Law and the Rule of God: A Christian Engagement with Shari'a

Sharī a is a controversial concept and practice in Islamic law and theology, which has dominated political and theological discourse for centuries. Western Christian theologians have failed to engage sufficiently with Islamic political theology, preferring instead to essentialize or dismiss it. In Law and the Rule of God, Joshua Ralston presents an innovative approach to Christian-Muslim dialogue, proposing a comparative framework for Christian engagement with Islamic debates on sharī a. He draws on a diverse range of thinkers from both traditions and demonstrates how this theology of public law deeply resonates with the Christian tradition and is open to learning from and dialoguing with Islamic and secular conceptions of law, sovereignty, and justice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 365 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Sharī a, a concept and practice that has been the subject of intense debate and misunderstanding, holds a prominent place in the global landscape. Debates surrounding Islamic law and its relationship to secularism and Christianity have dominated political and theological discourse for centuries. Regrettably, Western Christian theologians have not engaged sufficiently with the challenges and questions raised by Islamic political theology, often resorting to essentialization or dismissal. In his book, Law and the Rule of God, Joshua Ralston presents a groundbreaking approach to Christian-Muslim dialogue. Ralston eschews polemics and apologetics, instead proposing a comparative framework for Christian engagement with Islamic debates on sharī a. Drawing from a wide range of thinkers from both traditions, including Karl Barth, Ibn Taymiyya, Thomas Aquinas, and Mohammad al-Jabri, Ralston offers an insightful account of public law as a provisional and indirect witness to the divine rule of justice. He further demonstrates how this theology of public law resonates deeply with the Christian tradition and is open to learning from and engaging in dialogue with Islamic and secular conceptions of law, sovereignty, and justice.

The book explores the historical and theological roots of sharī a, examining how it has been interpreted and applied in various Islamic contexts. Ralston also critically assesses the Western understanding of sharī a, highlighting the need for a more nuanced and empathetic approach. He argues that by engaging with Islamic political theology, Christians can better understand the complexities of the Islamic world and contribute to constructive dialogue and cooperation.

Law and the Rule of God is a valuable resource for scholars, theologians, and policymakers seeking to navigate the complex terrain of Christian-Muslim relations. It offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of sharī a, providing a framework for dialogue and cooperation that can bridge the gaps between different faith communities. Ralston's innovative approach to Christian-Muslim dialogue is a testament to the power of dialogue and understanding in promoting peace and harmony in a world that is increasingly interconnected.

Weight: 508g
ISBN-13: 9781108747646