Jesus of Arabia

By Andrew Thompson

In Jesus of Arabia Rev. Canon Andrew Thompson introduces an unfamiliar Jesus-Jesus in the context of his home in the Middle East. Whether readers believe Jesus to be a prophet or the messiah, Thompson enhances our understanding of his work and character by looking at his social context as a man and Middle Easterner. Jesus' teachings take on new meaning as Thompson explores themes including family in the Middle East, gender roles in the region, food culture, and more. Jesus of Arabia looks at the bridges between Islam and Christianity through the figure of Jesus and how the two communities may reflect each other despite their differences. Thompson draws on his experience as Reverend Canon in the Church of England and his many years living in the Middle East to analyze the often conflicting roles and loyalties concerning family, culture, and God. A timely and incisive work, Jesus of Arabia invites us to consider contemporary views of the Middle East and how a figure like Jesus might be received today.

AcknowledgmentsForewordIntroductionSection 1 ¿ Family, Tribe & PossessionsCamelMajlisWeddingSection 2 ¿ ReligionFastPearlFeetSection 3 - WomenScentWaterHospitalitySection 4 ¿ Poet & Story TellerShepherdBreadRunConclusionSection 5 ¿ The Elephant in the RoomAppendix A Corruption of Scriptures?Appendix B Muslim Understanding of the CrucifixionAppendix C The Identity of JesusAppendix D The Bible and Arabs of the Arabian PeninsulaBibliography