Islam: Past, Present and Future – Hans Küng

In this landmark work, the world-renowned theologian Hans Küng—celebrated for his bold and unifying voice in interfaith dialogue—turns his attention to one of the most debated and misunderstood religions of our time: Islam.

For centuries, Islam has been a major force in world history, shaping civilizations and inspiring profound cultural, scientific, and spiritual achievements. Yet in the modern era it is too often reduced, particularly in Western media, to harmful stereotypes: a breeding ground of extremism, a defender of authoritarianism, an oppressor of women, and a hostile force against the West. Küng confronts these portrayals head-on, offering instead a nuanced, empathetic, and deeply informed exploration of the faith and its people.

Drawing on a lifetime of scholarship and interreligious engagement, Küng provides a sweeping overview of Islam’s 1,400-year journey. From its beginnings in seventh-century Arabia through its flowering empires, intellectual traditions, and encounters with the West, he illuminates both the diversity and the unity within Islamic thought. Readers will find clear explanations of the religion’s foundational beliefs and practices, an accessible guide to its major schools of law and theology, and a balanced discussion of Islam’s engagement with pressing modern issues—human rights, democracy, gender, peace, and interfaith relations.

Deft, comprehensive, and deeply humane, Islam: Past, Present and Future is both an essential reference and a call for understanding. By bridging historical depth with contemporary relevance, Küng offers readers—whether scholars, students, or general seekers—a book that challenges misconceptions and builds the foundation for meaningful dialogue between Islam and the wider world.

 

Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Oneworld Publications
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 1, 2008
• Edition ‏ : ‎ Reprint
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 800 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781851686124
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1851686124
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎31 pounds
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎75 x 1.7 x 8.85 inches
• Condition: Used Very Good

 

About the Author
Hans Küng obtained a doctorate in theology from the Sorbonne in 1957. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1954. In 1962, he was named by Pope John XXIII a theological consultant for the second Vatican Council and played the key role in the writing of Vatican II, which radically modernized key areas of Catholic teaching. His questioning of traditional Church doctrines led to a 1979 Vatican censure that banned his teaching as a Catholic theologian, provoking huge international controversy. A settlement was reached a year later. He lives and teaches in Tubingen, Germany. His many books include On Being a Christian and Christianity: Essence, History, and Future.