Eerdmans to publish "A Common Word"

For those who have been following the ongoing discussion regarding the recent Islam-Christian ecumenical documents, please note that Eerdmans Publishing Company plans on publishing the original documents in a small paperback this coming July. I have written previous on this issue; and, despite one's position, all agree that this is an historic moment in defining what it means to be Christian in a pluralistic world (see my posts here, here, here, and here). Below is the information from the Eerdman's website:

In late 2007 Muslim leaders from around the world together issued in the pages of The New York Times an open letter to Christian leaders inviting cooperation as a step toward peace. That letter, “A Common Word between Us and You,” acknowledged real differences between the two faiths but nonetheless contended that “righteousness and good works” should be the only areas in which they compete. The 138 signatories included over a dozen grand muftis, an ayatollah, and a Jordanian prince, and the document was widely considered a groundbreaking step toward reconciliation between Islam and Christianity — two major religions with a great deal in common.

Now Miroslav Volf and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad bin Talal of Jordan are combining that original letter and a collaborative Christian response — “Loving God and Neighbor Together” — into one remarkable volume. Beyond offering the original documents, A Common Word expands the discussion by including subsequent commentary and dialogue between Muslim and Christian scholars addressing critical and frequently asked questions about the two documents.

This eventful little book encapsulates a brave and encouraging move toward harmony and accord between two major world religions so often seen to be at odds.