Fellow Travellers

A Comparative Study on the Identity Formation of Jesus-followers from Jewish, Christian and Muslim Background in the Holy Land

Describing their Journey

Messianic Jews, Arab Evangelicals and Muslim-Background Believers in the Holy Land face unique challenges when they follow in the footsteps of Jesus in the places where he walked on this earth. Questions related to their identity seem to be most pressing and, at the same time, deeply puzzling. Who am I? Where do I belong? How do I practice my faith? This book provides an in-depth study on the personal and collective experiences of these Jesus-followers from Jewish, Christian and Muslim backgrounds. It will demonstrate that although they might have the same destination in mind, at times, they take different routes. Nevertheless, when they encounter each other on their faith journey – as fellow travellers – there is a strong sense of connection and belonging between these believers of evangelical faith.

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Endorsements

Peter Lawrence’s Fellow Travellers offers insights I have not found elsewhere, a fascinating exploration of the experience of followers of Jesus from three neighbouring but distinct religious communities in the Holy Land. Lawrence adds significantly to our understanding of ‘in Messiah’ identity and identity formation in communitarian cultures, an innovative and welcome study.

David Greenlee

editor, Longing for Community: Church, Ummah, or Somewhere in Between?

This ground-breaking comparative study of Messianic Jews, Arab Evangelicals and Muslim-Background Believers in the Holy Land not only compares and contrasts the experiences of faith and identity formation amongst these groups, but also provides a wealth of materials, resources and insights for anyone wishing to understand and engage in ministry in this challenging context. Peter Lawrence’s work brings cutting edge research of the highest standard to the field and is strongly recommended.

Richard Harvey

author, Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology

In this important work Lawrence provides us with a fascinating comparative study of identity formation among Jesus-followers in the Holy Land, reminding us of the multi-layered complexity of Messiah-centred faith lived out in Israel today.

Duane Alexander Miller

author, Arab Evangelicals in Israel and Living among the Breakage

This study is unique because it compares groups of Jesus-followers that have such a different cultural and religious background, even while they live in the same geographical and political context. As I have observed the author conducting his research, I have been impressed by the precision of his questioning, the empathy with the people concerned, and the understanding of the complicated issue of religious and social identity. In analysing the outcomes of his enquiry, he has created bridges, enriched our understanding and opened new perspectives.

Evert Van de Poll

author, Sacred Times For Chosen People

Peter Lawrence has critically assessed various methodological approaches to suitably compare the identity formation of Messianic Jews, Arab Evangelicals and Muslim-Background Believers in the Holy Land. He demonstrates an impressive familiarity with the literature in his field of research, even uncovering hidden theses and marginal publications. Lawrence has raised so many open questions, that I would very much like to see him pursue the doctorate which he humbly wanted to leave to others! Congratulations!

Christof Sauer

editor, Bad Urach Statement

Book Reviews & Recommendations

“Peter Lawrence’s work brings cutting-edge research of the highest standard to the field and is strongly recommended.”

Read the complete book review by Richard Harvey, starting on page 63

Mishkan

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Read the complete book review by Tim Green, starting on page 45

International Journal of Frontier Missions

“Peter Lawrence’s Fellow Travellers is a fascinating comparative study of the identity development experienced by Messianic Jews, Arab Evangelicals and Muslim-Background Believers in the Holy Land.”

Read the full recommendation, starting on page 127

Evangelical Review of Theology