Synopses & Reviews
Jews, Christians, and Muslims trace their roots to Abraham and yet it is a shock to many Bible readers that some of the characters and stories in their sacred text are also found in the pages of Islam's sacred text, the Qur'an. By exploring the relationship between the Bible and the Qur'an in Ishmael Instructs Isaac, John Kaltner challenges Bible readers to think about their sacred book in new, exciting ways. In doing so, he leads al to a better appreciation of Islam.
After a brief overview of the text, themes, structure, and use of the Qur'an, Kaltner focuses on traditions that are shared with the Bible. He explains that the Bible and Qur'an contain many of the same themes, figures, and episodes. However, at times, there are significant differences in their descriptions of the same event or figure. By discussing such topics and figures as God, humanity, prophecy, creation, life after death, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mary, Kaltner examines the similarities and differences between the two texts. This comparative method allows readers to better appreciate both what is distinctive about Islam and what it shares with Judaism and Christianity.
Jews and Christians view Isaac as the son of Abraham in whom the family line continued. Muslims, on the other hand, view Isaac's brother Ishmael as the rightful heir. This difference must not obscure what is held in common: a belief in the one God and a family - albeit distant - relationship.
Written for undergraduate and seminary courses on Islam, the Qur'an, comparative religions, inter-religious dialogue, world scriptures, and biblical interpretation, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is also a useful resource for discussion groups in churches, synagogues, and mosques.
Includes English translations of the Qur'anic texts discussed.
John Kaltner, PhD, is assistant professor of religious studies at Rhodes College where he teaches courses in the Bible and Islam. He has worked in the Middle East with the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America.
Review
Rarely have Western scholars considered the Qur'an worthy of the kind of close reading which the Bible customarily receives. In taking the Qur'an at least as seriously as the Christian scriptures and by allowing it to inform our reading of the Bible, Dr. Kaltner has opened up new possibilities for interreligious dialogue. Warmly recommended for Christian readers, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is accessible enough to be a text for college-level courses, but insightful enough to be read with interest even by specialists.Gregory W. Dawes, Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Otago
Review
Ishmael Instructs Isaac is clearly and eloquently written. It inspires respect without whitewashing differences. Who knows? Reading it may help us work toward family reconciliation born of on mutual respect and understanding.Kathleen M. O'Connor, Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary
Review
Kaltner's sensitive handling of the materials, his ability to offer a dispassionate analysis, and the fine literary sensibility he brings to bear on his subject alone are sufficient grounds for recommending his work.Journal of Islamic Studies
Synopsis
Adam and Eve weren't concerned about traffic jams as they strolled through the Garden of Eden. The Ten Commandments weren't delivered to Moses by e-mail. So how does the Word, written so long ago, fit into everyday life today? The Connections series offers today's readers and students of Scripture an answer to that puzzling question.
Connections builds an understanding of the relationship between the Bible and everyday life by examining the individual pieces and how they fit together. It invites us to broaden our comprehension of the Bible and its applications to modern life by placing current Scripture scholarship within the concerns of other fields, such as ethical problems in light of Scripture, science and Scripture, contemporary social challenges and Scripture, and the Bible in non-biblical cultures.
This series reveals more of God's intent, encouraging us to study and reflect on the Word from the life experiences, outlooks, and wisdom of many people.
By exploring the relationship between the Bible and the Qur'an, John Kaltner challenges Bible readers to think about their sacred book in new, exciting ways. In doing so, he leads all to a better appreciation of Islam.
Synopsis
Jews, Christians, and Muslims trace their roots to Abraham, but the course of that lineage is not the same for all three faiths. Judaism and Christianity view Isaac, the son of Sarah, as the offspring of Abraham through whom the family line is continued. Islam, on the other hand, sees Ishmael, son of Hagar, as the rightful heir who carries on the family name. The two sacred texts of these religions, the Bible and the Qur'an, have much in common, highlighting the close relationship that exists between the two lines of Abraham's family. This book examines some of the themes, figures, and episodes that are shared by the Bible and the Qur'an. It is an introduction to the Qur'an for the descendants of Isaac, who are invited to listen to and learn from the way Ishmael and his descendants retell the family stories.
Description
Includes bibliographical references (p. 296-297) and indexes.
About the Author
John Kaltner, PhD, is associate professor of religious studies at Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of Ishmael Instructs Isaac: An Introduction to the Qur'an for Bible Readers of the Connections series published by Liturgical Press.