Ishmael Instructs Isaac: An Introduction to the Qur'an for Bible Readers

by John Kaltner PH.D.

Overview

Jews, Christians, and Muslims trace their roots to Abraham and yet it is a shock to many Bible readers that some of the characters and stories in their sacred text are also found in the pages of Islam's sacred text, the Qur'an. By exploring the relationship between the Bible and the Qur'an in Ishmael Instructs Isaac, John Kaltner challenges Bible readers to think about their sacred book in new, exciting ways. In doing so, he leads all to a better appreciation of Islam.

After a brief overview of the text, themes, structure, and use of the Qur'an, Kaltner focuses on traditions that are shared with the Bible. He explains that the Bible and Qur'an contain many of the same themes, figures, and episodes. However, at times, there are significant differences in their descriptions of the same event or figure. By discussing such topics and figures as God, humanity, prophecy, creation, life after death, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mary, Kaltner examines the similarities and differences between the two texts. This comparative method allows readers to better appreciate both what is distinctive about Islam and what it shares with Judaism and Christianity.

Jews and Christians view Isaac as the son of Abraham in whom the family line continued. Muslims, on the other hand, view Isaac's brother Ishmael as the rightful heir. This difference must not obscure what is held in common: a belief in the one God and a family - albeit distant - relationship.

Written for undergraduate and seminary courses on Islam, the Qur'an, comparative religions, inter-religious dialogue, world scriptures, and biblical interpretation, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is also a useful resource for discussion groups in churches, synagogues, and mosques.

Includes English translations of the Qur'anic texts discussed.

John Kaltner, PhD, is assistant professor of religious studies at Rhodes College where he teaches courses in the Bible and Islam. He has worked in the Middle East with the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814658826
Publisher:	Liturgical Press
Publication date:	08/01/1999
Series:	Connections
Pages:	312
Product dimensions:	6.04(w) x 9.01(h) x 0.78(d)

About the Author

John Kaltner, PhD, is associate professor of religious studies at Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of Ishmael Instructs Isaac: An Introduction to the Qur'an for Bible Readers of the Connections series published by Liturgical Press.

Editorial Reviews

Rarely have Western scholars considered the Qur'an worthy of the kind of close reading which the Bible customarily receives. In taking the Qur'an at least as seriously as the Christian scriptures and by allowing it to inform our reading of the Bible, Dr. Kaltner has opened up new possibilities for interreligious dialogue. Warmly recommended for Christian readers, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is accessible enough to be a text for college-level courses, but insightful enough to be read with interest even by specialists.
Gregory W. Dawes, Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Otago


Ishmael Instructs Isaac is clearly and eloquently written. It inspires respect without whitewashing differences. Who knows? Reading it may help us work toward family reconciliation born of on mutual respect and understanding.
Kathleen M. O'Connor, Professor of Old Testament, Columbia Theological Seminary


Kaltner's sensitive handling of the materials, his ability to offer a dispassionate analysis, and the fine literary sensibility he brings to bear on his subject alone are sufficient grounds for recommending his work.
Journal of Islamic Studies

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