New Publication: Solomon and the Ant (Wipf and Stock, 2021)
IQSA Member and Professor Emertius at the University of Saint Thomas, David Penchansky, has recently published a book in the field with Wipf and Stock, Solomon and the Ant (2021).
Solomon and the Ant, using the Bible as a dialogue partner, examines stories from the Qur’an, their drama, characters, and meaning. Although some qur’anic stories have close biblical parallels, here Penchansky examines stories without biblical precursors. Qur’anic narratives in dialogue with biblical texts enhance understanding. Penchansky chooses biblical stories that address similar questions about the nature of God and God’s interaction with people.
Former IQSA Executive Director, Emran El-Badawi (University of Houston), comments “his is a conversation between the Qur’an and the Bible as serious as it is simple. Applying a wealth of scholarly experience, Penchansky engages the holy texts both thematically and thoughtfully. Using his mastery of post-biblical and Islamic traditions, the author ensures a robust discussion about how readers wrestle with God through the stories of Scripture.”
Find purchasing options for this book in a variety of formats at http://www.solomonandtheant.com/where-to-buy.html
About the Author
Dr. David Penchansky is Professor Emeritus from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he taught for 29 years. While earning a Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible from Vanderbilt University (1988) he taught in Missouri and Kentucky. Then took a position in the Theology Department at the University of St. Thomas in 1989. He has written about the Bible, and now also the Qur’an from the perspective of a literary critic, attending to characterization, plot, theme, and especially gaps and fissures in a text, omissions and ambiguities. He approaches the Qur’an as a sympathetic outsider, respectful though critical.
He continues to teach in community venues, churches, the Selim Center (lifelong learning for seniors), assisted living facilities, as well as a course a year for the University. He has only begun his exploration of Qur’anic narratives. Solomon and the Ant is the first product of his research. He is active in Islamic-Christian dialogues both locally and on a national level.
© International Qur’anic Studies Association, 2021. All rights reserved.