MACMILLAN Poverty and Wealth in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

This book gathers scholars from the three major monotheistic religions to discuss the issue of poverty and wealth from the varied perspectives of each tradition. It provides a cadre of values inherent to the sacred texts of Jews, Christians, and Muslims and illustrates how these values may be used to deal with current economic inequalities.  Contributors use the methodologies of religious studies to provide descriptions and comparisons of perspectives from Judaism, Christianity, and Islam on poverty and wealth. The book presents citations from the sacred texts of all three religions. The contributors discuss the interpretations of these texts and the necessary contexts, both past and present, for deciphering the stances found there. Poverty and Wealth in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam identifies and details a foundation of common values upon which individual and institutional decisions may be made. Review “This book is an excellent comparison and contrast of each of these religions. … Overall, the comparison and contrast were done well and from a purely unbiased standpoint. I think that everyone should understand other cultures and how they view the major aspects of society. This book helps every Christian, Jew, or Muslim understand the views that the others hold to.” (Justin Dilliplane, Resolved for Christ, resolvedfc.blogspot.de, January, 2018) Review “This excellent collection of essays brings together a diverse and impressive group of scholars from a variety of disciplines and faith perspectives, who intelligently and insightfully explore what the sacred texts of the three traditions have to say to the rich and the poor. The contributions are intellectually exciting and even inspirational. We can only hope that the values and perspectives outlined in this important book blossom into public policy and codes of life.” (Michael N. Dobkowski, Chair, Department of Religious Studies, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, USA) “This edited volume is a much-needed contribution to the scholarship on poverty. This book maps a path across religious lines. The interdisciplinary and interfaith nature of the book makes it appealing to a wide audience. This volume is an outstanding read for students and scholars alike, who study the interplay between religions and distribution of wealth.” (Mustafa Gökçek, Associate Professor, Department of History, and Director of MA program in Interdisciplinary Studies, Niagara University, USA) From the Back Cover This book gathers scholars from the three major monotheistic religions to discuss the issue of poverty and wealth from the varied perspectives of each tradition. It provides a cadre of values inherent to the sacred texts of Jews, Christians, and Muslims and illustrates how these values may be used to deal with current economic inequalities.  Contributors use the methodologies of religious studies to provide descriptions and comparisons the perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam on poverty and wealth. The book provides citations from the sacred texts of all three religions along their interpretations, contexts, and elaboration for deciphering their stances. Poverty and Wealth in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam identifies and details a foundation of common values upon which individual and institutional decisions may be made.   About the Author Nathan R. Kollar is Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at St. John Fisher College, USA, retired Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Education, University of Rochester, USA, and Co-founder and Chair of the Board of the Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue at Nazareth College, USA.  Muhammad Shafiq is Executive Director of the Brian and Jean Hickey Center for Interfaith Studies and Dialogue and Professor of Islamic and Religious Studies at Nazareth College, USA. He holds the IIIT Chair in Interfaith Studies at Nazareth College.