Bloomsbury Academic Islam as Devotion: A Journey into the Interior of a Religion

How is it that Islam is so feared and misunderstood among Christians? Is there any possibility of an open dialogue between Muslims and Christians that will lead to a greater understanding of both? Ralf K. Wüstenberg explores these and other questions in an in-depth investigation of Islam, using as his guide the teachings of the revered Muslim scholar, Al-Ghazali, and placing them in dialogue with those of the protestant theologian and Reformer, John Calvin. The journey of discovery offered in this book is of long-lasting value to both Christians and Muslims as they seek to find common ground in understanding the most important and basic tenets of each other's faith. Review Jesus listened to others openly and with complete attention, often to people very different from himself. For Christian theology too, openness and listening are crucial first steps toward understanding. In Islam as Devotion, Christian theologian Ralf K. Wüstenberg listens to what Muslim scholars and students are saying about their faith in God. Clearly and skillfully he draws what he hears into conversation with Christian life and faith. The result is a beautiful book that will help open the minds and hearts of contemporary Christians to a deeper understanding not only of Islam, but of their own deepest faith, hope, and love for God.--Stephen J. Plant, University of Cambridge Wüstenberg takes the readers along on a fascinating expedition. He lets them participate in his encounter with Islam. The readers get involved in the inner and outer dialogues the author had when he dived into the factual, intellectual, and spiritual cosmos of Islam.--Reinhold Bernhardt, Universität Basel About the Author Ralf K. Wüstenberg is chair for systematic and historic theology at Europa-University Flensburg and senior research associate at Von-Hügel-Institute in the University of Cambridge.