The Islamic Jesus
How the King of the Jews Became a Prophet of the Muslims
-
-
4.9 • 7 Ratings
-
-
- $11.99
-
- $11.99
Publisher Description
Uncover the hidden links between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in this thought-provoking exploration of the true origins of the Islamic faith.
When Reza Aslan's bestseller Zealot came out in 2013, there was criticism that he hadn't addressed his Muslim faith while writing the origin story of Christianity. Mustafa Akyol's The Islamic Jesus is the book that fills that gap.
The Islamic Jesus reveals startling truths about Islam in the context of the first Muslims and the early origins of Christianity. Muslims and the first Christians—the Jewish followers of Jesus—saw Jesus as a prophet and human Messiah, not divine, and believed that salvation comes from faith and good works, not merely faith alone. Akyol seeks to uncover how these core beliefs of Jewish Christianity, lost in history as a heresy, re-emerged in a new religion born in 7th century Arabia: Islam.
Exposing the extraordinary historical connection between Judaism, Jewish Christianity and Islam, The Islamic Jesus explores a major mystery unexplored by academia. From Jesus' Jewish followers to the Nazarenes and Ebionites to the Qur'an's stories of Mary and Jesus, this book reveals links between religions that seem so contrary today. It will also call on Muslims to rediscover their own Jesus, at a time when they are troubled by their own Pharisees and Zealots.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In a conversational style and with studious acumen, Akyol (Islam Without Extremes) shows scintillating connections between "Jewish followers of Jesus and Arab followers of Muhammad" and how Jewish Christianity possibly shaped the Qur'an's view of Isa the Arabic name of Jesus. Tracing sacred texts from multiple traditions and centuries of commentary and contemplation concerning Jesus in Christian, Jewish-Christian, and Muslim sources, Akyol introduces the Islamic Jesus to the world. These beliefs and narratives about Jesus are handled respectfully, with careful attention to the nuances of his many sources. In his conclusion, Akyol admits that Christians, Jews, and Muslims have serious differences theological and cultural. And yet, he advises, Muslims have something to learn from Jesus, and Christians and Jews can also gain from revisiting Jesus from a Muslim point of view. This is a solid read for those interested in the history of theology and religions, Christian-Muslim dialogue, understanding more about Islam, or appreciating the multivalent milieu of the Middle Eastern world where Christianity, Judaism, and Islam emerged.
Customer Reviews
Stunningly addictive!
Worth reading every word.
Delves deeper than most Christian & Muslim scholars dare to undertake. As a person transitioning from the Christian faith towards Islam, it sincerely clarified many of my preconceived biases.