Exploring the shared heritage of Jews, Christians, and Muslims, this book delves into the differing interpretations of Abraham's lineage, focusing on Isaac for Judaism and Christianity, and Ishmael for Islam. It highlights the common themes, figures, and narratives found in both the Bible and the Qur'an, emphasizing their interconnectedness. Aimed at descendants of Isaac, the text invites readers to engage with and understand the perspectives of Ishmael and his descendants, enriching their knowledge of these intertwined faiths.
The book emphasizes the importance of understanding Islam as a religion of practices, highlighting its deep humanism and core commitments. John Kaltner addresses misconceptions by presenting Islam on its own terms, separate from extreme representations. In light of increased curiosity about Islam due to global events and its role in geopolitics, this accessible edition aims to provide a clearer and more nuanced perspective on the faith of over a billion people, fostering a better understanding among western audiences.
Exploring the biblical account of Joseph alongside its Qur'anic counterpart, this work reveals the rich similarities and key differences between the two narratives. Through themes of betrayal, identity, and redemption, the book invites readers to reconsider the familiar story by highlighting often-overlooked aspects and presenting new interpretations. Each chapter delves into specific segments of Joseph's life, offering insights into his roles as a sign, servant, and brother, thereby enriching the understanding of both traditions.
Strange but True Bible Facts Did you know: that King David swore like a sailor? that the Book of Ecclesiastes encourages drinking, especially beer? that mandrakes were the biblical equivalent of Viagra®? that the law of Moses prescribes bikini waxing? that Joseph's "coat of many colors" might have actually been a dress? that Eve might have been created, not from Adam's rib, but from something a little lower down? Discover all this, and more, in The Uncensored Bible.
Focusing on the Quran, this introduction by award-winning professor John Kaltner explores its origins, structure, and key themes, providing insights relevant to contemporary readers. Rather than a comprehensive overview, it selectively addresses specific issues and encourages discussion, making it accessible for those seeking to understand Islam's sacred text in a modern context.
The Bible and the Qur'an provides an overview of all the figures and groups who are mentioned in both the Bible and the Qur'an. Principal focus centres on the similarities and differences between the presentations of these characters in the two texts, with special emphasis placed on how they appear in the Islamic text. References are also included to how many of the individuals/groups discussed are treated in other Islamic sources. Each figure or group includes: (1) a list of relevant Qur'an passages; (2) a description of how the individual/group is presented in the Islamic Texts; (3) questions and issues to consider; (4) suggestions for further readings. An introductory section provides a basic orientation to the Qur'an and other Islamic sources.
Texts after Terror offers an important new theory of rape and sexual violence in the Hebrew Bible. While the Bible is filled with stories of rape, scholarly approaches to sexual violence in the scriptures remain exhausted, dated, and in some cases even un-feminist, lagging far behind contemporary discourse about sexual violence and rape culture. Graybill responds to this disconnect by engaging contemporary conversations about rape culture, sexual violence, and #MeToo, arguing that rape and sexual violence - both in the Bible and in contemporary culture - are frequently fuzzy, messy, and icky, and that we need to take these features seriously. Texts after Terror offers a new framework informed by contemporary conversations about sexual violence, writings by victims and survivors, and feminist, queer, and affect theory. In addition, Graybill offers significant new readings of biblical rape stories, including Dinah (Gen. 34), Tamar (2 Sam. 13), Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11), Hagar (Gen. 16), Daughter Zion (Lam. 1-2), and the unnamed woman known as the Levite's concubine (Judges 19). Texts after Terror urges feminist biblical scholars and readers of all sorts to take seriously sexual violence and rape, while also holding space for new ways of reading these texts that go beyond terror, considering what might come after.
