Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World

A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. -- Professor Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public. -- Professor Michael Sells, Haverford College, PA A useful and thought-provoking addition by a specialist in the study of Islam. It is full of significant insights ! The book presents an interesting perspective for rethinking how contemporary Islam is taught in undergraduate level courses in the West and it is sufficiently rich in detail to provide a starting point for further reading. In seeking to restore a sense of proportion and balance to the image of Islam for his Western readers, Ernst gives proper weight to the layers of mystical humanism, philosophical speculation and hermeneutical flexibility that are no less a part of the Islamic tradition than the legacies of conquest and militancy. A major contribution to explaining the faith of Muslims to people in the West. It works splendidly as an introduction that can be used both in the classroom and for the general public.