Wonder Beyond Belief (eBook)

Navid Kermani is a writer and scholar who lives in Cologne, Germany. He has received numerous accolades for his literary and academic work, including the 2015 Peace Prize of the German Publishers' Association, Germany's most prestigious cultural award.

I. MOTHER AND SON
MOTHER
SON
MISSION
LOVE I
LOVE II
HUMILIATION
BEAUTY
CROSS
LAMENTATION
RESURRECTION
TRANSFORMATION
DEATH
GOD I
GOD II
II. WITNESS
CAIN
JOB
JUDITH
ELIZABETH
PETER
JEROME
URSULA I
URSULA II
BERNARD
FRANCIS
PETER NOLASCO
SIMONIDA
PAOLO DALL'OGLIO
III. INVOCATION
VOCATION
PRAYER
SACRIFICE
CHURCH
PLAY
KNOWLEDGE
TRADITION
LIGHT
LUST I
LUST II
RECESSIONAL
ART
FRIENDSHIP

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
ILLUSTRATION CREDITS

'An astonishing, deeply sympathetic, constantly surprising meditation on Christianity from one of the greatest Muslim writers and thinkers in the Western world. Kermani writes perceptively about individual works of art and particular places, about the New Testament, and about the rich traditions of Christian theology and practice. Still more important, he articulates a vision of Islamic-Christian friendship that is, in our vexed world, a human gift of rare importance.'
Stephen Greenblatt, Cogan University Professor of the Humanities, Harvard University

'In this beautifully written book, Navid Kermani performs something which, if not unprecedented, is still highly unusual, as he considers Christianity from the distance of a different faith. He does not claim any superiority here, quite the opposite. Unencumbered by the need to accept or reject, he explores the Christian faith with an alert interest and consuming curiosity. Through his keen gaze, coupled with a profound knowledge of theology and art history, Kermani captivates readers with the marvels of artworks that they might otherwise never really notice. The anglophone world needs and deserves this gem of a book.'
Daniel Boyarin, University of California, Berkeley

'In this book Navid Kermani draws on his unique perspectives as a Muslim intellectual to offer thoughtful reflections on the complex divine ideas underlying Christian art and the deep parallels that can be drawn between it and other traditions, including mystical Islam. As an outside observer of Christianity, Kermani reminds us that the great faith traditions have more in common than they have difference and how, at the end of the day, we all pay tribute to the same divine spirit. May more Muslim and Christian thinkers alike be inspired by his deep reflectiveness and willingness to engage across faith traditions.'
Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, Ibn Khaldun Chair of Islamic Studies, American University, Washington, DC

'When I lived in Deir Mar Musa, Paolo Dall'Oglio would sometimes press a "very important" book on me to read. I am sure that Wonder Beyond Belief is one of these books. It encourages debate and impresses the reader with the need for communication and respect for other people's beliefs.'
Emma Loosley, University of Exeter
'In this beautifully written book, Navid Kermani performs something which, if not unprecedented, is still highly unusual, as he considers Christianity from the distance of a different faith. He does not claim any superiority here, quite the opposite. Unencumbered by the necessity to accept or reject, he explores the Christian faith with an alert interest and consuming curiosity. Through his keen gaze, coupled with a profound knowledge of theology and art history, Kermani captivates readers with the marvels of artworks that they might otherwise never really notice. The Anglophone world needs and deserves this gem of a book.'
Daniel Boyarin, University of California, Berkeley