Great World Religions: Islam

De: John L. Esposito, The Great Courses

Narrado por: John L. Esposito

How familiar are you with the world's second-largest and fastest-growing religion? In these 12 lectures, Professor Esposito guides you through the facts and myths surrounding Islam and its more than 1.2 billion adherents. Many in the West know little about the faith and are familiar only with the actions of a minority of radical extremists, but this lecture series will help you better understand Islam's role as both a religion and a way of life, and its deep impact on world affairs both historically and today.

What does the future hold for Islam and the West in the new century? How will it change under the influence of conservatives, reformers, and extremists? Moving from Muhammad to the present, from the 7th to the 21st centuries, you'll explore Muslim beliefs, practices, and history in the context of its significance and impact on Muslim life and society through the ages, as well as world events today. Topics you'll cover include the life and legacy of the prophet Muhammad; the nature and true meaning of jihad; the Muslim beliefs about other faiths such as Judaism and Christianity; Islamic contributions to mathematics, science, and art; the intricate relationship between Islam, modernization, capitalism, and democracy; and much more.

Professor Esposito takes a closer look at the historical development of two great Islamic institutions: Islamic law and Islamic mysticism. And he examines the worldwide "struggle for the soul of Islam" occurring today between conservatives and reformers, mainstream Muslims and extremists.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2003 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2003 The Great Courses

As a Muslim, this is fairly accurate

As a Muslim, I wanted to understand how Islam is being presented to non-Muslims in an academic way. This is fairly accurate on the fundamentals, but there were several points I would have wanted to correct the professor at, especially in the second half of the course.

Muslim Apologists Unite!

What did you like best about Great World Religions: Islam? What did you like least?

The lecturer actually "taught" that western views of Islamic female coverings are more oppressive than the coverings themselves. What? Also, Aisha is only described as the Mother of Believers and narrator of hadithas--not as he 6 or 7 year old bride with whom he consummated the marraige at 9 years old. Not even mentioned. Dhimmis and dhimmitude are described as progressive for it's time, and not like a tax to believe and worship as you please. There are many, many unsavory bits left out or just pushed aside.

What could The Great Courses and John L. Esposito have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

This appeared less of a lecture and more of the Professor just poorly reading out of a book he wrote with many ackward pauses.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Professor John L. Esposito?

Another professor I suppose.

Did Great World Religions: Islam inspire you to do anything?

Almost inspired me to stop listening in the first lecture. Anytime someone tries to justify action with a "they do it too" arguement (in this case, Crusades and abortion center bombing), I know their arguement is weak.

Any additional comments?

We get it. Islam good. There is no doubt there is an agenda here. If you are looking for some good history, you'll find it. If you are looking for a white wash of bad rap of Islam as of late and to feel like a bigot if you question otherwise, you'll find that too. Too hard to take one with the other. I need a good series that puts out there the good with the bad--the whole story. I expected such from a university professor.

Great course!

This was a great course! It's very informative and had a great delivery. 100% recommend.

Accurate & unbiased. Best of its kind.

Professor Esposito has managed to pull off one of the most impressive feats i have long since heard, in a lecture.

He provides a short, accurate and understandable explaination of a complex religion.

Speaks of both the good and the bad in Islamic culture, whilst sharing meaningful insight on Islam itself.

required listening for thinking people

As a lifetime student of history and one who is politically-aware, I was no stranger to Islam - however, getting this comprehensive view has really helped me understand it in new ways. Through the course I had several major revelations (which I will not share here lest my perspectives be conflated with the author's words). Some of this course may rub you the wrong way, but this is true of any complicated subject. I am very glad I listened to this and think that most people in our society would benefit from doing the same.