Ruth J Nicholls

Understanding and Answering Islam: April 2017, Melbourne, Australia Ruth J Nicholls

This volume comprises the papers from the Understanding and Answering Islam conference held at Melbourne School of Theology in 2017. It is our hope that they represent the best of a generous yet robust Christian scholarly approach to Islam. The reader will benefit from the latest in cutting-edge research concerning the textual history of the Qur'an and Muslim traditions. Nevertheless, as the conference title suggests, the aim of the gathering was not simply to describe and evaluate particular features of Islam, but also to suggest ways forward in Christian engagement with Muslims around such features. Much of this practical side was covered in interactive seminars during the conference, however this relational goal is signalled by the fact that the more technical papers forming the bulk of this book are actually and theologically bookended by calls to deeply know and love Muslims.