The Abrahamic Encounter: Local Initiatives, Large Implications

In these times of increasingly contentious politics and uncivil discourse in the United States, the ongoing encounter of adherents of the Abrahamic faiths in the American heartland offers a model of positive interfaith relations. Edited by a Muslim, a Jew, and a Christian, this volume describes the three goals of the Central Ohio Abrahamic encounter: Enhancing mutual understanding and relationships, disseminating accurate information about the three major Abrahamic traditions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), and contributing to the general betterment of society. Here is a local story that can inform--even inspire--other communities across the country and around the globe. Topics include beliefs, scripture and interpretation, historical illustrations and legacies, contemporary challenges and possibilities, and group dynamics, especially majority-minority relationships among American Christians, Jews, and Muslims. This volume will appeal to the growing audience for interfaith resources. The inclusion of several essays by noted religious scholars and leaders, chosen for their significance to the Central Ohio Abrahamic encounter, sets this volume apart from other publications on local initiatives. It is well suited for individual or group study in churches, synagogues, mosques, and interfaith organizations, and can be assigned for undergraduate and graduate/seminary courses on Abrahamic relations or interfaith relations generally.

Mazhar Jalil received his PhD in biology from the University of Waterloo, Canada, and serves as a trustee of Islamic Foundation of Central Ohio, Columbus.

Norman Hosansky received his PhD in organic chemistry from Rutgers University and serves as a lay leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel, Columbus.

Paul D. Numrich received his PhD in religion from Northwestern University and serves as a professor at Methodist Theological School in Ohio and Trinity Lutheran Seminary.