The ways in which religious communities interact with one another is an increasing focus of scholarly research and teaching. Issues of interreligious engagement, inclusive of dialogue more specifically and relations more generally, attract widespread interest and concern. In a religiously pluralist world, how different communities get along with each other is not just an academic question; it is very much a focus of socio-political and wider community attention. The study of religions and religion in the 21st century world must necessarily take account of relations within and between religions, whether this is approached from a theological, historical, political, or any other disciplinary point of view. Understanding Interreligious Relations is a reference work of relevance to students and scholars as well as of interest to a wider informed public. It comprises two main parts. The first provides expositions and critical discussions of the ways in which 'the other' has been construed and addressed from within the major religious traditions. The second presents analyses and discussions of key issues and topics in which interreligious relations are an integral constituent. The editors have assembled an authoritative and scholarly work that discusses perspectives on the religious 'other' and interreligious relations that are typical of the major religious traditions; together with substantial original chapters from a cross-section of emerging and established scholars on main debates and issues in the wider field of interreligious relations.

This book inquires as to whether theological dialogue between Christians and Jews is possible, not only in itself but also as regards the emergence of communities of Messianic Judaism. In light of David Novak's insights, Matthew Levering proposes that Christian theological responses to supersessionism need to preserve both the Church's development of doctrine and Rabbinic Judaism's ability to define its own boundaries.
The book undertakes constructive philosophical theology in dialogue with Novak. Exploring the interrelated doctrines of divine providence/theonomy, the image of God, and natural law, Levering places Novak's work in conversation especially with Thomas Aquinas, whose approach fosters a rich dialogue with Novak's broadly Maimonidean perspective. It focuses upon the relationship of human beings to the Creator, with attention to the philosophical entailments of Jewish and Christian covenantal commitments, aiming to spell out what true freedom involves.
It concludes by asking whether Christians and Jews would do better to bracket our covenantal commitments in pursuing such wisdom. Drawing upon Novak's work, the author argues that in the face of suffering and death, God's covenantal election makes possible hope, lacking which the quest for wisdom runs aground.

Global Christianity in Local Context is the first volume of a unique collection of essays in honour of David A. Kerr, well-known for his contributions in the areas of Christian-Muslim dialogue, Ecumenical Studies and Missions. With contributions from recognized experts in these fields, the book provides a platform for examining contemporary Christian-Muslim relations and critical issues facing twenty-first century Christianity. In Volume 1, scholars and Church leaders offer insights into current trends in Local Theology and Missions from the contexts of Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

Islamic Jerusalem has a special place in the hearts of the three monotheistic religions. Throughout its history it has been the site of tolerance and tensions. 'Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians' presents a critical look at historical events during the time of two key figures in the history of Islam: Caliph 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (d. 24 AH/ 644 CE), who played a critically important role in the birth and spread of Islam, and Sultan Salah al-Din (d. 589 AH/ 1193 CE) the legendary 'Saladdin' of Western Crusader lore, during and after the first and second Muslim conquests of Islamic Jerusalem. This pioneering study uses extensive primary research to explore Muslim treatment of non-Muslims in the 7th Century and in the Middle Ages, while also looking in detail at the situation of Christians in Islamic Jerusalem and their reaction and attitude to conquest.He analyses accounts of the communication between Salah al-Din and the Crusaders and the peace negotiations between Salah al-Din and Richard the Lion-Heart, King of England. In doing so Abu Munshar counters many western and particularly orientalist writers who have portrayed Muslim treatment of Christians,after the first and second Islamic conquests, as similar to any occupation that Jerusalem has witnessed during its long history; that Islamic conquest in these two periods turned the life of non-Muslims into complete disarray. A valuable source of reference for all interested in Islamic and Middle Eastern studies, religion, medieval history and international relations studies, 'Islamic Jerusalem and its Christians' provides a fascinating insight into how Muslim tolerance of Christians was achieved in Islamic Jerusalem

Fifteen prominent thinkers turn to the sacred writings of their different theological traditions to defend religious tolerance Scarcely any country in today's world can claim to be free of intolerance. Israel and Palestine, Northern Ireland, Sudan, the Balkans, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and the Caucasus are just some of the areas of intractable conflict apparently inspired or exacerbated by religious differences. Can devoted Jews, Christians, or Muslims remain true to their own fundamental beliefs and practices, yet also find paths toward liberty, tolerance, and respect for those of other faiths? In this vitally important book, fifteen influential practitioners of the Abrahamic religions address religious liberty and tolerance from the perspectives of their own faith traditions. Former president Jimmy Carter, Rabbi Arik Ascherman, Indonesia's first democratically elected president, Abdurrahman Wahid, and the other writers draw on their personal experiences and on the sacred writings that are central in their own religious lives. Rather than relying on "pure reason," as secularists might prefer, the contributors celebrate religious traditions and find within them a way toward mutual peace, uncompromised liberty, and principled tolerance. Offering a counterbalance to incendiary religious leaders who cite Holy Writ to justify intolerance and violence, the contributors reveal how tolerance and respect for believers in other faiths stand at the core of the Abrahamic traditions.

This book investigates interreligious hospitality from five different religious perspectives: Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic. "Hosting the Stranger" features ten powerful meditations on the theme of interreligious hospitality by eminent scholars and practitioners from the five different wisdom traditions: Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic. By gathering thinkers from different religious traditions around the same timely topic of what it means to "host the stranger," this text enacts the hospitality it investigates, facilitating a hopeful and constructive dialogue between the world's major religions. The first part of the volume offers five different hermeneutic readings that each wrestle with what interreligious hospitality means and what it demands. The second part is divided equally between the five different religious perspectives on hosting the stranger, with two thinkers representing each religion. Together these essays remind us of the urgent need for interreligious hospitality, and more importantly, they testify to its ongoing possibility.

Recent studies have examined martyrdom as a means of constructing Christian identity, but until now none has focused on Stephen, the first Christian martyr. For the author of Luke-Acts, the stoning of Stephen-- even more than the death of Jesus-- underscores the perfidy of non-believing Jews, the extravagant mercy of Christians, and the inevitable rift that will develop between these two social groups. Stephen's dying prayer that his persecutors be forgiven-the prayer for which he is hailed in Christian tradition as the "perfect martyr" plays a crucial role in drawing an unprecedented distinction between Jewish and early Christian identities.
Shelly Matthews deftly situates Stephen's story within the emerging discourse of early Christian martyrdom. Though Stephen is widely acknowledged to be an actual historical figure, Matthews points to his name, his manner of death, and to other signs that his martyrdom was ideally suited to the rhetorical purposes of Acts and its author, Luke: to uphold Roman views of security and respectability, to show non-believing Jews to disadvantage, and to convey that Christianity was an exceptionally merciful religion. By drawing parallels between Acts and stories of the martyrdom of James, the brother of Jesus, Matthews challenges the coherent canonical narrative of Acts and questions common assumptions about the historicity of Stephen's martyrdom. She also offers a radical new reading of Stephen's last prayer, showing the complex and sometimes violent effects of its modern interpretations.
Perfect Martyr illuminates the Stephen story as never before, offering a deeply nuanced picture of violence, solidarity, and resistance among Jews and early Christians, a key to understanding the early development of a non-Jewish Christian identity, and an innovative reframing of one of the most significant stories in the Bible.

"Global Christianity in Local Context and Muslim Encounter" is a unique collection of essays in honour of David A. Kerr, well-known for his contributions in the areas of Christian-Muslim dialogue, Ecumenical Studies and Missions. With contributions from recognized experts in these fields, the book provides a platform for examining contemporary Christian-Muslim relations and critical issues facing twenty-first century Christianity.
Volume 2 is a veritable Who's Who of renowned Christian and Muslim scholars that have shaped the course of Christian-Muslim dialogue over the last half century. Their contributions in this volume address contemporary and pivotal issues facing Christians and Muslims today, such as Islamophobia, Islamism, Religious Freedom, Inter-religious Challenges and Urbanism, Mission and Economic Globalisation, Suffering and Social Responsibility, and others.

This is an assessment of the influence and impact of the Islamic scholar and activist Fethullah Gulen, and those who are inspired by him, on contemporary Islam. This edited collection deals with the challenges and opportunities faced by Muslims and the wider society in Europe following the Madrid train bombings of 2003 and the London Transport attacks of 2007. The contributors explore the challenges to the concept and practice of civility in public life within a European context, and demonstrates the contributions that can be made in this regard by the thought and practice of the global movement associated with the Turkish Muslim scholar Fethullah Gulen. The importance and distinctiveness of teaching of Gulen and the practice of the movement is that it is rooted in a confident Turkish Islamic heritage while being fully engaged with modernity. It offers the possibility of a contextualised renewal of Islam for Muslims in Europe while being fully rooted in the teachings of the Qu'ran and the Sunnah of the Prophet. This volume is an important contribution to the study of the movement, which advocates the freedom of religion while making an Islamic contribution to the wider society based on a commitment to service of others.

This book presents three different, influential and representative theological approaches towards the world religions. Students are not only introduced to the field, but get three passionate and intelligent 'takes' on what is at stake. By means of a response to each of the primary essays, the authors are put into interaction with each other, and are also engaged with the most contemporary scholarship in the field of theology of religions. This sustained and high level critical interaction between the authors provides a feature that is not to be found in any other current work in theology of religions. The three views represent: conservative Roman Catholic Christianity (D'Costa), Reformed evangelical Christianity (Strange) and liberationist liberal Christianity (Knitter). This book will therefore appeal to a very wide theological market from all sections of the theological spectrum.

While devotional practices are usually viewed as mechanisms for reinforcing religious boundaries, in the multicultural, multiconfessional world of the Eastern Mediterranean, shared shrines sustain intercommunal and interreligious contact among groups. Heterodox, marginal, and largely ignored by central authorities, these practices persist despite aggressive, homogenizing nationalist movements. This volume challenges much of the received wisdom concerning the three major monotheistic religions and the "clash of civilizations." Contributors examine intertwined religious traditions along the shores of the Near East from North Africa to the Balkans.

"Thinking the Divine in Interreligious Encounter "seeks to take seriously our questions of cross-cultural and inter-religious dialogue on God or the Divine: How can the Divine be named and thought as Europe finds itself in midst of cross-cultural processes of a global nature and as religions such as Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism come into the foreground in the West? What are some of the major shifts in Christian theology, as it recognizes that peoples of non-Christian faith traditions name and think the Divine in ways that differ from and sometimes conflict with Europe's dominant religion(s) and secular culture? Together with "Naming and Thinking God in Europe Today" and "Post-colonial Europe in the Crucible of Cultures" (Rodopi 2007), this volume allows us to discover opportunities for a multivalenced reflection on God or the Divine that achieves mutual intelligibility without surrendering to a dogmatic untranslatability or a crude relativism.

Christian Approaches to Other Faiths is divided along the same lines as the textbook(9780334041146). In the first section, readings are divided according to the sub-sections, providing at least one reading for each, with those paradigms which have been more influential, receiving most attention. Importantly a number of readings will also be given critical of the approach in question. The second section contains at least two readings per section, both adopting a different way of understanding that faith. This provides a positive and negative attitude to the faith in question, or highlights the work of two influential commentators. While the emphasis is on contemporary works, important historical readings are included. A short introduction to each text means that, like the Core Text, the work can be used as a stand alone text.

A powerful challenge to conventional Judeo-Christian theology, The First and Final Commandment combines the author's two books, MisGod'ed and God'ed, within one cover. The First and Final Commandment begins by defining the internal conflicts that fracture the metaphysical worlds of Judaism and Christianity from within, and indeed, which demand reappraisal of the Judeo-Christian scriptures themselves. Incorporating detailed analysis, this work continues on to document the scriptural evidences that suggest continuity in revelation from Judaism to Christianity and, in the end, to orthodox (Sunni) Islam. Provocative and thought-provoking, intelligent and inspiring, this book enters the melee of two thousand years of religious debate with clarity of vision, accuracy of detail, and common sense conclusions which boldly confront conventional Judeo-Christian conclusions.

Increasingly world religious traditions present a source of religious practices, and even live religious options. How are Christians to relate to these traditions and the neighbors and friends who live by them? This lively and engaging book is a great resource for faithful wrestling with the new realities. Led by theologian John B. Cobb Jr. and historian Ward M. McAfee, the Progressive Christians Uniting has distilled the historical and existential import of both Abrahamic and other traditions and stressed the differences among traditions and the richness they can afford Christian self-understanding. Includes study materials.

Christ Jesus and the Jewish People Today explores the historical, biblical, christological, trinitarian, and ecclesiological dimensions of this crucial question: -How might we Christians in our time reaffirm our faith claim that Jesus Christ is the Savior of all humanity, even as we affirm the Jewish people's covenantal life with God?- This volume is the result of a transatlantic, interfaith collaboration among Boston College, Catholic Theological Union, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Lund University, Pontifical Gregorian University, and Saint Joseph's University. -This book opens up new vistas after forty-five years of Catholic-Jewish reconciliation. Not comfortable with resting on prior accomplishments, this work is a bold step forward in Catholic searching for a closer theological bond to Judaism without giving up the differences between the two faiths. . . . Offers the cutting edge of Christian theological views of Judaism.- -- Alan Brill Seton Hall University -Stunning in its scope, erudition, and creativity, this work is without parallel or peer. . . . A watershed contribution to a new era in the Jewish-Christian encounter, as both communities increasingly take decades of dialogue experience back into their own theological workshops and, with newfound partners lending support, strive to fashion a more adequate account of God's work among us.- -- Peter A. Pettit Institute for Jewish-Christian Understanding, Muhlenberg College

This book provides a guide and critical extension to contemporary controversies in the theology of religions and interfaith dialogue. It addresses questions raised through certain postmodern theologies (which present an option herein termed 'particularity'), which suggest that the whole enterprise of the theology of religions, as currently understood, is fundamentally misguided and suggest instead an alternative approach. Paul Hedges reflects on how the traditional typology for the theology of religions (exclusivism - inclusivism - pluralism) may be rethought and seen as viable, offering a reformulation of it and critically assesses the main line of critique from post-modern theology, that of particularity, and its alternative vision. Finally, he suggests ways forward and considers how these debates impact on the practice in interfaith dialogue. Interreligious dialogue is a core subject in most theology and religious studies courses in university departments and theological colleges.

Over the course of its history the Christian monastic tradition has developed a desert spirituality" of solitude, silence, and self-knowledge that fosters openness to the divine presence and its transformative power. Today the divine presence is manifesting itself anew in the "desert of otherness," that sacred space in which we encounter the other as one whose difference, even of religion and spirituality, can enrich us, rather than as one who must be drawn to and converted to our own "truth." The encounter of Christians with other believers will increasingly become a place of hardship and testing that leads to union with the divine. This "third monastic desert" is, in reality, the nucleus of the Kingdom that is coming into being, where communication becomes communion. Such has been the experience of monastic men and women - Buddhists, Hindus, and Christians - who have engaged in dialogue. Having discovered an unanticipated bond between dialogue and silence, openness to the other and interiority, Christian monks invite the whole Church to join them on this journey into the desert of otherness.

"Fabrice Blee was born in epernay, France. He is a full professor on the faculty of theology of Saint Paul University, Ottawa, where he teaches in the areas of interreligious dialogue and Christian spirituality. He is also the director of a series on "Spiritualties in Dialogue" (MediasPaul); a member of the editorial board of "Dilatato Corde, " the online journal of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue; and an advisor to the board of directors of the North American commission of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue.""

The Middle East always seems to dominate international news and global politics. For all of the media exposure, however, most of us consider the religious life of that volatile region only in terms of Muslims and Jews. Serving to correct that misperception, Who are the Christians in the Middle East? chronicles the history and current state of the many various Christian communities in that part of the world.Reflecting dramatic changes in the region, including massive population shifts, this second edition of the Baileys' seminal 2003 volume updates their carefully collected data on churches, church leaders, and contacts, making their one-of-a-kind resource an even more useful gold mine of information.

This title offers a comprehensive and contemporary exploration of the role of Jesus in both Islam and Christianity and issues of dialogue in Christian-Muslim relations. "Images of Jesus Christ in Islam 2nd Edition" provides a general introduction to the question of Jesus Christ in Islam and a dialogical discussion of this issues' importance for Christian-Muslim relations. Its originality lies in its comprehensive presentation of relevant sources and research and its discussion of Islamic images of Christ in the wider context of Muslim-Christian relations. Oddbjorn Leirvik provides a comprehensive introduction to a breadth of Muslim traditions through an examination of interpretations of Jesus throughout history, whilst also examining historic tensions between Islam and Christianity. This book's distinctive contribution lies in its dialogical perspective in the perennial area of interest of Islam and Christian-Muslim relations.

Section one of this International Handbook attends to the philosophical and theoretical aspects of inter-religious education. The authors who contribute to this section critique current religious educational practice and offer skills, information and criteria for theory building in the area of inter-religious education. Among the contributors to this section of the International Handbook, one is from the United Kingdom, five are from the Untied Statures of America, two from Africa, and there is one contributor from each of Canada, Latvia and Norway. Two contributors are from the Jewish tradition, one from Islam, one from Orthodox Christianity and the others from a range of different Christian orientations. Their theories and philosophies of inter-religious education are informed by a range of perspectives including human rights, feminist theory and the perspective of Jewish-Christian and inter-religious dialogue.

Section two deals with religious education for inter-religious engagement. The body of scholarship contained in this section argues that religious education needs to provide an empathetic understanding of people, their histories and contexts, and the role of religion in their lives. Of the thirteen scholars who will contribute to this section, one is from the United States of America, two are from Ireland, two are from the United Kingdom, two from Canada and the remaining are from Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Israel, Australia and India. Much of this section draws on recent empirical research and it covers such diverse topics as fundamentalism and ecumenism, critical reflexivity, dialogue between Judaism and Islam, Islamic values and the role of Buddhism in promoting inter-religious education.

Section three analyses the connection between inter-religious education and the promotion of social justice and peace. Indeed a concern for justice and peace is common to all religions and can be the focus of inter-religious education. Among the scholars who will contribute to this section, four are Australian, two are German, and the remaining are from Norway, the United Kingdom, India, the Netherlands and Mumbai. Motifs in this section of the International Handbook cover suffering as a lens for understanding the history of religions, inter-religious tolerance, fundamentalism and fanaticism, peace education, theology and the role and critique of all of these in inter-religious education for social justice and peace.

Section four Inter-religious education for citizenship and human rights brings together a number of religious educators, expert theorists, empirical researchers and those working in international educational policy to examine the role of inter-religious education in promoting citizenship and human rights. Scholars will contribute to this section from Switzerland, England, Australia, France, Finland, Russia, Norway, the United States of America, Germany, Sweden and Japan. The chapters in this section will cover the specifically religious dimensions of policy and practice in human rights and citizenship and will draw on the policies and works of international bodies such as UNESCO as well as providing more local perspectives.

A non-partial anthology of Bible and Qur'an stories: "timely, unique and astonishing." John Esposito. Symbolized by Mary, the Jewish mother of Jesus loved by Christians and Muslims alike, this rare anthology seeks for common ground in a time of conflict. Placing verses from Bible and Qur'an Side by Side, it shows the Holy Books' commonalities in the stories of Adam in the Garden of Eden; Noah and the Great Flood; David and Goliath and many more. Controversial topics - the subservience of women, war and crime- are not shunned, but the focus is on shared human values. Even God and Allah are shown to have many attributes in common. Illustrated- for a non-illustrated version see Qur'an and Bible Side by Side "A compassionate contribution...preferring dialogue to strife and refusing to claim superiority or blame the 'other' side." Ruud Lubbers A peer reviewed book. " Recommended for lower-level undergraduates through graduate student and general readers." Prof. M. Swartz, Choice, Current Reviews for Academic Libraries, ..".invaluable contribution to dialogue especially that between Islam and Christianity." Muhammad Khan, Muslim News, UK, "Written, not in a polemic spirit of proving one religion to be superior to another, but in the spirit of reconcilliation... " Simon Ross Valentine, Church Times, UK ..".Sharing Mary must be praised for its novel approach...(it) succeeds in awakening curiosity." Diego A Sarrio, Washington, Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, January 2011 "An important anthology... supported by carefully formulated comments by competent Islamic and Christian academics... the stories are shown, in their subtle differences, to possess a spiritual commonality." Revd. Dr Reinhardt Kiste, Dialog der Religionen.

This monumental book outlines, clarifies, and defends official Roman Catholic teaching on the relationship between christianity and other religious traditions in the light of Catholic belief that "We must hold that the holy spirit offers to all the possibility of being made partners, in a way known to God, in the paschal mystery" (Gaudium et Spes, 22).

Part I studies the history of these issues. Part II examines their theological framing. Part III deals with Christianity and the religions since Vatican II. Part IV deals with Judaism, Confucianism, Hinduism, and Islam as they see themselves in relation to Christianity. A final chapter by Michael Fitzgerald is a theological reflection on the foundations of interreligious dialogue.