Claiming Abraham: Reading the Bible and the Qur'an Side by Side

"In a novel approach to interreligious dialogue, Lodahl puts the Bible and the Qur'an in conversation with one another. This book will serve as a fine guide for those interested in exploring the shared scriptural heritage of Jews, Christians, and Muslims and its implications for the future."--John Kaltner, Rhodes College
Many of the Bible's characters and stories are also found in the Qur'an, but there are often different details or new twists in the Islamic retelling of biblical narrative. In Claiming Abraham, seasoned theologian Michael Lodahl explores these fascinating divergences to discover the theological difference they make.
Writing from a Christian perspective that is respectful of the Islamic tradition, Lodahl encourages readers to reflect on the real and appreciable differences among Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions. He contends that exploring the distinct trajectories created by the different tellings of biblical stories gives readers a deeper appreciation for each faith's reading of Scripture. To this end, Claiming Abraham compares and contrasts how the Bible and the Qur'an depict and treat certain characters in common to both religions, including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. Lodahl provides extended theological reflection on doctrines held in common by Christians and Muslims, such as creation, revelation, and the resurrection of the body. He also explores rabbinic writings as an important source for understanding the Qur'an and accentuates the critical role of interpretive communities in the making of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.
Claiming Abraham offers an accessible introduction to Muslim theology and to the Qur'an's leading themes, providing readers with a fuller understanding of Islam. It will benefit professors and students in theology, comparative religion, intercultural studies, and Islam courses as well as thoughtful lay readers and pastors.