Introduction: A Fundamental Question
1. Preliminaries to a Qur’anic Theology
2. The Eschatological Crisis
3. A Non-Biographical Qur’anic Chronology
4. Monotheism
5. Rasulology and Prophetology
6. Lexical and Narrative Studies
Conclusion: The Genesis of a New Religion?
Mark Durie is adjunct research fellow at the Arthur Jeffery Centre for the Study of Islam at the Melbourne School of Theology.
Durie’s book is a sophisticated and methodologically
innovative attempt to lay the disciplinary foundations for a
descriptive theology of the Qur’an. Combining
a linguist's attention to structure with admirably clear
and stimulating writing and with a profound commitment to
reading the Islamic scripture on its own terms, this work will
prove to be an essential scholarly contribution.
*Nicolai Sinai, University of Oxford / Pembroke College*
This is a ground-breaking, scholarly book that seeks to understand
how the Qur’an came into its present form, questions the validity
of interpreting the Qur’an primarily in terms of the later ‘Life of
Muhammad’ traditions, and explores the relationship between the
Bible and the Qur’an. Drawing on fresh insights from linguistics,
Mark Durie proposes a radically new understanding of the chronology
of the text of the Qur’an, and argues that quotes from and
allusions to stories in the Christian Bible are used in the Qur’an
to serve the Qur’an’s own distinctive theological agenda. This book
is a must read for anyone who wants to understand at some depth the
Muslim faith and the Qur’an. It is a brilliant piece of work.
*Kevin Giles, Anglican pastor and theologian, Melbourne,
Australia*
The two to three chapters in this book that deal directly with the
Arabic sources are systematic, original, eye-opening, and, at
times, brilliant. They contain an excellent independently critical
comparative analysis of the Bible and the Qur’an, both of which
seem to be familiar ground for the author. Mark Durie's mastery of
the required languages is extraordinary. His vast knowledge makes a
substantial contribution to the field of study. The dissection of
the Qur’an into its various themes and categories facilitates the
grasp of the relations between Bible and Qur’an, amounting to a
real scholarly achievement of the highest standard.
*Raphael Israeli, Hebrew University, Jerusalem*
In this ground-breaking study, Mark Durie has drawn on diverse
scholarly disciplines to test certain fundamental assumptions and
common claims about the nature of the Qur’an, and ultimately the
identity of the Islamic faith. His methods are scholarly, his
courage is admirable, and his conclusions are compelling. Anyone
interested in the interface between Islam and Christianity should
read this book and engage seriously with its contents.
*Peter G. Riddell, Melbourne School of Theology*
Mark Durie’s expertise in Linguistics not only invigorates his
study of the text, but also provides a model for his analysis of
the theology of the Qur’an. His fascinating thesis—crucial but
rarely pursued—winds its way through close examination of verses
and key terms, collegial interaction with top scholarship in
Qur’anic Studies, and careful conclusions that seem to cinch his
case. Every page shows meaningful engagement with issues of
theological truth and clarity about the questions at the center of
interfaith conversation.
*Gordon Nickel, Centre for Islamic Studies, SAIACS*
In this remarkable work, Mark Durie combines outstanding linguistic
competence with a deep grasp of both Christian Scripture and the
Qur’an. His case for the distinctiveness of Islamic religious ideas
and their innovative character, and his account of how the Qur’an
repurposes Biblical forms ('relexification') is compelling. His
creolization thesis opens up new avenues for understanding the
genesis of the Qur’an, for academic reflection, and for research.
This book is provocative in the very best sense of the word. A tour
de force.
*Graham A. Cole, Dean of Trinity Evangelical School*
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