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The Way of Love
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Jamal Rahman, Kathleen Schmit Elias, and Ann Holmes Redding
Mar/2009, 272 Pages, PAPERBACK, 6 x 9
ISBN-13: 9780819223388
An introduction to the major themes and passages of the holy book of Islam, this book invites readers of any religion—or none—to meditate on verses of the Quran as support for spiritual practices and growth. It guides the reader through the rich tapestry of the Quran, weaving through a number of themes, including the mystery of God, surrender to the divine will, and provisions for the spiritual journey. Quranic verses are supplemented by sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, the words of Rumi and other Sufi poets, and relevant quotations and insights from Jewish and Christian sources. The book also offers practical suggestions for expanding and strengthening one’s spiritual sinews.
The Spiritual Directors International Series – This book is part of a special series produced by Morehouse Publishing in cooperation with Spiritual Directors International (SDI), a global network of some 6,000 spiritual directors and members.
Series titles thus far include:
Discerning Life Transitions
Listening Together in Spiritual Direction
Candlelight
Illuminating the Art of Spiritual Direction
Awakening the Creative Spirit
Bringing the Arts to Spiritual Direction
Out of Darkness, Into Light
Spiritual Guidance in the Quran with Reflections from Jewish and Christian Sources
Tending the Holy
Spiritual Direction Across Traditions
Hospitality
The Heart of Spiritual Direction
Anglican Spiritual Direction
Faith Styles
Ways People Believe
Spiritual Direction in Context
Supervision of Spiritual Directors
Engaging in Holy Mystery
Kathleen Schmitt Elias, a former nun, is a Gregorian chanter, Jew by choice, meditation leader, and professional editor. She lives in Seattle.
Ann Holmes Redding, PhD, is a professor of Christian scripture, preacher, speaker, and retreat leader, based in Seattle.
Jamal Rahman is a Muslim Sufi Minister who teaches on the adjunct faculty at Seattle University. Author of The Fragrance of Faith: The Enlightened Heart of Islam, he is also cohost on ТInterfaith Talk Radio,У speaker, and retreat leader.
“The writers of this thoughtful and wise book take us gently by the hand and show us, ‘Here is the one God, the God of us all, right here in the Quran.’ This message is actually quite good news, although it challenges the assumption that God is wholly owned by Christianity, or any one religion. I hope that Out of Darkness Into Light is read widely and taken to heart so that we all can widen our circles of embrace and recognize the God of love and compassion in more people and places.” —Desmond Tutu, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and Archbishop Emeritus of Capetown, South Africa
“This marvellous book is an example of the theology that is done best when it is done comparatively. Out of Darkness into Light offers new insights for beginners as well as the most seasoned reader of scripture.” —Amir Hussain, Associate Professor of Theological Studies, Loyola Marymount University and Co-chair of the Contemporary Islam Group of the American Academy of Religion
“A magnificently engaging reflection on faith by authors who adhere to the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Elegantly written, highly readable, and eminently fulfilling for anyone interested in understanding what light Judaism, Christianity and Islam offer today.” —Ebrahim Moosa, Professor of Islamic Studies, Duke University
“An exciting book for those who want to explore more deeply the spiritual teachings of Islam, Christianity, and Judaism . . . inspires a healing conversation of spirit among the three Abrahamic faiths and provides nourishment for our souls and greater hope for peaceful and loving coexistence in our world.” —Rabbi Ted Falcon, Ph.D., founder of meditative synagogues in Los Angeles and Seattle and author of Judaism for Dummies, Getting to the Heart of Interfaith, and A Journey of Awakening
“An exceptional and accessible book. Harmoniously written, marbled with stories, and studded with insights, this book is a gift to the faithful imagination in a time when we must encounter the Other in ways that transform both us and them. We discover a Quran that, rather than triggering our fears, deepens our spiritual intelligence and nourishes our souls.” —Larry Daloz & Sharon Parks, co-authors, Common Fire: Leading Lives of Commitment in a Complex World
"This ambitious and illuminating three-part focus clearly conveys they similarities between the three Abrahamic faiths who are all 'People of the Book'. It is brimming over with spiritual direction and insights for daily life."—Spirituality & Practive
"This book contains a wealth of Muslin, Christian and Jewish texts that can help readers understand all three Abrahamic traditions more deeply." — Christian Century