Tradition

Book Description

In an era where religious boundaries often divide rather than unite, scholar Katrin Visse embarks on a profound exploration of what makes religious tradition authentic and enduring. This thoughtful work examines fundamental questions that resonate across faith communities: What elements of religious tradition must be preserved at all costs, what requires transformation, and what calls for complete renewal?

Visse delves into the perspectives of three influential Muslim thinkers—Fazlur Rahman, Khaled Abou El Fadl, and Seyyed Hossein Nasr—analyzing their approaches to tradition, change, and spiritual continuity. Rather than simply presenting their ideas, she engages in genuine dialogue, allowing their insights to illuminate and challenge Christian theological understanding.

The book traces how religious wisdom travels across cultures and contexts, examining the delicate process of transmitting sacred knowledge while remaining anchored to foundational texts like the Bible and Quran. Through this interfaith conversation, Visse demonstrates how Christian theology can grow and deepen through encounter with Islamic thought, discovering both fresh perspectives and forgotten treasures within its own tradition.

This scholarly yet accessible work offers readers a model for authentic interfaith engagement—one that neither compromises core beliefs nor fears learning from other spiritual paths. For those seeking to understand how ancient wisdom can speak to contemporary challenges, Visse provides a thoughtful roadmap for navigating tradition and transformation in our interconnected world.