The Mission and Death of Jesus in Islam and Christianity

The common wisdom is that Christians and Muslims should dialogue only about what they agree on. This book takes a different approach. As the author observes If we focus only on our common ground we will miss some of the motivating force of our traditions because that force derives not only from what we hold in common but also from those convictions that keep us apart. With a blend of scholarship empathy and personal piety Zahniser helps Muslims and Christians look through the lenses of each others sacred texts and their interpretation at Jesus whom they both revere while differing concerning his mission and death. And with an ear to Muslim objections he has broadened the areas of possible agreement by a re-examination of the sources and then gone on to explain why Christians consider the death and resurrection of Christ so important as a demonstration of Gods involvement in our human story. This book is a model of sensitive dialogue and apologetics that starts with common ground. -- J. Dudley Woodbury Fuller Theological Seminary Mathias Zahniser offers a fair balanced thorough and mature discussion of one of the major critical issues on which Muslims and Christians differ - the mission and death of Jesus. A book for all Christians and Muslims who seek truth and peace. -- Kenneth E. Bailey Professor Emeritus Ecumenical Institute of Jerusalem A. H. MATHIAS ZAHNISER professor emeritus of history of religions at Asbury Seminary now teaches at Greenville College in Illinois.