Jews, Christians, and Muslims trace their roots to Abraham and yet it is a shock to many Bible readers that some of the characters and stories in their sacred text are also found in the pages of Islam?s sacred text, the Qur?an. By exploring the relationship between the Bible and the Qur?an in Ishmael Instructs Isaac, John Kaltner challenges Bible readers to think about their sacred book in new, exciting ways. In doing so, he leads all to a better appreciation of Islam. After a brief overview of the text, themes, structure, and use of the Qur?an, Kaltner focuses on traditions that are shared with the Bible. He explains that the Bible and Qur?an contain many of the same themes, figures, and episodes. However, at times, there are significant differences in their descriptions of the same event or figure. By discussing such topics and figures as God, humanity, prophecy, creation, life after death, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Mary, Kaltner examines the similarities and differences between the two texts. This comparative method allows readers to better appreciate both what is distinctive about Islam and what it shares with Judaism and Christianity. Jews and Christians view Isaac as the son of Abraham in whom the family line continued. Muslims, on the other hand, view Isaac?s brother Ishmael as the rightful heir. This difference must not obscure what is held in common: a belief in the one God and a family?albeit distant?relationship. Written for undergraduate and seminary courses on Islam, the Qur?an, comparative religions, inter-religious dialogue, world scriptures, and biblical interpretation, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is also a useful resource for discussion groups in churches, synagogues, and mosques. Includes English translations of the Qur?anic texts discussed."Kaltner's sensitive handling of the materials, his ability to offer a dispassionate analysis, and the fine literary sensibility he brings to bear on his subject alone are sufficient grounds for recommending his work." Journal of Islamic Studies?Ishmael Instructs Isaac is clearly and eloquently written. It inspires respect without whitewashing differences. Who knows? Reading it may help us work toward family reconciliation born of a mutual respect and understanding.? Kathleen M. O?Connor Professor of Old Testament Columbia Theological Seminary?Rarely have Western scholars considered the Qur?an worthy of the kind of close reading which the Bible customarily receives. In taking the Qur?an at least as seriously as the Christian scriptures and by allowing it to inform our reading of the Bible, Dr. Kaltner has opened up new possibilities for interreligious dialogue. Warmly recommended for Christian readers, Ishmael Instructs Isaac is accessible enough to be a text for college-level courses, but insightful enough to be read with interest even by specialists.? Gregory W. Dawes Lecturer in Religious Studies University of Otago
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