"A troubling paradox in Western societies is that non-Muslims often harbor negative feelings about Islam even though they know very little about its texts, traditions, and teachings. John Kaltner, a distinguished scholar who has dedicated much of his career to demystifying Islam, bridges this knowledge gap with a highly compelling and accessible book."
Islam: What Non-Muslims Should Know, Revised & Expanded Edition
Recent events have focused attention on Islam, the often- misunderstood faith of one billion people. Westerners are showing a new curiosity about Islam and other religions, in part, perhaps, because religion is arguably the single most important and volatile factor in geopolitics today. Islam needs to be understood on its own terms, apart from extreme expressions, John Kaltner argues.
This revised and expanded edition of a trusted text offers updated information about Islam in an accessible and sympathetic presentation. Kaltner presents Islam as first and foremost a religion of practices. Showing the deep humanism of Islam and its most cherished commitments, Kaltner presents Islam through assertions that counter frequent misconceptions of the faith.
- Publisher Fortress Press
- Format Paperback
- ISBN 9781506416663
- eBook ISBN 9781506416670
- Dimensions 5.5 x 8.5
- Pages 162
- Publication Date October 1, 2016
Reviews
Review in Reading Religion
Endorsements
Highly compelling and accessible.
Todd Green | Luther College, author of The Fear of Islam: An Introduction to Islamophobia in the West
"Professor Kaltner’s revised and expanded edition of Islam: What Non-Muslims Should Know admirably strikes a fine balance between erudition and nuance and does great justice to the tradition. It is difficult to find a better introduction on the subject considering how informative, balanced, focused, and lucid this book is."
Sarra Tlili | University of Florida
A much needed intellectual middle ground during an age of widening extremes
"Kaltner offers a clear and cogent introduction to Islam, fundamentally addressing stereotypes. By countering misconceptions about Islam Kaltner educates readers as much about that faith as it does the western world against which it is seemingly at odds. His analysis of hot button issues is critical yet thoughtful -- a much needed intellectual middle ground during an age of widening extremes."
Emran El-Badawi | University of Houston