As our world gets smaller and smaller we become more and more aware of other cultures and religions, and we increasingly wonder about our own religion. If once we thought of them in rather exclusive terms, can we do so in a world which seems to have relative exclusive truth claims? If once we thought of Christianity as the final word in religion, can we do so in face of a vital and resurgent Islam in the world?

In his recent, brilliant discussion of Islam, Dr. Charles Ryerson of Princeton reminded us that Moslems claim Abraham as their spiritual progenitor as do Jews and Christians. They share a common belief in one God, albeit by the name of Allah, and affirm many of the same moral values and ethical commands.

But then Dr. Ryerson went on to the central question. What do Moslems, who compri…