Islamic Thought Through Protestant Eyes

Early modern Protestant scholars, particularly Lutheran scholars, engaged extensively with Islamic thought, as highlighted by Mehmet Karabela's book "Islamic Thought Through Protestant Eyes." This work explores the neglected voices of post-Reformation theologians and provides new sources to broaden the interpretation of the Reformation beyond a European Christian phenomenon. The book examines three themes: Islam as theology and religion, Islamic philosophy and liberal arts, and Muslim sects, offering insights into the Protestant perception of Islamic thought and its influence on the construction of the Protestant identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 370 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Early modern Protestant scholars engaged with Islamic thought in various ways, often overlooked. Among Protestants, Lutheran scholars stood out as particularly interested in studying Islam and Muslim culture. Mehmet Karabela's book, "Islamic Thought Through Protestant Eyes," sheds light on the neglected voices of post-Reformation theologians, primarily German Lutherans, who engaged rigorously with Islamic thought. Drawing from a global history approach to religious thought, this book offers fresh perspectives to expand the conventional interpretation of the Reformation beyond its European Christian confines.

Karabela's analysis revolves around three themes: Islam as theology and religion, Islamic philosophy and liberal arts, and Muslim sects (Sunni and Shi'a). He utilizes previously unstudied dissertations, disputations, and academic works written in Latin during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Through meticulous analysis and translation of these Latin texts, along with brief biographies of the authors, Karabela provides valuable insights into the Protestant perception of Islamic thought. This book appeals to scholars of religious studies and Islamic studies, as well as to general readers interested in understanding the interplay between Christianity and Islam.

Examining the influence of Islamic thought on the construction of the Protestant identity after the Reformation helps us comprehend the role of Islam in the evolution of Christianity. By delving into the interactions between these two religious traditions, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship that has shaped world history. "Islamic Thought Through Protestant Eyes" contributes to our understanding of this historical intersection by offering a wealth of information and insights.

Weight: 692g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367549541