Christian Communities in the Arab Middle East : The Challenge of the Future. Edited by Andrea Pacini ; Translated by Fiona Tupper-Carey. OXFORD : 1998. HARDBACK in JACKET.

Oxford: Oxford University ( Clarendon ) Press, 1998. First Edition . Hardcover. Very Good Plus/Very Good Plus. Large Octavo. Figures, Maps, Tables. FIRST EDITION. OXFORD : 1998. Hardback. Illustrated with figures, maps and tables. Original dark blue cloth in blue printed dust-jacket. Bright, tight and clean. Neat owner name; no internal markings. Internally clean throughout. VERY GOOD INDEED in a like jacket; now in an archival quality clear protective sleeve. (xiii), 365 pages. Includes bibliographical references (p. [327]-339) and Index. [ Rosley Books for Antiquarian books, Theology and Church History. ] CONTENTS: The Arab Christians : from the eastern question to the recent political situation of the minorities by Joseph Maila, The Arab Christians of the Middle East : a demographic perspective by Philippe Fargues, The Christian communities, active members of Arab society throughout history by Samir Khalil Samir, The churches of the Middle East : their origins and identity, from their roots in the past to their openness to the present by Jean Corbon, The law of the nation-state and the status of non-Muslims in Egypt and Syria by Bernard Botiveau, The emigration of Christian Arabs : dimensions and causes of the phenomenon by Bernard Sabella, The cultural production of Arab Christians today : an expression of their identity in a predominantly Muslim society by Camille Hechaime, The political dynamics of the Copts : giving the community an active role by Dina el Khawaga, The place and the present role of the Copts in the Egyptian economy : traditions and specializations by Adel A. Beshai, The dynamics of the Lebanese Christians : from the paradigm of the 'ammiyyat' to the paradigm of Hwayyek by Elizabeth Picard, The Christian communities and the economic and social situation in Lebanon by Boutros Labaki, Socio-political and community dynamics of Arab Christians in Jordan, Israel, and the autonomous Palestinian territories by Andrea Pacini, The Christians of Syria by Habib Mousalli, Christians in Iraq by Yu suf Habbi. SUMMARY ON JACKET FLAP : Existing before the Muslim conquest of the Middle East, and integrated into the Islamic political order, which for centuries has given full rights only to Muslims, the various Eastern Christian communities have represented an important element of pluralism within Middle Eastern Arab societies. The end of the twentieth century, however, marks a crucial period for the Christian communities, who have witnessed their base decline from 24 per cent of the general population in 1914 to a mere 7 per cent. The rising tide of Christian emigration is just one of the most obvious signs of the communities growing unrest. Beginning with an examination of the role played by Eastern Christians in the history of Arab society, this ground-breaking study presents a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the many challenges facing the Christian communities today. Focusing on juridical status, social, political and economic dynamics, and relationships with the Muslim majority culture, this intriguing study highlights the various political and cultural strategies employed by Eastern Christians as they attempt to guarantee their role and status as equal citizens in their own Arab states'. Lg.8vo. **Will be well-packed for posting/shipping**. [ Rosley Books for Antiquarian books, CHS, Cumberland, Everyman, GKC, Inklings, Keswick, Literature, MacDonald, Rarities, Theology and History. ].