"Reading Scripture Together: A Comparative Qur'an and Bible Study Guide

Recently I was fortunate to find an interview with Barbara Hampton at the InterVarsity Press Emerging Scholars Blog. There Tom Grosh discusses Hampton's resource "Reading Scripture Together: A Comparative Qur'an and Bible Study Guide." The description of this material at Amazon.com indicates that its approach is in keeping with that of our Evangelical FRD Chapter:

What is genuine dialogue between a Christian and Muslim?

First, it is not an agreement that all paths up the spiritual mountain to God are equal and equally valid. This pluralism is an insult to people of faith who believe their religion is true.

Second, neither is an "I'm right, you're wrong," closed-minded, tit-for-tat exchange a genuine dialogue. While dialogue partners may well believe they are correct, they maintain a deep respect for the other person.

Genuine dialogue is sharing your beliefs with someone else while at the same time learning about his or hers. It is talking about them openly and honestly, valuing similarities and acknowledging differences. It seeks to know why these differences exist and to evaluate their validity. Genuine dialogue is forged in the crucible of friendship and can culminate in some of the most meaningful sharing you will ever experience. We hope that you will experience that kind of dialogue through the seven sessions of this study guide, which takes you into the text of the Bible and the Qur'an.

Take a look and considering using this material if you and your church want to know more about Muslims and Islam, and especially if you want to engage them in your community.

#islam #quran #biblestudy #dialogue