Arabia-- a descriptive study of missions at the crossroads of the world /by Melvin Ernest Loptson.

Typescript.

Introduction

The Crossroads of the World -- Purpose -- Justification -- Organization.

Part I: Environment and Culture

I. Geography

The Near and Middle East -- Location and Size of Arabian Peninsula -- Terrain -- Climate -- Vegetation -- Fauna -- Political Divisions -- Population -- Religion -- People -- Industry.

II. Ancient Arabian and Early Islamic History

Prehistorical Period -- Historical: Mineo-Sabaeo-Himyarite Period -- Jahiliyah Period -- Muhammad -- Arabian Caliphs -- Foreign Caliphs.

III. Modern History

Saudi Arabia -- Yemen -- Kuwait -- Bahrain -- Qatar -- Trucial States -- Oman and Musqat -- Aden Colony and Protectorate (Hadhramaut).

IV. Religion

Definitions -- Original Sources and Development of Islam -- Totalitarian Religion -- Six Essential Beliefs -- God -- Angels -- Holy Books -- Prophets -- Predestination -- Judgment and Resurrection -- Five Pillars of Islam -- Confession of Faith -- Prayer -- Fast -- Alms -- Pilgrimage -- Influence of Animism -- Traditions -- Jurisprudence -- Sects.

V. Reciprocal Influences of Christianity and Islam

Muhammad and Early Islam -- Umayyad Caliphate -- Abbasid Caliphate-The "Golden Age" -- Crusades -- Modern Period.

Virgin Islands Explorations, Pilgrims, and Travelers

The 18th and 19th Centuries -- The 20th Century -- Recent Excavations.

Part II: Arabian Christianity

Virgin IslandsI. Early Christianity

Before Muhammad -- Apostles, Arabia Felix and India -- Advance -- Decline -- Muhammad and After -- Arabic Bible.

Virgin IslandsII. Early Missionary Efforts Before 1885

Early Apologists -- Influence of the Crusades -- Difficulties of the Apologists -- Missionary Efforts in the 19th Century.

IX. Establishment and Development of Missions (1885-1945)

Beachhead -- Blessings and Testings -- Strengthening and Developing the Base.

Part III: Contemporary Missionary Situation

X. Kuwait

General Background -- Missions in Kuwait.

XI. Bahrain

General Background -- Missions in Bahrain.

XII. Qatar and the Trucial States

General Background -- Missions in Qatar and the Trucial States.

XIII. Oman and Musqat

General Background -- Missions in Musqat and Oman.

XIV. Aden Colony and Protectorate (Hadhramaut)

General Background -- Missions in Aden Colony and Protectorate.

XV. Yemen

General Background -- Missions in Yemen.

XVI. Saudi Arabia

General Background -- Missions in Saudi Arabia.

Part IV: Future Prospects

XVII. Political Factors

Deterioration of Relations with the West -- Colonial Imperialism -- Economic Aid -- Israel -- Nationalism -- Arab League -- Palestine Problem -- Communism -- Appeals of Communism -- Barriers of Communism -- Extent of Communism -- Results of these Political Factors -- Implications for Christian Missions.

XVIII. Social Implications

Religion as a Social Force -- Western Cultural Influence -- Areas of Entrance -- Reasons for Cultural Chnage (e.g. Acceptance) -- Hindrances -- Effects of this Acculturation -- Negative -- Positive -- Social Implications for Christian Missions.

XIX. Religious Trends

Disintegration of Islam -- Internal Corruption -- External Pressures -- Search for Satisfying Values -- Revival of Islam -- Traditional Orientation -- Modern Adaption -- Islam and Minorities -- Islam and Communism -- Islam and Nationalism -- Religious Trends and Christian Missions.

XX. Conclusion and Challenge

Summary -- Salesmen -- The Product -- Where is the Greatest Need? -- Expected Difficulties -- Reaching the Prospect and Closing the Sale.

Appendix: Missions and Missionaries in Arabia

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