Dave Andrews, Nora Amath and Dr Jason MacLeod formed a panel for the Brisbane launch of The Jihad of Jesus: the Sacred Nonviolent Struggle for Justice.Over the last few years I've been involved in some meaningful Christian-Muslim dialogue. And out of those conversations I have published two well-received books - one was on the Bismillah, in the Qur'an, celebrating the grace of God and the other was on Isa, reflecting on the grace of God celebrated in the life of Jesus according to the views common to the Qur'an and the Gospels.
Given continued distressing references to 'jihad' in newspaper, radio and tv headlines some of my friends, both Christian and Muslim, suggested I write a book about Jesus and 'jihad' and call it The Jihad of Jesus. It was hoped the provocative title would get a lot of attention, and we could introduce Christians and Muslims to a Qur'anic reconstruction of the concept of 'jihad' in the light of the radical practical nonviolence of Jesus.
I have not written this book as an expert. I am not. I have not written this book as a specialist. I am not. I have simply written this book in conversation with Muslim friends, seeking to find a way we can struggle for love and justice that is true to the best in our faith traditions. (Dave Andrews)
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