The Bible and the Qur’an: A Comparative Study

Podcast-style audio & video course - 21 Topics
Length: 8 hrs and 38 mins
Tisch Family Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology
(12 customer reviews)
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Includes Free Study Guide
Audio Download + Subscription
$0.00
Audio Sample:

What would you like to know about the Qur’an and its relationship to the Bible?

Written in beautifully poetic and rhythmic language, the Qur’an comprises 114 suras (“chapters”). To Christians, its structure can at first seem unusual, and indeed, the Qur’an differs from our scriptures in fundamental ways. As you study the Qur’an, you will gain a deep appreciation for its striking differences from the Bible and the importance of this religious text revered by one-point-seven billion Muslims around the world.

In this superb course, you will receive a general introduction to the Qur’an, paying particular attention to its relationship with the Bible. Prof. Gabriel Reynolds, a scholar of Islamic studies at Notre Dame, guides you through the beautiful language, fascinating history, and varied interpretations of the Qur’an. By embarking on this exploration, you will more deeply understand Islam and its conversation with Christianity.

The first part introduces you to the life of Muhammad, the literary qualities of the Qur’an, and its historical context. After looking closely at the themes o

What would you like to know about the Qur’an and its relationship to the Bible?

Written in beautifully poetic and rhythmic language, the Qur’an comprises 114 suras (“chapters”). To Christians, its structure can at first seem unusual, and indeed, the Qur’an differs from our scriptures in fundamental ways. As you study the Qur’an, you will gain a deep appreciation for its striking differences from the Bible and the importance of this religious text revered by one-point-seven billion Muslims around the world.

In this superb course, you will receive a general introduction to the Qur’an, paying particular attention to its relationship with the Bible. Prof. Gabriel Reynolds, a scholar of Islamic studies at Notre Dame, guides you through the beautiful language, fascinating history, and varied interpretations of the Qur’an. By embarking on this exploration, you will more deeply understand Islam and its conversation with Christianity.

The first part introduces you to the life of Muhammad, the literary qualities of the Qur’an, and its historical context. After looking closely at the themes of the Qur’an, you will explore its portrayals of Jesus and other biblical figures, as well as how Christianity has interacted with it throughout history. Then, you will look at academic controversies and traditional Islamic teachings on the Qur’an. Finally, you will examine how Muslims approach the Qur’an in the modern world.

Begin this essential learning journey today.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection and includes a free PDF study guide.

Learn about downloadable programs.

Your Free Electronic Study Guide! When you order this course, we will send you a free electronic study guide that you can access in 3 convenient ways:

1) You can check your order confirmation email. It will include a link that enables you to download your guide.
2) The back of your program package also contains a copy of this link. You can access your guide by simply entering this URL into your browser.
3) Your case of CDs or DVDs will contain a copy of your electronic guide on CD. Simply insert this disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive to access your guide.

$54.99

Frequently Bought Together

  • Martin Luther, the Ninety-Five Theses, and the Reformation

    Martin Luther, the Ninety-Five Theses, and the Reformation

    $15.99
    Select options
  • Salvation 101: A Catholic's Guide to Soteriology, the Theology of Redemption & Atonement

    Salvation 101: A Catholic’s Guide to Soteriology, the Theology of Redemption & Atonement

    $19.99
    Select options
  • The Intersection of Science and Theology: Evolutionary Theory and Creation

    The Intersection of Science and Theology: Evolutionary Theory and Creation

    $17.99
    Select options
  • theology-and-science

    Theology and Science

    $17.99
    Select options

Gabriel S. Reynolds is Professor of Islamic Studies and Theology in the Department of Theology at Notre Dame, where he researches the Qur’an and Muslim-Christian relations. He received his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies from Yale University, where his dissertation, A Muslim Theologian in the Sectarian Milieu (published by Brill in 2004), won the Field Prize. He is the author of The Qur’an and Its Biblical Subtext (Routledge, 2010) and of The Emergence of Islam (Fortress, 2012), the translator of ‘Abd al-Jabbar’s Critique of Christian Origins (BYU, 2008), and the editor of The Qur’an in Its Historical Context (Routledge, 2008) and New Perspectives on the Qur’an: The Qur’an in Its Historical Context 2 (Routledge, 2011).
Prof. Reynolds is currently Chair of the Executive Board of the International Qur’anic Studies Association. At Notre Dame, he teaches courses on theology, Muslim/Christian Relations, and Islamic Origins. Prof. Reynolds has been a visiting professor at the Université de Saint Joseph in Lebanon and at the Université Libre de Bruxelles in Belgium, and he has lectured on the Church and Islam throughout the world, including Oxford, Cairo, Rome, Jerusalem, and Iran.

Praise for Gabriel Reynolds
“Gabriel Reynolds combines deep learning and a gift for teaching. His sympathetic but learned approach to Islam is a real grace in these times.”
– Lawrence S. Cunningham, O’Brien Professor of Theology Emeritus, University of Notre Dame

“Gabriel Reynolds is an internationally renowned scholar of the Quran. His work on the relationship of early Quranic traditions to the Bible is groundbreaking and will forever alter the way in which scholars see the origins of the Islamic faith.” – Gary A. Anderson, Hesburgh Professor of Catholic Theology, University of Notre Dame

“Engaging and lucid in explaining the often dauntingly complex and conflicting claims to legitimacy by Islam and Christianity, Gabriel Said Reynolds enlightens his listeners and illuminates religions’ problems and promise in our increasingly dangerous and divided world.”
– Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., president of the University of Notre Dame

  • Introduction to the Life of the Prophet Muhammad and the Qur’an
  • The Structure of the Qur’an
  • The Historical Development of the Qur’anic Text
  • The Punishment Stories
  • The Afterlife and The Blessings of Nature
  • Angels, Demons, and the Cosmos
  • The God of the Qur’an
  • Adam in the Qur’an
  • Abraham and Moses in the Qur’an
  • Jesus in the Qur’an
  • The Qur’an on the Bible
  • A Christian Interpretation of the Qur’an?
  • The Uncertainty of the Muslim Exegetes
  • Reconsidering the Qur’an and the Life of the Prophet
  • The Qur’an’s Self-Understanding
  • The Development of Exegesis in Islamic Tradition
  • The Qur’an and Islamic Law
  • The Qur’an and Islamic Mysticism
  • The Qur’an and Society
  • The Qur’an, Marriage, and Sex
  • The Qur’an, Violence, and Peace

12 reviews for The Bible and the Qur’an: A Comparative Study

  1. Gavin

    The explanations given by the Prof. Gabriel S. Reynolds were very clear.

    I always wanted to know more about the Qur’an and was quite impressed how the Qur’an links in with the Bible. The explanations given by the Prof. Gabriel S. Reynolds were very clear.

  2. John

    I found Prof. Reynolds’ courses both very important and excellent as well as timely.

    I found Prof. Reynolds’ courses both very important and excellent as well as timely. His first series on Christianity and Islam I presented for discussion at our local public library to an average of 10 people a week for 10 weeks. It was very well received.

  3. Sandra

    Very informative.

    Not knowing anything about the Qur’an, I found it very informative

  4. Marcella L., OH

    Fall Survey: October 2016

    I had read the Qur’an, but these CD’s made it much more understandable. It made me realize just why it is so important to them and why they get so upset when it is in any way mocked.

  5. Carol Rummel, TN

    Fall Survey: October 2016

    This course offered much needed insight into the Quran. As Catholic Chrstians, we all need to better understand the differences and the origin of Islam.

  6. Bro. Michael

    Complete knowledge and mastery

    Prof. Reynolds has complete knowledge and mastery of the Two texts. As you listen to his delivery, he not only imparts the Academic content but you can see how The Sacred Texts have been imbued by Prof. Reynold and the delivery expresses a deep Reverence for the Texts. I had not seen nor heard such before.

  7. Thomas

    No words were wasted

    Every lecture responded to questions I had. No words were wasted, it was well organized, and I felt better equipped to respond to the Islamophobia around me. I should listen to it again!

  8. Brother Michael P., NY

    Winter Survey: January 2017

    Prof. Reynolds, manner of presenting is most inviting, you immediately see that he knows his subject through & through. What is most appealing is: He not only presents his topic but lives and highly honors its content and meaning. You see his dedication and devotion to his profession and audience. I also have his other Lecture: Christian and Islamic Theology.

  9. Anonymous

    Winter Survey: January 2017

    A very frank, carefully reasoned assessment of the prospects for cooperation between the various strands of Islam and Christianity (including Western culture).

  10. Fr. Michael R., Canada

    Winter Survey: January 2017

    Gabriel Said Reynolds is obviously both very knowledgeable about Islam and at the same time a faithful Catholic. Today when more and more of our neighbors are Muslims his learning contributes a great deal to better understanding and relations.

  11. John B L., NY,

    Winter Survey: January 2017

    I like the easy scholarship of Gabriel S. Reynolds, Ph.D., a UND professor. He is fluent in Arabic and makes Islam understandable with comparisons to Christian theology.

  12. Fr. Michael R., Canada

    Summer 2018 Survey

    Professor Reynolds is very knowledgeable and is also an excellent teacher.

Add a review

Stay in the know.

Enter your email address for a free coupon, and to find out about future specials and promotions. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Now You Know Media is now Learn25

In an effort to provide our customers the best possible experience, we have created a new website for you at Learn25.com to browse our selection of over 400 audio and video courses by top professors.