Seeing the Other in the Mirror of Christ

SEEING THE OTHER IN THE MIRROR OF CHRIST Book Reviews This is an important book because it seeks to commemorate and celebrate the 800' anniversary of the meeting between two visionary and spiritual figures, the Italian Christian, Saint Francis of Assisi and the Egyptian Muslim, Sultan Malik al-Kamil. These two men met in 1219 C.E. despite all odds. As they parted after a few days, both were positively transformed by the encounter. The authors in this volume have successfully argued for the need to remember the key message of that historic meeting between Francis and Al-Kamil, which is one of hospitality and mutual respect regardless of difference in beliefs. But the authors do not stop there; they also share stories of their own transformation through interfaith outreach. Dr. lrfan A. Omar Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA At a time when many Catholic-Christian and Muslim communities worldwide are commemorating the peaceful encounter of St. Francis of Assisi and the Sultan al-Malik al-Kamil, this collection of papers adds significantly to discussions of interfaith dialogue and Muslim-Christian relations. Inspired by the examples of St. Francis and the Sultan, the authors address a variety of topics including the history of the encounter, its contemporary significance and application, as well as other dimensions of interreligious dialogue including Sufi perspectives, contemporary Catholic missiology, religious pluralism, and Mary in Christian and Muslim Scriptures and traditions. Together these essays provide an essential corrective to erroneous views of "the other" that continue to plague many parts of the globe. Dr. Michael D. Calabria, OFM Associate Professor and Founding Director Center for Arab and Islamic Studies St. Bonaventure University, New York. About the Author POULOSE MANGAI, SJ worked as Lecturer in Mathematics for seven years under the Collegiate Education Department of the Government of Kerala, before joining the Calcutta Province of the Society of Jesus in 1987. He completed his doctoral studies in theology from St. Peter's Pontifical Institute/Indian Institute of Spirituality, Bangalore. Currently he is Professor of Systematic Theology at Vidyajyoti College of Theology, Delhi and also the Editor of Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological Reflection published from Delhi. JOSEPH VICTOR EDWIN, SJ has a Masters in Theology from Vidyajyoti College of Theology, a Master's in Islamic Studies from the Aligarh Muslim University, and a Doctorate in Islamic Studies from the Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. He is Lecturer in Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations at Vidyajyoti. He also serves as Secretary of Islamic Studies Association (ISA), Director of Vidyajyoti Institute of Islamic Studies (VIDIS) and Secretary of Christian-Muslim Relations South Asia (CMRSA). Contents Acknowledgement FOREWORD (Paul Moses) INTRODUCTION (Joseph Victor Edwin, SJ & Poulose Mangai, SJ) FRANCIS' VIEW OF ISLAM IN THE MIRROR OF GOD (Jan Hoeberichts) CELEBRATING 800 YEARS OF MUSLIM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE (Patrick Carolan) FRANCIS OF ASSISI MEETS SULTAN MALIK AL-KAMIL (C.T.R. Hewer) MUTUAL FECUNDATION OF RELIGIONS AND CALL TO TRANSCENDENCE (Dr. Varghese Manimala) DIALOGUING WITH THE MUSLIMS -Saint Francis and Pope Francis (Michael Amaladoss, SJ) HUMAN FRATERNITY ACROSS RELIGIOUS BARRIERS -Apostolic Visit of Pope Francis to the Emirates (Poulose Mangai,SJ) SUFI PERSPECTIVE ON INTER-FAITH DIALOGUE (Khurshid Khan) MARY AND HER ROLE AS MOTHER -A Reading in an Indonesian Context (J. B. Hem Prakosa, SJ)  COMPASSIONATE STRANGER SERVING ALLAH'S POOR-Telling the Story of Jesus in Bangladesh (Joseph Victor Edwin, SJ) CONTRIBUTORS