Identity Crisis: Standing Between Two Identities of Women Believers from Muslim Backgrounds in Jordan

This book provides a general overview of the identity crises BMB (believer from Muslim background) women in Jordan go through and reasons for it. Traditionally persecution from family community or the secret police is thought to leave these women with newfound faith. However even before persecution exposes their new faith many initial believers give up seeking the new truth and return to their previous phase due to a serious identity crisis. This phenomenon is found to occur particularly often among female BMBs because of their unique circumstances in the religious and sociocultural contexts of Jordan. Through an examination of BMB womens narratives this book explores how Muslim women form their identities and what they experience in the process of conversion. Sarah Yoon is unafraid to address a question that most of us would prefer not to admit: why do so many from a Muslim background who profess faith in Christ appear to walk away from Jesus so quickly? Yoons careful research and informative analysis among Jordanian women is very important for all involved in reaching Muslims especially Muslim women. For those coming from a very different worldview this book helps us understand the multiple layers to identity that so firmly grip and provide meaning for Muslim women. We enter into the personal confusion and identity disruption that conversion brings. Without attempting to provide missiological solutions the reader is challenged to develop approaches to discipleship that allow the new believer to integrate their past with their new identity in Christ. I recommend this book to all who seriously want to see Muslim women become strong disciples of Jesus able to bring transformation in their homes and communities. --Paul Bendor-Samuel International Director of Interserve Sarah Yoon has been working with Muslim women over twelve years and is a professor at a theological seminary in the Middle East.