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The Bible and the Qur'an
In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, worldwide interest in Islam has reached an unprecedented peak. Thousands convert to Islam each year in the US alone, and sales of the Qur'an are very high.
What do Christians need to know about the Qur'an? Fr. Jacques Jomier, O.P., has written a scholarly yet readable work that details the profound differences between Christian scripture and the Islamic sacred texts, differences that are too often glossed over by the mainstream media. Topics addressed include: Islamic teaching on Jesus and Mary; the universal mission of the Muslim; Jews, Christians and Islamic law. This book is a necessity for those who wish to understand the highly charged religious elements of the current conflict in the Middle East.
What do Christians need to know about the Qur'an? Fr. Jacques Jomier, O.P., has written a scholarly yet readable work that details the profound differences between Christian scripture and the Islamic sacred texts, differences that are too often glossed over by the mainstream media. Topics addressed include: Islamic teaching on Jesus and Mary; the universal mission of the Muslim; Jews, Christians and Islamic law. This book is a necessity for those who wish to understand the highly charged religious elements of the current conflict in the Middle East.
100 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 4, 2014
The Bible and the Qur’an is one of the most useful books I have ever read in my life and my only regret is that I waited so long.
The author, Jacques Jomier, O.P., was a French Dominican who lived in the Middle East many years. The Bible et Coran was first published in French in 1959. The English translation followed in 1964.
I read a reprint put out by Ignatius Press in 2002 which included additions “kindly supplied” by the author prior to his death (in 2008) “embodied in the text so that this translation may be regarded as a second addition”.
Fr. Jomier was a scholar interested in stating facts and letting the reader draw his/her own conclusions. Jomier’s years of contact with the Islamic people of the region enabled him to maintain sympathy and charity toward them.
Another nice feature of this edition are the five Appendices which include documents from Vatican II, St. John Paul II, Fulton J. Sheen and Francis Cardinal Arinze pertinent to Christian/Muslim relations.
As to the text itself, it was extremely helpful. Whatever your religious background and/or level of expertise this book will be one you will want to read and keep handy.
The author, Jacques Jomier, O.P., was a French Dominican who lived in the Middle East many years. The Bible et Coran was first published in French in 1959. The English translation followed in 1964.
I read a reprint put out by Ignatius Press in 2002 which included additions “kindly supplied” by the author prior to his death (in 2008) “embodied in the text so that this translation may be regarded as a second addition”.
Fr. Jomier was a scholar interested in stating facts and letting the reader draw his/her own conclusions. Jomier’s years of contact with the Islamic people of the region enabled him to maintain sympathy and charity toward them.
Another nice feature of this edition are the five Appendices which include documents from Vatican II, St. John Paul II, Fulton J. Sheen and Francis Cardinal Arinze pertinent to Christian/Muslim relations.
As to the text itself, it was extremely helpful. Whatever your religious background and/or level of expertise this book will be one you will want to read and keep handy.
April 22, 2011
Written by a Dominican who served as a missionary in the Middle East, this book provides a well-balanced and informative overview of how the Bible and the Qur'an are related. More importantly, the author describes the general attitude of Muslims towards their holy book and the holy book of the Judeo-Christian tradition. At 103 pages, he does not go into detail. Neither does he oversimplify ideas or vilify Muslims. This book is a great jumping in point for understanding Islam and its relation to Judaism and Christianity.
The book has an excellent bibliography recommending Qur'an translations and other books on Islam.
The book has an excellent bibliography recommending Qur'an translations and other books on Islam.
February 18, 2017
This little book gives a good overview of the Islamic scripture as it relates to the Holy Bible. It is not overly antagonistic toward Islam, nor does it present the religion to be something other than it is, at least insofar as it examines the religion's main sacred text. It was written by a French Dominican in the late 1960s but republished in the early 2000s. This edition includes a few appendices in the back, with the relevant selections from Vatican II's decree on inter-religious dialogue, an essay by the venerable Card. Arinze, a few talks by St. John Paul, and a chapter from Fulton Sheen titled "Mary and the Muslims".
The phenomenon of Islam presents a puzzle to the Catholic mind, as it is the only great post-Christian religious movement, but defies the easy (if ultimately accurate) categorization as a Christian heresy, and identifies itself with a pre-Christian Abrahamic origin. It's religious text is equally puzzling, speaking highly, albeit usually incorrectly, about Jesus, Mary, and the Prophets, but at the same time being totally irreconcilable with either Rabbinical Judaism or Christianity.
This book has helped me to continue to unravel the puzzle. The other book which I would also recommend to any Christian unsure what to make of Islam is Hilaire Belloc's The Great Heresies, specifically it's chapter "The Great and Enduring Heresy of Mohammed," which can be found online.
The phenomenon of Islam presents a puzzle to the Catholic mind, as it is the only great post-Christian religious movement, but defies the easy (if ultimately accurate) categorization as a Christian heresy, and identifies itself with a pre-Christian Abrahamic origin. It's religious text is equally puzzling, speaking highly, albeit usually incorrectly, about Jesus, Mary, and the Prophets, but at the same time being totally irreconcilable with either Rabbinical Judaism or Christianity.
This book has helped me to continue to unravel the puzzle. The other book which I would also recommend to any Christian unsure what to make of Islam is Hilaire Belloc's The Great Heresies, specifically it's chapter "The Great and Enduring Heresy of Mohammed," which can be found online.
February 18, 2019
A superb and concise investigation of the history of the Muslim holy book and the similarities and differences with the Christian Bible. Jacques Jomier OP is one of the great competitive scholars. Respectful of the Qu’an, he brings to light many of the beliefs and history of Islam clearly unknown to most in Western culture. A fascinating read for all who are curious about manynof the core diffferences of the two giant faiths - and helps explain many of the causes of tension and violence within Islam and with the rest of the world.
February 27, 2024
Father Jacques Jomier, OP, has written a very understandable explanation of the relationship between the Bible and the Qur'an. He is understanding, sympathetic and critical. I was surprised at the respect the Qur'an has for Mary and Jesus.
Mary is considered the mother of the prophet, Jesus. She was immaculately conceived and loved and respected by Muslims. The Qur'an also believes in the virgin birth of Jesus.
If there's any way Christianity and Muslims can solve their differences, it will be through Mary.
Mary is considered the mother of the prophet, Jesus. She was immaculately conceived and loved and respected by Muslims. The Qur'an also believes in the virgin birth of Jesus.
If there's any way Christianity and Muslims can solve their differences, it will be through Mary.
December 3, 2015
I was looking for a book to discuss the basics in easy-to-read language, but this book was too advanced for my needs.
July 20, 2016
This book is an excellent way of seeing the Qur'an and the bible compared
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews