Biodiversity

March 1, 2007
Well-regarded theologian Kü ng (president, Fdn. for a Global Ethic; "On Being a Christian"), who has been credited with fostering healthy interreligious dialog, completes his trilogy on "The Religious Situation of Our World" (the other two volumes focused on Judaism and Christianity). More than 1000 pages long, this tome may well be the author's magnum opus. In brief, it provides a comprehensive, balanced treatment of the world's second-largest religion. Kü ng specifically examines Islam through paradigm analysis. Not only does he trace the origin and history of this 1400-year-old faith, but he also peers into its future. Will war or peace prevail? His tone is respectful, and he is devoted to finding common ground among the world's often embattled faiths. According to Kü ng, study of the world's religions leads to an understanding of the world. This spirited, wide-angle approach pervades the book, which is destined to become a seminal text and as popular as (if not more popular than) Karen Armstrong's "Islam: A Short History". Recommended for academic libraries, especially ones with special collections in religion and theology; given today's widespread interest in Islam, it is also appropriate for public libraries.C. Brian Smith, Arlington Heights Memorial Lib., IL

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