Studies in world religions : an introduction to monotheistic traditions / Ahmad F. Yousif

Includes bibliographical references and index

The 2nd Edition of Studies in World Religions: An Introduction to Monotheistic Traditions starts with a general introduction followed by an analytical exploration into the meaning of the discipline of Comparative Religion and its significance, historical development and methodology. This book takes an analytical approach in studying Judaism and Christianity from religious, historical, social and philosophical perspectives. What are some of the points of agreement between the two traditions, and what are some of the areas of contention? A Qur'anic perspective on both traditions is briefly highlighted. References are made to both primary and secondary sources, classical and modern, and Islamic and non-Islamic literature. The final part of this book presents a comparative analysis of fundamentalism and fanaticism, specifically within the monotheistic traditions. How do Muslim and Western approaches differ in dealing with these movements? What provisions are there in the religion of Islam for dealing with fundamentalist and fanatical elements within its community? This part provides a response to these questions, in addition to introducing the terms fundamentalism and fanaticism, identifying their causes, the Islamic view on fanatical groups and the relationship between fanaticism and contemporary Islamic revivalism, as well as providing suggestions for how to cure fanaticism in global context. It is expected that the 2nd Edition of Studies in World Religions: An Introduction to Monotheistic Traditions will be a valuable introductory reference on world religions focusing on the Abrahamic traditions, for Muslim students and public readers at large. It is hoped that this edition will fill the existing deficiency in the literature in this field by adopting a more holistic approach to the discipline of Comparative Religion.