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Qur'an in Conversation Paperback – August 15, 2014
by Michael Birkel (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
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The Qur'an is God's verbatim speech for most traditional Muslims. Qur'an in Conversation reflects how this sacred text of Islam comes into dialogue with the contemporary world through the voices of the eloquent interpreters gathered in this volume.
In Qur'an in Conversation, author Michael Birkel engages North American Muslim religious leaders and academics in conversations of scriptural interpretation. Scholars, practicing imams, and younger public intellectuals wrestle with key suras of the Qur'an.
Qur'an in Conversation demonstrates a wide spectrum of interpretation and diversity of approaches in reading Islam's scripture. The discussions directly address key issues in Muslim theology--good versus evil, the nature of God, and the future of Islam. Younger North American Muslims read the Qur'an in varied ways; this is analogous to the diverse ways in which Jews and Christians have interpreted their own holy books.
Michael Birkel welcomes people of goodwill into a public conversation about the current role of Western Muslims in Islam. Qur'an in Conversation encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur'an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come.
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Editorial Reviews
Review
A critically important contribution to academic library Islamic Studies, reference collections, and supplemental studies lists...-- James A. Cox ― The Midwest Book Review
Though many of the writers are scholars, the text is accessible and at times remarkable for its heartfelt candor. Birkel’s book comes at a fine time, when serious critical study of the Qur’an is gaining momentum in the Western religion academy―it is groundbreaking.― Publishers Weekly
A unique contribution to the growing area of works accessible to learned nonspecialists of the Qur’an.-- Lauren E. Osborne ― The Journal of Religion
Birkel’s work is distinctive and easy to read, and will aid the curious learner who is suspicious of Islam to hear and listen to what Muslim scholars have to say about how the Qur’an should be discerned and interpreted in contemporary society. It provides both Muslims and non-Muslims with an opportunity and encouragement to respectfully engage each other on a personal, religious and academic level to an extent that has not been achieved before.-- Blake Campbell ― Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations
This fine book encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur'an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come.― Bible Review Journal
Review
Qur’an in Conversation presents an outstanding collection of interviews giving voice to a wide range of diverse contemporary North American Muslim individuals as they speak―often with great passion, warmth, and conviction―about passages from their sacred text that hold special meaning for each of them. The book is both accessible and engaging to a wide audience, and will hopefully open a channel of communication between contemporary Muslims and non-Muslims that is desperately needed.-- Frederick S. Colby, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, University of Oregon, and Co-Chair, Study of Islam Section of the American Academy of Religion
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Product details
Publisher : Baylor University Press (August 15, 2014)
Language : English
Paperback : 292 pages
Customer Reviews:
4.5 out of 5 stars 10 ratings
Customer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Top reviews from the United States
Sealeg2010
5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational Spiritual Readings of the Qu'ran by American MuslimsReviewed in the United States on November 8, 2014
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Insightful, often moving essays on how the Qu'ran has guided the spiritual life of Muslims. Christians reading this book will discover many parallels to how they approach the Bible and are enriched by their reading. This book also counters the mistaken notion that all Muslims are fundamentalist literalists for whom the Qu'ran is not open to scholarly interpretation within the tradition.
9 people found this helpful
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CynShine
4.0 out of 5 stars Not for beginnersReviewed in the United States on November 4, 2017
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I know nothing about the Qur'an and it shows in the real "slog" to get through it. In addition my eyes are not very good and the print is small (I doubt that is 10 points). I'm sure the author has done a good job in choosing the essays included, and I am learning, but this is not a book for beginners in learning Islam.
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Karen Stone
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on January 2, 2017
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Great presentation of several different contemporary views of Islam by Muslims who are living it out.
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on November 3, 2017
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We used it for discussion in our church group. It works well.
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umbo
4.0 out of 5 stars Four StarsReviewed in the United States on March 27, 2015
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Interesting essays explaining the Quran.
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Robert C Rogers
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United States on March 21, 2015
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Giving a copy to church for their library.
3 people found this helpful
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Sara
5.0 out of 5 stars Sensitive, Insightful & Highly RecommendedReviewed in the United States on November 26, 2014
I really can't say enough great things about Qur'an in Conversation. Birkel has very attentively and compassionately compiled a set of interviews with Islamic scholars and leaders from all over North America, each revealing and expounding on her or his favorite passage from the Qur'an. It is a sensitive and insightful book for anyone genuinely interested in learning more about our Muslim friends and neighbors in North America. Highly recommended.
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tofu tortoise
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book! Birkel masterfully brings together an array of ...Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2015
Excellent book! Birkel masterfully brings together an array of experts, ranging from academic scholars to imams and lawyers. Readable, insightful, personal, and challenging.
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alwyne
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2018
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Brilliant exegesis of Isam.
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==
by Michael L. Birkel
4.27 · Rating details · 15 ratings · 7 reviews
==
The Qur’an is God’s verbatim speech for most traditional Muslims. Qur’an in Conversation reflects how this sacred text of Islam comes into dialogue with the contemporary world through the voices of the eloquent interpreters gathered in this volume.
In Qur’an in Conversation, author Michael Birkel engages North American Muslim religious leaders and academics in conversations of scriptural interpretation. Scholars, practicing imams, and younger public intellectuals wrestle with key suras of the Qur’an.
Qur’an in Conversation demonstrates a wide spectrum of interpretation and diversity of approaches in reading Islam’s scripture. The discussions directly address key issues in Muslim theology—good versus evil, the nature of God, and the future of Islam. Younger North American Muslims read the Qur’an in varied ways; this is analogous to the diverse ways in which Jews and Christians have interpreted their own holy books.
Michael Birkel welcomes people of goodwill into a public conversation about the current role of Western Muslims in Islam. Qur’an in Conversation encourages non-specialists and Muslim scholars alike to imagine how the Qur’an will be interpreted among North American Muslims in years to come. (less)
Write a review
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Muhamed
May 17, 2019Muhamed rated it it was amazing
Shelves: islam, quran
To be honest, I approached the book with little expectations. Little did I know. I am heavily impressed by the great and plentiful insights of the scholars interviewed in this book. Great job and thanks to all of them for their great work. What an amazing project this book is. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in approaching the Qur'an with an intellectual and real attitude. (less)
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Sara
Sep 24, 2014Sara rated it it was amazing
I really can't say enough great things about Qur'an in Conversation. Birkel has very attentively and compassionately compiled a set of interviews with Islamic scholars and leaders from all over North America, each revealing and expounding on her or his favorite passage from the Qur'an. It is a sensitive and insightful book for anyone genuinely interested in learning more about our Muslim friends and neighbors in North America. Highly recommended. (less)
flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review
Salma
Jul 29, 2016Salma marked it as to-look-for
حوار لمؤلف الكتاب في موقع الألوكة
محادثات حول القرآن (حوار مايكل بيركل) لـ عبد الرحمن أبو المجد
http://www.alukah.net/culture/0/79025/ (less)
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Chris Allan
Mar 05, 2016Chris Allan rated it liked it
An accessible yet deep set of contemplations by Muslim scholars in the United States about the meaning of the Qur'an in modern America. I picked it up to understand more about the Qur'an in light of its use and misuse by political Islam, hoping I would get a straighter story about what is "Islamic" and what isn't. As with all sacred scripture, the text is vast and contradictory, and interpretations thus vary widely. Most of these essays would not be in the mainstream of Islamic scholarship, so I had to read them on their own merits as attempts to reconcile scripture with current Western culture, not as representative of current Islamic thinking. A good and eye-opening read. (less)
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Chel
Dec 24, 2016Chel rated it really liked it
This is a scholarly book, and I'm not qualified to comment on it as such. I don't know a whole lot about Islam--more than the average North American, I think, but that's not saying much. Nonetheless, I found it very interesting and sometimes inspiring. I appreciated the wide diversity of perspectives and approaches to interpretation that the many North American Islamic scholars bring to this collection--that part was intellectually interesting. I appreciated the focus on specific verses, because when I have attempted to read the Qur'an, I have frequently found myself mystified, or just not making a good connection, and these explorations made it more accessible. Yet in the end, what I most valued personally was when the material cast light on my own relationship to Christian scripture by offering examples of ways to delve deeply into the text and when the contributors' own reported experiences of their relationship to the Divine inspired my own efforts to be faithful.
I wish very much that the editor had provided more explanation of the process behind the development of these essays. He indicates they are based on conversations, but these are not transcriptions of two-part conversations; they are single-voiced essays, mostly in a polished voice rather than in a conversational tone. How did that happen? What was the nature of the back-and-forth between the editor and the authors that went into the polishing? This is a question I wondered about frequently in the course of reading the book--did the author put it this way or did the editor?
I read the epub version on my Nook. (Goodreads does not offer an opportunity to review that edition.) I suspect the publisher cut corners on their budget for this version. It's perfectly readable, but the formatting is not great--for example, you really have to pay attention to catch transitions between the editor's introductory remarks and the author's statements. I haven't looked at the paper version, but it may be a better investment than the download. (less)
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Andrew
Dec 09, 2014Andrew marked it as abandoned
Why I abandoned it - in one sentence: Turns out it really was almost verbatim conversations with academics instead of short essays, which was just a little jarring.
I probably would have given it: three stars.
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Qur'an in Conversation
By Michael Birkel
A salutary and enlightening book of Muslim scholars and religious leaders on the meaning of the Qur'an.
Book Review by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Michael Birkel is Professor of Religion at Earlham College, a liberal arts college founded by Quakers in Richmond, Indiana. In the introduction to this salutary and enlightening book, he explains:
"The book is written for readers of good will who are curious to learn more, who are rightly suspicious of rancorous distortions of Islam, and who would like to hear thoughtful Muslims talk about their Scripture in ways that outsiders can understand."
It is based on conversations with more than 20 North American Muslim scholars and religious leaders as they discuss the core message of the Qur'an, the diversity of approaches to interpreting this sacred text, gender equality, religious pluralism, and social justice.
Quaker academic Birkel makes it clear that reading the Qur'an is not simply "being told what to do or how to behave." It is to encounter God as mysterious and yet trustworthy. This theme is one which Christian and other mystics can identify with, along with other Qur'anic focuses: Divine mercy, human dignity, and respect for religious diversity.
The scholars do not shy away from controversial passages such as those condoning wife beating and the injunction to "kill idolaters." These commentaries bring to mind all the work John Shelby Spong has done to interpret the true meaning of Biblical passages which have been taken out of context or totally distorted by fundamentalist brothers and sisters within Christianity.
We recommend Qur'an in Conversation to all those who cherish the delights and rich benefits of interfaith dialogue.
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Baylor University Press, 8/14
ISBN: 9781481300971
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