Jews, Christians, Muslims: A Comparative Introduction to Monotheistic Religions

by Frederick M. Denny, Carlos M.N. Eire, John Corrigan (Editor)

This book compares Judaism, Christianity, and Islam using seven common themes, which are equally relevant to each tradition. Provoking critical thinking, this book addresses the cultural framework of religious meanings. It explores similarities and differences among Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as it explains the ongoing process of interpretation in each religion. A comparative view of monotheistic religions showing the manor in which each has influenced and responded to the others. Provides readers with an opportunity to appreciate how religious change takes place and how traditions are shaped and reshaped including popular religion. Combines a focus on specific themes (scripture, ritual, ethics) with a strong narrative about the historical developments of these themes. Lets the reader see the enduring aspects of each tradition alongside of the changes. A discussion of material culture is presented.. Including an analysis of art and architecture, food, dress, and the organization of space. Written in crisp, clear prose, with a non-technical, casual approach. Includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and glossary.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Judaism, History

542 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 1997

Reviews

[Yaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting as a book for beginners in the filed of monotheistic religions.

[Renee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has been languishing on my bookshelf for some time now – almost a year in fact – because Huyen refuses to take it back until I read it. After bringing back a couple of boxes of books from Rotorua, I desperately needed the bookshelf space, so here goes.
To be fair I haven’t read it cover to cover, I’ve skipped over the parts the don’t interest me (which works out to be half the book). I’m torn between giving it 4 or 2 stars, so I’ll give reasons for both ratings.

4 stars:
If I were a religious studies student, I would love this textbook. ‘Jews, Christians and Muslims’ is logically divided thematically into parts covers certain aspects of each religion, such as ‘Scripture’ and ‘Ethics’. Each part is further divided into three subsections dedicated to each religion. If only every textbook were so well organised.
I am glad I read this book, because if nothing else I gained a greater understanding of the Christian trinity, and the similarities between Judaism and Islam.

2 stars:
As a layperson reader I often found this book extremely tedious. Although not necessarily poorly written, ‘Jews, Christians and Muslims’ goes into far too much dry detail for a Joe Bloggs reader like myself. Its the kind of book I’d like on my bookshelf as a reference rather than for a good read.

So I decided to average it out and give ‘Jews’ 3 stars. Are you happy now Huyen?

[Jess Carr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wished I would have used a textbook focused on the US, and I particularly thought the sections on Islam were too dense.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book, but I think the author knew too much about Christianity, than Judaism and Islam. He kept repeating "Men in Islam can marry more than one wives..." over five times it drove me insane. Even though this is a textbook, I just wish he explained more about Christianity within the first two parts in the book.