A guide to understanding Islam

This book is an introduction to Islam that proves insightful and in depth while remaining easy to read and understand. Using his ministry and twenty-year teaching experience, Donald L. Berry balances scholarship with real-world application to educate a general audience about Islam. This book focuses on key points in Islamic history, theology, and methodology, unveiling the heritage and diversity in contemporary Islam.

Berry argues that some of the traditions and practices commonly found in the Arab world today reflect the traditions of pre-Islamic Arab culture rather than the Islam described in the Qur’an. The author also attempts to distinguish those beliefs, traditions, and practices that emerge from the Qur’an and those that are rooted in other Muslim traditions that may not be authoritative for all Muslims.

Another key element of Pictures of Islam is a look at modernity and Islam. While modernity is not a common word for the general audience, it’s a factor in our modern world and history that cannot be ignored. The impact of modernity is still being felt in most of the Muslim world. Muslims debate the contributions and harm of modernity just as other societies and nations.

Berry identifies ten barriers that hinder positive Muslim-Christian relations today. Muslims and Christians do share many common beliefs and traditions, yet the reader must also understand the historical, theological, and practical factors that have led to conflict between Christians and Muslims.

DONALD L. BERRY has two decades of teaching experience and has given lectures in theological schools in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and South America. He is the author of Islam and Modernity through the Writings of the Islamic Modernist Fazlur Rahman and has written numerous articles as well. He currently serves as a professor at Gardner-Webb University School of Divinity.

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