Description
Book SynopsisNo other religion in the modern world has come under such close scrutiny or been viewed as a source of so much harm to our civilization as Islam. It is routinely portrayed in the media as a promoter of terrorism, supporter of authoritarian governments, oppressor of women, and an enemy of the West. In this sympathetic assessment of the religion, renowned Christian theologian Hans Küng, demonstrates that this simplistic perception could not be further from the truth.
Providing a masterful overview of Islam’s 1,400-year history, Küng’s critically acclaimed bestseller examines its fundamental beliefs and practices, outlines the major schools of thought, and surveys the positions of Islam on the urgent questions of the day. Deft, assured, and comprehensive, this essential reference work is now available in paperback for the first time.
Trade Review"This huge 1,000-page-book will give students, academics and general readers a very comprehensive study of its subject." * The Bookseller *
"The author’s magnum opus. Destined to become a seminal text." * Library Journal *
"This comprehensively researched, clearly structured and thought-provoking works is truly remarkable." * Tablet *
"An eminently political book" "Kung proves himself a masterful historian." * Muslim World Book Review *
"Kung proves himself a masterful historian." * Muslim World Book Review *
"An honest, balanced approach to Islam that endeavours to build bridges of dialogue between religions and races. This huge 1,000-page-book will give students, academics and general readers a very comprehensive study of its subject." * The Bookseller *
"The author’s magnum opus. Destined to become a seminal text." * Library Journal *
"Exactly what readers expect from Hans K * U. S. Catholic *
"This comprehensively researched, clearly structured and thought-provoking works is truly remarkable." * Tablet *
Interview with Kung with regards to his relationship with the Pope and Tony Blair. It mention the book and how he is building a dialogue between the 3 main world religions. * The Sunday Times *
"Required Reading not only for Kung’s many fans, but also for those of us who long to know more about Islam and Islamic practice" * The Good Book Guide *
"it contains insightful ideas and worthwhile commentary" * Publishers Weekly *
"A brilliant treatment of Islam and its beliefs by a brilliant theologian." * The Washington Times *
"It is a stimulating overview by an accomplished theologian that raises important questions for both Christians and Muslims. It also reveals a respect and sympathy for the spiritual and theological heritage of Islam other Christians writers should seek to emulate" * Church of England Newspaper *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Against a Clash of Civilizations
A. Origin
I. A controversial religion
II. Problems of the beginning
B. Centre
I. God’s word has become a book
II. The central message
III. The central structural elements
C. History
I. The original Islamic community paradigm
II. The paradigm of the Arab empire
III. The classical paradigm of Islam as a world religion
IV. The paradigm of the Ulama and Sufi
D. Challenges of the present
I. Competition between different paradigms
II. Which Islam do Muslims want?
III. The Israel-Palestine conflict
IV. New approaches to theological conversation
V. Speculative questions
VI. From biblical criticism to Qur’anic criticism?
E. Possibilities for the future
I. Islamic renewal
II. The future of the Islamic legal order
III. The future of Islamic state order and politics
IV. The future of the Islamic economic and social order
V. Islam: a picture of hope
