The familiar and heartwarming story of Christmas is one of hope, encapsulated by the birth of the infant Jesus. It is also a story that unites Christianity and Islam--two faiths that have often been at odds with each other. The accounts of the Nativity given by the Evangelists Luke and Matthew find their parallels in Surahs 3 and 19 of the Qur'an, which take up the Annunciation to Mary, the Incarnation from the Holy Spirit, and the Nativity. Christmas and the Qur'an is a sensitive and precise analysis of the Christmas story as it appears in the Gospels and the Qur'an. Karl-Josef Kuschel presents both scriptures in a convincing comparative exegesis and reveals startling similarities as well as significant differences. Kuschel explores how Christians and Muslims read these texts and reveals an intertwining legacy that serves as a base for greater understanding. Without leaving the realm of theology, Kuschel approaches his analysis in a theocentric way by emphasizing the shared belief that God is almighty, which, he argues, can act as a healing suture between Christianity and Islam. Christmas and the Qur'an gives the reader the chance to remember the message of hope that the birth of Jesus brings and invites to a dialogue between Muslims and Christians.

About the Author
Karl-Josef Kuschel is Professor Emeritus of Catholic Theology at the University of Tubingen, Germany. He taught the theology of culture and inter-religious dialogue and was the deputy director of Institute of Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Studies. He was a member of the advisory board of Theology and Literature (London). From 1995 to 2009 he was vice president of the Stiftung Weltethos, working closely with his doctoral supervisor and founding president of Weltethos Hans Kung.

Reviews
'The depiction of Jesus and indeed of Mary in the Qur'an is a subject of great importance for a more intelligent dialogue between Islam and the Christian tradition. Too many people know little or nothing about it, and it is a pleasure to welcome the English translation of this book from a seasoned and creative scholar.- Rowan Williams, Master of Magdalene College and former Archbishop of Canterbury; 'This is a most interesting and informative book; it is equally valuable for scholars and a wider readership. [...] Professor Kuschel has highlighted very clearly the joint heritage of Christianity and Islam at a time when mutual understanding between these two religious traditions is so vital.' - Prof. Carole Hillenbrand, University of St Andrews; 'Shows convincingly that the beliefs of Christians and Muslims are entwined in unexpected and profound ways' -Daily Telegraph



Book Information
ISBN 9781909942387
Author Karl-Josef Kuschel
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Gingko Library
Publisher GINGKO