1st Edition
Muslim-Christian Encounters (Routledge Revivals) Perceptions and Misperceptions
First published in 1991, this title explores the myths and misperceptions that have underpinned Muslim-Christian relations throughout history, and which endure to the current day. William Montgomery Watt describes how the myths originated and developed, and argues that both Muslims and Christians need to have a more accurate knowledge and positive appreciation of the other religion. Chapters discuss the Qur’anic perception of Christianity, attitudes to Greek philosophy and the relationship between Islam and Christianity in medieval Europe. Written by one of the leading authorities on Islam in the West, Muslim-Christian Encounters remains a relevant and vivid study and will be of particular value to students of Islam, religious history and sociology.
1. The Christianity encountered by Islam 2. The Qur’anic perception of Christianity 3. The elaboration of Qur’anic perceptions 4. The encounter with Greek philosophy 5. Encounters under Muslim rule 6. Encounters with medieval Europe 7. The background of the modern encounter 8. The modern encounter 9. Towards the future; Notes; Index
Biography
William Montgomery Watt
‘A very impressive piece of scholarship on a topic that is both very complex and difficult to handle. The author displays a deep and detailed knowledge of the two world religions in question and of their historical interaction, expresses his ideas clearly, simply and interestingly, and for that reason the book will be widely not read not only by professionals but also by lay people’ – Peter B. Clarke, King’s College, London
The book is the summation of a life-time’s study of Islam and its relationship with Christianity. Professor Watt remains, whether one agreed with him or not, one of the Western world’s greatest authorities on the subject: one of the last Orientalist giants’ – Professor Akbar Ahmed, Iqbal Visiting Fellow, University of Cambridge
