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

by John Kaltner

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 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.

Genres: Religion

312 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1999

Reviews

[Matthew Richey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for Christians who know their Bibles and want to approach the Qur'an charitably and intelligently. Kaltner sets up dialogues between the Bible and the Qur'an centered around six people (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Mary, and Jesus) important in both, highlighting their convergence and divergence. Kaltner attempts to demonstrate ways in which the Bible reader can learn from the Qur'an's contributions to the understandings while still maintaining the important differences in Christian and Islamic perspectives. A very interesting read, I would think some familiarity with the Qur'an is necessary to fully appreciate this work, but he does provide extensive quotations.

[Nate Duriga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent for giving an understanding of where the Bible and Quran converge and diverge, focusing on key people that are common to the two.