Islam: Past, Present and Future

by Hans Kung

Overview

The world's most renowned theologian turns his attention to Islam

For more than two decades the world's religions have been a central topic for Hans Kung. In books that have inspired millions throughout the world, he has pioneered work towards a new dialogue between cultures. Following bestselling volumes on Christianity and Judaism, here he turns his attention to Islam. Providing a masterful overview of Islam's 1,400-year history, Kung examines its fundamental beliefs and practices, outlines the major schools of thought, and surveys the positions of Islam on the urgent questions of the day. Deft, assured, and comprehensive, this is the only objective introduction to Islam by a renowned Christian theologian.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781851686124
Publisher:	Oneworld Publications
Publication date:	10/01/2008
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	800
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.80(h) x 1.60(d)

About the Author

Dr. Kung is President of the Foundation for a Global Ethic (Weltethos). From 1960 until his retirement in 1996, he was Professor of Ecumenical Theology and Director of the Institute for Ecumenical Research at the University of Tubingen. He is a scholar of theology and philosophy and a prolific writer.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Against a Clash of Civilizations

A. Origin
I. A controversial religion
II. Problems of the beginning

B. Centre
I. God’s word has become a book
II. The central message
III. The central structural elements

C. History
I. The original Islamic community paradigm
II. The paradigm of the Arab empire
III. The classical paradigm of Islam as a world religion
IV. The paradigm of the Ulama and Sufi

D. Challenges of the present
I. Competition between different paradigms
II. Which Islam do Muslims want?
III. The Israel-Palestine conflict
IV. New approaches to theological conversation
V. Speculative questions
VI. From biblical criticism to Qur’anic criticism?

E. Possibilities for the future
I. Islamic renewal
II. The future of the Islamic legal order
III. The future of Islamic state order and politics
IV. The future of the Islamic economic and social order
V. Islam: a picture of hope

Editorial Reviews

"An eminently political book" "Kung proves himself a masterful historian."

Muslim World Book Review

"Exactly what readers expect from Hans K

U. S. Catholic

"Required Reading not only for Kung’s many fans, but also for those of us who long to know more about Islam and Islamic practice"

The Good Book Guide

Prominent Christian theologian Küng completes his trilogy on the world's three monotheistic faiths with this lengthy analysis of Islam's 1,400-year history. As in his previous volumes, he speaks against the clash of civilizations and for peace through inter-religious dialogue. He sees each faith as having had major paradigm shifts that have moved it forward, and, in fact, praises Islam for advancing the Arab people quite rapidly, in some cases much faster than similar periods for Christianity. Nevertheless, he claims the Muslim world has neglected to move to its next paradigm due to various failures: arrogant ulama(religious scholars), greed among the wealthy, and the lack of health care and education. Equally critical of Christianity and Judaism, Küng is a lone, profound voice searching for greater understanding through asking difficult questions. He is intuitively confident that Muslims are ready to revitalize their religion, hungry for such rethinking through new Qur'anic interpretations that are already underway. Although the thousand-page book is overblown and could use some stringent editing, it contains insightful ideas and worthwhile commentary. Those intimidated by the lengthy volume may prefer to peruse the fascinating maps and tables throughout, which neatly and graphically summarize the book's major points. (May)

Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information

Publishers Weekly

Well-regarded theologian Kung (president, Fdn. for a Global Ethic; On Being a Christian), who has been credited with fostering healthy interreligious dialog, completes his trilogy on "The Religious Situation of Our World" (the other two volumes focused on Judaism and Christianity). More than 1000 pages long, this tome may well be the author's magnum opus. In brief, it provides a comprehensive, balanced treatment of the world's second-largest religion. Kung specifically examines Islam through paradigm analysis. Not only does he trace the origin and history of this 1400-year-old faith, but he also peers into its future. Will war or peace prevail? His tone is respectful, and he is devoted to finding common ground among the world's often embattled faiths. According to Kung, study of the world's religions leads to an understanding of the world. This spirited, wide-angle approach pervades the book, which is destined to become a seminal text and as popular as (if not more popular than) Karen Armstrong's Islam: A Short History. Recommended for academic libraries, especially ones with special collections in religion and theology; given today's widespread interest in Islam, it is also appropriate for public libraries.-C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

"A brilliant treatment of Islam and its beliefs by a brilliant theologian."

The Washington Times

"It is a stimulating overview by an accomplished theologian that raises important questions for both Christians and Muslims. It also reveals a respect and sympathy for the spiritual and theological heritage of Islam other Christians writers should seek to emulate"

Church of England Newspaper

Interview with Kung with regards to his relationship with the Pope and Tony Blair. It mention the book and how he is building a dialogue between the 3 main world religions.

The Sunday Times

"This comprehensively researched, clearly structured and thought-provoking works is truly remarkable."

Tablet

"This huge 1,000-page-book will give students, academics and general readers a very comprehensive study of its subject."

The Bookseller