The Quran with Christian Commentary: A Guide to Understanding the Scripture of Islam

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

The Quran with Christian Commentary: A Guide to Understanding the Scripture of Islam

Author:

commentary by Gordon D. Nickel and other scholars, translation by A.J. Droge

Publisher:

Zondervan Academic (an imprint of Zondervan)

Publication Date:

April 28, 2020

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

763 pages

OVERVIEW

Scholars often talk about the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) and what makes them similar and different. For many Christians, this can be confusing: does the Quran contradict Scripture? Does it claim to supersede it? What details does it have in common with the Bible? Gordon Nickel, who has studied the Quran extensively, aims to answer some of these questions. He guides readers through the Quran with footnotes, introductions to each section, and articles on what the Quran says overall about topics like women and warfare. Other scholars (including Ayman S. Ibrahim, Jon Hoover, and Matthew Kuiper) have contributed articles as well, giving readers a wide range of perspectives.

Nickel and his collaborators have done an excellent job. Given how controversial Islam has become in the West, they could have easily just taken a particular political slant and given a book that answered some questions about the Quran but gave readers a biased view that wouldn’t stand up to scrutiny. Instead, they aim to be objective. They explain the Quran as honestly as they can and try to explain even controversial topics (such as jihad) in historical and cultural context. They don’t downplay ideas which readers may find offensive, but they don’t sensationalize those ideas either. The result is a fact-based view of the Quran that helps readers navigate difficult questions with wisdom and clarity.

A great resource for people who want to understand the Quran in context and how it relates to Judaism and Christianity.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Christians interested in reading the Quran and understanding its context.

Christian Impact

This book will help many Christians develop a fuller understanding of the Quran, hopefully dispelling assumptions about Islamic culture and creating room for interfaith dialogue.