cover image Christians, Muslims, And Jesus

Christians, Muslims, And Jesus

Mona Siddiqui. Yale Univ., $32.50 (296p) ISBN 978-0-300-16970-6

Siddiqui, a professor of religion at Edinburgh University's Divinity School, presents a thorough introduction to Christian and Muslim beliefs and dialogue on the subject of Jesus. The book outlines and contrasts Christian and Muslim theology on the definition of prophecy, monotheism, and the nature of God, the life and role of Jesus and Mary, and the tensions between mercy and justice from a loving God. Siddiqui is careful and scholarly throughout, quoting extensively from primary as well as secondary sources, and her sharp scholar's eye and clear prose style are assets as she explores complicated topics like the role of Jesus in Sufism, where he functions as a symbol of the spiritual perfection of humanity. The book's best sections deal with Christian and Muslim theological debates from the early Middle Ages to the present day, from Muslim theologians arguing against the trinity to medieval Christian writers pondering whether Muslims are pagans or heretics; the snippets relayed here are fascinating for historical as well as religious insight. While many of the topics and writers covered here merit an entire book, this concise and intelligent work deserves attention from both academic and popular audiences. (May)