In light of the widespread public perception of incompatibility between Islam and Christianity, this book provides a much-needed straightforward comparison of these two great faith traditions from a broad theological perspective. Award-winning scholar John Renard illuminates the similarities as well as the differences between Islam and Christianity through a clear exploration of four major dimensions―historical, creedal, institutional, and ethical and spiritual. Throughout, the book features comparisons between concrete elements such as creedal statements, prayer texts, and writings from major theologians and mystics. It also includes a glossary of technical theological terms. For western readers in particular, this balanced, authoritative work overturns some common stereotypes about Islam, especially those that have emerged in the decade since September 11, 2001. “Remarkably insightful, and a little bit controversial. As such, it has all the hallmarks of a great teaching tool, and stands as a work which informed lay thinkers and interreligious scholars alike can benefit from.” ― American Theological Inquiry “Renard steps with faultless assurance across a minefield. . . . Without glossing over fundamental differences between Christianity and Islam—especially the Christian insistence on redemption through Jesus’s suffering—Renard shows how the reality has often been more nuanced.” ― Times Literary Supplement “Outstanding Academic Title for 2011. Highly recommended.” ― CHOICE "One of the best books available for use in courses comparing Muslim and Christian thought." ― Journal of Islamic Studies “Renard has a good grasp on what is important, foundational, and formative across a multitude of disciplines in both religious traditions.” ― State of Formation “John Renard offers, in this beautiful book, a new contribution in the field of comparative study of Christianity and Islam. In an illuminating manner, he offers a synopsis of themes in Islam and Christianity in which the reader can see the similarities and also the divergence that characterize key aspects of the two faiths. . . . To the general reader interested in relationship of Islam and Christianity, the book is a most useful guide.” ― Islamochristiana “Written with sensitivity and beauty, encouraging those of both communities [of Christianity and Islam] to focus on relationships of mutual respect. The basic understanding provided in this volume may very well serve to help facilitate this.” ― Religious Studies Review "John Renard presents a judicious overview of Muslim and Christian ways of 'being in the world.' This work eloquently refutes common Western stereotypes regarding Muslims and Islam and adds to the growing call for Muslim-Christian understanding on a global scale. It is an elegantly crafted book." David L. Johnston, author of Earth, Empire and Sacred Text: Muslims and Christians as Trustees of Creation "John Renard offers a lucid portrayal of the major aspects of Christianity and Islam, identifying numerous points of congruence without denying significant dissimilarities. The call he makes for Christians and Muslims to show greater mutual awareness and respect is persuasive and hard to ignore." David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam, University of Birmingham "John Renard presents a judicious overview of Muslim and Christian ways of 'being in the world.' This work eloquently refutes common Western stereotypes regarding Muslims and Islam and adds to the growing call for Muslim-Christian understanding on a global scale. It is an elegantly crafted book."―David L. Johnston, author of Earth, Empire and Sacred Text: Muslims and Christians as Trustees of Creation "John Renard offers a lucid portrayal of the major aspects of Christianity and Islam, identifying numerous points of congruence without denying significant dissimilarities. The call he makes for Christians and Muslims to show greater mutual awareness and respect is persuasive and hard to ignore." ―David Thomas, Professor of Christianity and Islam, University of Birmingham John Renard is Professor of Theological Studies at Saint Louis University. His many books include Seven Doors to Islam: Spirituality and the Religious Life of Muslims, Windows on the House of Islam, Friends of God: Islamic Images of Piety, Commitment, and Servanthood, and Tales of God’s Friends: Islamic Hagiography in Translation , all from UC Press. Islam and Christianity Theological Themes in Comparative Perspective By John Renard UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS Copyright © 2011 The Regents of the University of California All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-0-520-26678-0 Contents Preface, ix, Prologue: Christian-Muslim Theological Dialogue in Retrospect, xvii, Introduction: Theological Themes and Subdisciplines, 1, PART ONE. HISTORICAL DIMENSIONS: INTERPRETING GOD'S COMMUNICATION AND DIVINE ENGAGEMENT IN TIME AND SPACE, 25, 1. Sacred Sources and Community Origins, 2