Orthodoxy in Arabic terms

Name: Orthodoxy in Arabic terms
ISBN: 9781614515678

a study of Theodore abu Qurrah's theology in its Islamic context

By Najib George Awad

This scholarly exploration delves into the fascinating theological work of Theodore Abu Qurrah, an early Christian thinker who faced the unique challenge of expressing orthodox Christian beliefs through Arabic language and concepts to Muslim audiences. Author Najib George Awad presents a comprehensive analysis of how Abu Qurrah navigated the delicate balance between maintaining authentic Christian doctrine and communicating effectively across religious boundaries.

The study examines a pivotal question in interfaith dialogue: Can core theological truths be preserved when translated into different cultural and linguistic frameworks? Through careful examination of Abu Qurrah's apologetic writings, particularly his teachings on the Trinity and Christology, Awad investigates whether this early theologian remained faithful to traditional Christian orthodoxy or adapted his message in ways that compromised essential doctrinal elements.

This work fills a significant gap in modern scholarship by providing the first thorough analytical study of Abu Qurrah's theological approach and its relationship to both Islamic thought and pre-Islamic Melkite traditions. Rather than simply editing or translating historical texts, Awad offers readers a deep hermeneutical analysis that reveals the complexity of cross-cultural religious communication.

The book serves scholars, students, and general readers interested in Arabic Christianity, Byzantine theology, Christian-Muslim relations, and historical theological development. It illuminates timeless questions about how spiritual truths can be shared across different faith traditions while maintaining their essential integrity.

What You'll Discover