: +961 70947409 (Imad)
Clarion@cyberia.net.lb
July 7th, 2008 at 8:00 am
I’m honoured to be part of a team at Overseas Council which is composed of those, like Riad, who are making such important contributions to the thought leadership of the Church around the world. Thank you, Riad, for your part in this effort. And, thanks to Langham for facilitating in such a important way.
July 7th, 2008 at 9:38 am
What an honor to work with such productive friends and scholars as my friend Riad Kassis!
Riad is a model of reverent, responsible, and occasionally audacious scholarship in service to both Church and society. My heartiest congratulations on this latest achievement in service!
David
July 7th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Such a wise title question, posed by a brilliant gentleman, a dear Brother in Christ, a colleague at Overseas Council, a friend, and a visitor to Covers. Congratulations, Riad. May the Lord Bless your tireless work and exemplary leadership!
El