Description
Can Christians read biblical meaning into qur’anic texts? Does this violate the intent of those passages? What about making positive reference to the Qur’an in the context of an evangelistic presentation or defence of biblical doctrines? Does this imply that Christians accept the Muslim scripture as inspired? What about Christians who reside in the world of Islam and write their theology in the language of the Qur’an – Arabic? Is it legitimate for them to use the Qur’an in their explanations of the Christian faith? This book explores these questions and offers a biblically, theologically, and historically informed response. For years evangelical Christians seeking answers to questions like these have turned to the history of Protestant Christian interaction with Muslim peoples. Few are aware of the cultural, intellectual, and theological achievements of Middle Eastern Christians who have resided in the world of Islam for fourteen centuries. Their works are a treasure-trove of riches for those investigating contemporary theological and missiological questions such as the apologetic use of the Qur’an.
About the Author
J. Scott Bridger is Director of the Jenkins Centre for the Christian Understanding of Islam and Assistant Professor of World Religions and Islamic Studies at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He and his family spent twelve years working and studying in the Middle East. He and his wife, Miriam, have five children and reside in Louisville.
Contents
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
1. Christian Theology and the Qur’an
2. The New Testament and the Apologetic Use of Noncanonical Sacred Literature
3. Christian Exegesis and Apologetic Use of the Qur’an in Select Medieval Arabic Texts
4. Christian Exegesis and Apologetic Use of the Qur’an in Select Contemporary Arabic Texts
5. Theologizing in Arab-Muslim Milieus
Bibliography
Index of Subjects
Index of Authors
Index of Biblical Passages
Index of Qur’anic Passages
Endorsements and Reviews
In Christian Exegesis of the Qur’an, Scott Bridger acquaints the English-speaking portion of modern scholarship of Islam with selected instances, early and contemporary, of principles for use of the Qur’an theologically and apologetically to carry forward Arabic-speaking Christians’ witness to the risen Christ. This is a new required reading for all Christians who would understand and share Jesus Christ with Muslims.
Michael H. Edens, Professor of Theology and Islamic Studies, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary
Scott Bridger’s Christian Exegesis of the Qur’an is a fascinating book written at the intersection of Christian theology, apologetics, and Islamic studies. The book aims to help Westerners understand and take seriously the issues that Christians are wrestling with in predominantly Muslim contexts. It will be controversial because the questions posed challenge the normativity of our Western theological frameworks. It will be helpful because there is no other book like it. Highly recommended.
Bruce Ashford, Associate Professor of Theology & Culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, North Carolina
Christian Exegesis of the Qur’an is a rare blend of academic acumen seasoned with practical applicative wisdom. Bridger brings years of linguistic, cultural, and social engagement of Arabic-speaking peoples to bear on the vital subjects related to Christian cross-cultural communication. This piece contributes the often neglected perspectives of Arabic-speaking Christians regarding the Qur’an from both medieval and modern times. Anyone studying Islamic peoples will benefit from this work.
Keith Eitel, Professor of Missions & World Christian Studies, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Texas
The major contribution of Bridger’s book is his effort to make Western Evangelicals aware of a body of literature that they often ignore. … His efforts here are to be commended and his book will be helpful to Evangelicals and others beginning to consider theological exchange between Muslims and non-Muslims. … He has brought to the foreground a body of literature that has heretofore received relatively little attention from other Evangelicals, who will benefit from Bridger’s work.
Charles L. Tieszen, in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, Vol 28, No 1
Even those who do not share his views can appreciate this learned and stimulating book
Christopher Villiers, in Theological Book Review, Vol 28, No 1
