Cross Veneration in the Medieval Islamic World: Christian Identity and Practice under Muslim Rule Contributor(s): Tieszen, Charles (Author) |
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ISBN: 1784536628 ISBN-13: 9781784536626 Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC OUR PRICE: $158.40 Product Type: Hardcover - Other Formats Published: March 2017 |
Additional Information |
BISAC Categories: - Religion | Ecumenism & Interfaith - History | Europe - Medieval - History | Middle East - General |
Series: Early and Medieval Islamic World |
Physical Information: 0.9" H x 5.5" W x 8.6" (0.95 lbs) 240 pages |
Themes: - Chronological Period - Medieval (500-1453) - Cultural Region - Middle East |
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
Publisher Description: One of the most common religious practices among medieval Eastern Christian communities was their devotion to venerating crosses and crucifixes. Yet many of these communities existed in predominantly Islamic contexts, where the practice was subject to much criticism and often resulted in accusations of idolatry. How did Christians respond to these allegations? Why did they advocate the preservation of a practice that was often met with confusion or even contempt? To shed light onto these questions, Charles Tieszen looks at every known apologetic or polemical text written between the eighth and fourteenth centuries to include a relevant discussion. With sources taken from across the Mediterranean basin, Egypt, Syria and Palestine, the result is the first in-depth look at a key theological debate which lay at the heart of these communities' religious identities. By considering the perspectives of both Muslim and Christian authors, Cross Veneration in the Medieval Islamic World also raises important questions concerning cross-cultural debate and exchange, and the development of Christianity and Islam in the medieval period. |