Islam, Christianity and the mystic journey : a comparative exploration /

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Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Netton, Ian Richard.
Imprint:Edinburgh : Edinburgh University Press, ©2011.
Description:1 online resource (ix, 222 pages)
Language:English
Subject:
Format: E-Resource Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/11258989
Hidden Bibliographic Details
ISBN:9780748646050
0748646051
9780748688135
0748688137
0748640819
9780748640812
0748640827
9780748640829
Notes:Includes bibliographical references (pages 192-210) and index.
Print version record.
Summary:This distinctive comparison of Islamic and Christian mysticism focuses on the mystic journey in the two faith traditions - the journey which every believer must make and which leads to the Divine. The author clears away misconceptions and highlights similarities and differences in the thought and lives of six key mystics: Al-Kalabadhi, Al-Daylami, Al-Qushayri, Julian of Norwich, Thomas À Kempis and Teresa of Avila. He considers the ways of Perfection on the Mystic Path and asks in what ways these authors have embarked on the mystic journey. He looks at the themes they have in common, as well as their differences, and asks how they envisage the concept of 'union' with the Deity. Readers will gain a broad understanding of the interdisciplinary and intertextual nature of the subject, as well its the diverse intellectual and historical contexts. Key Features Highly interdisciplinary: embraces both Eastern and Western mystical traditions Surveys themes as diverse as secular chivalry and union with the Divine Examines the role of al-Khidr/ al-Khadir/ Elijah/ Elias/ St George in both the Islamic and Christian mystical traditions Considers the negative and positive articulations of each tradition Assesses and compares three major Islamic and three major Christian mystics A companion volume to Islam, Christianity and Tradition: A Comparative Exploration by Ian R. Netton (978 0 7486 2392 1)
Other form:Print version: Netton, Ian Richard. Islam, Christianity and the mystic journey. [S.l.] : Edinburgh Univ Press, 2011 0748640819
Standard no.:6918443
Review by Choice Review

In this companion to Islam, Christianity, and Tradition (CH, Mar'08, 45-3737), Netton (Univ. of Exeter, UK) offers close readings of Christian and Muslim texts to establish shared motifs about the mystic journey. In the first of three major sections, he examines how medieval chivalry echoes the path to union with God. He does so by parsing courtly tales and romances, passages from Chaucer, Shakespeare, and the Victorian novelist William Ainsworth, and even traditions of the Order of the Garter with Sufi (mystical Muslim) writings on chivalric values and references in the Qur'an to a mysterious al-Khatir (perhaps related to Elijah). His second and third sections draw analogies between classic Christian and Muslim descriptions of the mystic way, from ignorance to divine union. Only in some cases does Netton note historic continuities. A concern here is with controls: what Netton sees as meaningful coincidence of motif may seem arbitrary to others. He examines the color green and its significance for chivalric and mystical texts, for example, even while pointing out how the color can signify many things, good and bad. His dense, learned argument makes many linguistic demands, with which a good glossary or more extensive index, particularly of Arabic vocabulary, would have helped. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and researchers/faculty. P. S. Spalding Illinois College

Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review