Synopses & Reviews
In light of the widespread public perception of incompatibility between Islam and Christianity, this book provides a much-needed straightforward comparison of these two great faith traditions from a broad theological perspective. Award-winning scholar John Renard illuminates the similarities as well as the differences between Islam and Christianity through a clear exploration of four major dimensionshistorical, creedal, institutional, and ethical and spiritual. Throughout, the book features comparisons between concrete elements such as creedal statements, prayer texts, and writings from major theologians and mystics. It also includes a glossary of technical theological terms. For western readers in particular, this balanced, authoritative work overturns some common stereotypes about Islam, especially those that have emerged in the decade since September 11, 2001.
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“Perfectly functional, remarkably insightful, and a little bit controversial.”
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“Without glossing over fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam . . . Renard shows how the reality has often been more nuanced.”
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“Outstanding Academic Title for 2011. . . . Highly recommended.”
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"One of the best books available for use in courses comparing Muslim and Christian thought."
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"Renard has a good grasp on what is important, foundational, and formative across a multitude of disciplines in both religious traditions."--State of Formation
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“Outstanding Academic Title for 2011. . . . Highly recommended.” P. S. Spalding
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“Written with sensitivity and beauty.” Journal Of Islamic Studies
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“Renard has a good grasp on what is important, foundational, and formative across a multitude of disciplines in both religious traditions.” Matthew Friedman, Asbury Theological Seminary - Religious Studies Review
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“John Renard offers, in this beautiful book, a new contribution in the field of comparative study of Christianity and Islam.” State Of Formation
Synopsis
"John Renard presents a judicious overview of Muslim and Christian ways of 'being in the world.' This work eloquently refutes common Western stereotypes regarding Muslims and Islam and adds to the growing call for Muslim-Christian understanding on a global scale. It is an elegantly crafted book."David L. Johnston, author of
Earth, Empire and Sacred Text: Muslims and
Christians as Trustees of Creation"John Renard offers a lucid portrayal of the major aspects of Christianity and Islam, identifying numerous points of congruence without denying significant dissimilarities. The call he makes for Christians and Muslims to show greater mutual awareness and respect is persuasive and hard to ignore." David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam, University of Birmingham
About the Author
John Renard is Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His many books include Seven Doors to Islam: Spirituality and the Religious Life of Muslims, Windows on the House of Islam, Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood, and Tales of Gods Friends: Islamic Hagiography in Translation, all from UC Press.
Table of Contents
Preface
Prologue: Christian-Muslim Theological Dialogue in Retrospect
Introduction: Theological Themes and Subdisciplines
Part I. Historical Dimensions: Interpreting God's Communication and Divine Engagement in Time and Space
1. Sacred Sources and Community Origins
2. Development and Spread
Part II. Creedal Dimensions: Faith and the Development of Theology as a Religious Discipline
3. From Story to Creed
4. The Emergence of Theological Disciplines
Part III. Institutional Dimensions: The Structures of Theologically Grounded Community
5. Beneath the Brick and Mortar
6. Institutions in Action
Part IV. Ethical and Spiritual Dimensions: Mapping Outward and Inward Journeys of Faith
7. Sources, Methods, and Social Values in Theological Ethics
8. Sources and Models in Traditions of Spirituality
9. Themes in Prayer and Mystical Theology
Epilogue: Reflections on the Prospects for Christian-Muslim Theological Dialogue
Notes
Theological Glossary
Selected Bibliography
General Index
Index of Biblical and Qur'anic Citations