Description
Book SynopsisThis book has its origins in a comparative religions course Burns has taught at the University of Arizona for the past thirty years. Those who have enrolled in the class have come from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds. Whatever the mix, a shared curiosity about Christianity, Judaism, and Islam has always been present. Since the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, students-as well as the general public-are especially interested in Islam. Like many Americans, they have little or no knowledge of the Islamic religion. This work touches upon the origins and central teachings of the Islamic religion and discusses the commonalties and differences between Islam and Christianity. Throughout the book, Burns poses and answers the kinds of questions most frequently asked by his students. This approach will be helpful to students in comparative religions courses, as well as other individuals interested in the connections between Christianity and Islam. The purpose of
Trade ReviewThe present book is an introduction to Islam. The background to this guide is a course on ‘comparative religion’ which the author has taught for some years during which he covers the history and teachings of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam). The book deals briefly with the origins and main teachings of Islam before discussing topics which relate to frequently asked questions. * Journal of Contemporary Religion *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction Part One: The Islamic Religion Muhammad and the Qur'an The Sunnis and the Shi'ites Sufism Part Two: Current Areas of Concern The Role of Women in Islam The Islamic Jesus The Muslim Gospel Christianity and Islam: Coexistence...A Possibility? Muslims in North America Radical Islam Western Muslims Gregory Baum: Ramadan and Vatican II: A Comparison A Christian-Islamic Dialogue Who Speaks for Islam? A Cosmic War? Part Three: Epilogue Bibliography Further Reading Glossary Index
