Islam And Judeo-Christianity [Hardcover]

The theme of Islam and Judeo-Christianity is the relationship between these three faiths under three headings that are often promoted as a basis for commonality between them (sons of Abraham, monotheism, and religions of the book). Ellul incisively critiques these expressions, finding less common ground than is generally accepted and a pattern of conformism. The English edition of Islam and Judeo-Christianity includes a foreword by David Gill and Dominique North Ellul, and Alain Besancon's extensive foreword to the French edition of Islam and Judeo-Christianity (relocated to the appendices in this edition). The book also includes other writings on this theme by Ellul: Firstly, chapter 5 from Ellul's Subversion of Christianity where Islam is portrayed as a non-progressive, totalitarian religion, founded on the concept of divine right, and credited with having introduced into Christianity the idea of holy war. Secondly, Ellul's foreword to The Dhimmi: Jews and Christians under Islam written by Bat Ye'or (1985), which documents the conditions of Jews and Christians in Muslim society. Thirdly, Ellul's foreword to The Decline of Eastern Christianity under Islam: From Jihad to Dhimmitude, also by Bat Ye'or (1996), which further explores the history of Jews and Christians under Islam. Bruce MacKay has done the English-speaking world a great service in providing a flowing and eminently readable translation of Ellul's critique of Islam and, indeed, of any facile eirenicism held toward it. Although having died over twenty years ago, his work should not be dismissed as dated. His critical reflections resonate even more loudly in an age of rising Islamist extremism. Whether controversial or conventional, Ellul's critical analysis and reflection requires careful consideration by all. --Douglas Pratt, Professor, Religious Studies, University of Waikato, New Zealand The arrival of a new work by Jacques Ellul so long after his death is worth celebrating. . . . Ellul onlc0