Jesus of Arabia: Christ through Middle Eastern Eyes

by Andrew Thompson

In Jesus of Arabia, the Reverend Canon Andrew Thompson introduces an unfamiliar Jesus—Jesus in the context of his home in the Middle East. Whether readers believe Jesus to be a prophet or the messiah, Thompson enhances our understanding of his work and character by looking at his social context as a man and Middle Easterner. Jesus’s teachings take on new meaning as Thompson explores themes including family in Arabia, gender roles in the region, food culture, and more.

Jesus of Arabia looks at the bridges between Islam and Christianity through the figure of Jesus and how the two communities may reflect each other despite their differences. Thompson draws on his experience as a priest in the Anglican Church and his many years living in the Middle East to analyze the often conflicting roles and loyalties concerning family, culture, and God. A timely and incisive work, Jesus of Arabia invites us to consider contemporary views of the Middle East and how a figure like Jesus might be received today.

Genres: Religion, Theology, Nonfiction, Christian

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2015

Reviews

[Jim Saunders · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written for Christians that have moved to the Middle East, talks about the contrast between them and Muslims. Very interesting read, I learned a lot.

[Jeri Bidinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book within its limits. Andrew Thompson is an Anglican vicar assigned to an international congregation in Abu Dhabi, where we lived from 2004-2011. He has lived off and on in the Middle East for many years. From his stories, he has a good bit of contact and interaction with locals of UAE society, likely by virtue of his leadership role. His book is a highly readable effort to consider both how Arabs of the Arabian Gulf, at least those still steeped in the old ways before the oil and all the wealth and Western influences, would perceive some of Jesus' actions and parables, and how an understanding of traditional Middle Eastern culture, Jesus' culture, might impact a Western reading of the Gospels.

I especially appreciate what Thompson writes about Arab traditions of hospitality and honor, as well as his discussion of the nature of an honor/shame culture. His work with the topic of poetic form in Arabia today and in the language of Jesus' recorded parables discusses matters of significance to all Christians in how we read those stories today. However, much of what he has to say on the topic is lifted from Kenneth Bailey's various works, particularly his iconic Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes.

I say "within its limits" the book is excellent. Its limits: It is quite short, and discussion does little more than scratch the surface. Thompson, by virtue of his purpose in writing, is wisely deferential to Islam and Gulf social norms, which means that matters of substance are sometimes ignored or glossed over. The discussion is based on impressions and experience over and above empirical research. A significant question that lingers in my mind: to what extent can we rely on the assumption that traditional Arab culture in fact remains much as it was in Jesus' day.

While I mention it as a limit in terms of full discussion, I deeply appreciate the respect Thompson shows to his host culture, and his solid acknowledgment of the truth that much of the Islam portrayed in the media, and in writing for Christian audiences, horribly distorts of reality we have experienced in our own 13 years living among Muslims in two Gulf countries and now in Turkey. For this reason above all others I recommend this read.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as someone who has only a superficial understanding of Islam. I found it so interesting that a book espousing Christian views would be printed in the UAE with an endorsement by a Minister of the government. Thompson achieves this by being very respectful and seeking to find the similarities in the sacred texts and their interpretation. He points out significant differences as well, but for purpose of clarity and is not argumentative. He calls for more dialogue for people of different faiths to read and comment on the texts. He uses examples throughout of how a person from the Arabian Gulf might see Jesus’ teaching in ways that Westerners might not notice.

[Deeps George · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Middle East and especially the Gulf region is closely associated with the birth and spread of the 3 most important religions in today’s world , Judaism , Islam and Christianity. Over the centuries Christianity has been westernized and the teachings of Jesus diluted to support Western culture.
This book looks into the teachings of Jesus in light of the traditions and culture of the Arab world that enables us to see the really meaning behind what was taught and shared by Jesus. The author looks at this through the lens of relationships , religion, language , woman and customs. A apt read for all all who have made Arabia home in understanding how to relate to our Muslim brothers as well as the true meaning behind the teachings of Christ. The Appendix provides clarity on major topics of division between Christians and Muslims which is helpful.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was given to me by friends living in the Middle East, and because of my visit to this part of the world, I enjoyed the book's descriptive link between Arabian culture and the teachings of Jesus.

[Abraham Mansouri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for every Christian

[Dr. Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

On some level I appreciate what he's trying to do and there are a few helpful thoughts here, but the research is superficial and the theology is very confused (and, in places, errant).

[Melodie Pearse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This book is an extremely important tool for interfaith dialogue. Canon Andrew has given us a great place to begin building a foundation of common ground between Muslims and Christians. Thompson highlights the fact that Jesus lived in the Middle East, and therefore his parables and teachings addressed Middle Eastern culture and society. He argues that in some parts of the world, there are Middle Eastern/Arab communities who are still abiding by these customs in a preserved culture that mirrors the society during the time of Jesus.
Canon Andrew has lived in the Middle East for decades and has become accustomed to Arab culture and societal norms. His knowledge on the region is vast and I appreciate how he addresses the criticisms readers may have with his reasoning in the indexes. Thompson challenges western Christians to read the New Testament with a new lens focusing on Jesus' audience. There are sections throughout the book where Arabs share their observations/initial reactions with New Testament text (these were my favorite parts of the book). The records of their thoughts prove that Canon Andrew's objective of contextualizing Jesus' teachings within Middle Eastern society is both enlightening and absolutely necessary to understand the fullness of His message.
I am so thankful for Canon Andrew's dedication to interfaith discourse and I have certainly been challenged to engage with the text in a new way and with a new intent.

[Ruppert Baird · Rating 5 out of 5]

An engaging and fascinating look at Jesus from the point of view of Arab society. It is clear that Jesus was a rebel bent on shaking the fabric of Jewish life and faith, as well as that of many others.

Reverend Andy Thompson lived for many years on the Arab Peninsula leading churches in Kuwait and in the UAE. He was knighted by the UK for his interdenominational work and rose to the position of a personal religious advisor to the leader of the United Arab Emirates.

Thompson's insights into Jesus are a revelation and an eye-opener for those who have spent their lives looking at Christ from the perspective of the West.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting look into the middle eastern cultural implications of various seemingly un-remarkable concepts in the bible (for instance, how is it significant if a character in the bible is running? Why use pearls to denote something valuable?). This book assumes that the cultural values and habits haven't changed too much between the time of the bible's writing and now, so there may be some inconsistencies in his theories, but overall, quite interesting. Not entirely fun to read, but interesting.

[Mary Ellen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly, I am disappointed. I really feel like there is no reason for me to remain a Christian after reading this book. The main issues were watered down and many statements were either biased or simply not true, esp. regarding women. I think the author is working so hard to keep open communication with Islamic leaders that he felt the need to shelter the truth. Shame! Anyone reading this book would feel it fine to convert to Islam, and as a Christian leader this should cause concern!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who says they follow Christ's teachings from the Gospels. Since I was young I was taught and believed in His teachings as one would expect for someone born and raised Catholic in the US. Since Jesus Himself was from the Middle East and everything He said and did was in that context, this book helped explain a lot of that context.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting look at Jesus through the lens of Middle Eastern culture. The author discusses overall interpretations but also dives into specifics such as running in public, hospitality shown to guests, and more. There were many things I had not thought of before, but I did think the writing was a bit dry.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely book that makes you view Jesus through a different set of lenses. I’d recommend it to anyone - spiritual or not - who is curious about Jesus and wants to understand the historical and cultural context Jesus was born into.

[Stan Cundiff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that challenges us to see Jesus as a middle eastern man. Written and published in the Middle East, it is also now available in Arabic. This is a great book to help open up a dialogue between Muslims and Christians.

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read it as a book study. It is interesting but has to be studied and discussed. So not a quick read. Interesting points since I live in the Middle East.

[Lil Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great interdiction to understanding Jesus and His teachings through the cultures that the lived in.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every non-Arab Christian living in the middle East should read this