Ishmael Instructs Isaac [Paperback]

John Kaltner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1999

Jews, Christians, and Muslims trace their roots to Abraham, but the course of that lineage is not the same for all three faiths. Judaism and Christianity view Isaac, the son of Sarah, as the offspring of Abraham through whom the family line is continued. Islam, on the other hand, sees Ishmael, son of Hagar, as the rightful heir who carries on the family name. The two sacred texts of these religions, the Bible and the Qur'an, have much in common, highlighting the close relationship that exists between the two lines of Abraham's family. This book examines some of the themes, figures, and episodes that are shared by the Bible and the Qur'an. It is an introduction to the Qur'an for the descendants of Isaac, who are invited to listen to and learn from the way Ishmael and his descendants retell the family stories.

Product Details

• Paperback: 310 pages
• Publisher: The Liturgical Press (January 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814658822
• ISBN-13: 978-0814658826
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #869,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Quran and the Bible - comparisons and contrasts, June 30, 2008

By 

Brother Hamza (the Midwest) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ishmael Instructs Isaac (Paperback)

This is an excellent volume for comparing stories that appear in both the Quran and the Bible. It will help Muslims to better understand the Bible and will help Christians better understand the Quran. Sectarians and Fundamentalists in both Christianity and Islam may not like this book. The rest of us who want to understand what the Bible and Quran really teach will study for comparisions and contrasts in the actual texts, and this will help each to come to a better understanding of the other's scripture.

A previous reviewer criticized the way the author compared the temptation of Adam and Eve by stating that it was a serpent rather than Satan that tempted Adam and Eve in the Genesis account. The problem with this criticism is that the author is describing what is actually in the scripture reading. The Book of Genesis was part of the Hebrew Torah before it was a Christian document. When comparing what is actually in the Biblical and/or Quranic passage, one sticks to what the passage actually reports rather than bringing in polemical interpretations. Now, if the author were writing a book to on Christian apologetics, he could then bring Christian interpretation into the discussion. However, the author's goal was to compare Biblical and Quranic passages to point out similarities and differences, not to instruct on Christianity from a particular viewpoint. Personally, I am a bit disappointed that the previous review would rate the book solely on this one issue.

Overall the book is well done. However, the chapter on Jesus Christ/Isa has some challenges because it appears that the author is strongling because of his orthodox Christian belief concerning the nature of Jesus Christ. However, this problem is not enough to bring the rating down from 5 stars to 4 stars. If the book could be rated with one digit after the decimal point, my rating would be 4.6 or 4.7.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to compare popular Bible stories with their Quranic counterparts, or to Christians and Muslims who want to learn about the other faith's scripture. This book will clear up many misconception Christians will have about the Quran and those Muslims may have a about the Bible.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent resource!, January 26, 2012

By 

Rabbi David Mivasair - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Ishmael Instructs Isaac (Paperback)

I learned so very much from this book. I really appreciate the care, balance and thoughtfulness that went into it. I have used it in courses I have taught in synagogues that I serve and would recommend it to anyone wanting to explore the relationship between the Bible and the Koran.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent book, September 27, 2011

By 

EG - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ishmael Instructs Isaac (Paperback)

This is an excellent book, very interesting and informative, especially for those who are interested both in the Old Testament and the history of its interpretation as well as in the history of the relations btw Jews and Muslims/Arabs. I teach the Old Testament to college students and use this book in my class.