Scholars in each of the three related monotheistic religions discuss the concept of freedom in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They find that in Judaism, the liberation of the people of Israel from slavery in Egypt is a formative event that finds expression in both the first commandment and the central position of the Passover holiday, that one central dimension of the concept of freedom in Christianity is reflected through the acknowledgment of human liberation from sin through the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; and that in Islam, the freedom and deliberative nature of human actions is always connected to the obligation to adhere to God's law. The three papers and epilogue are from a May 2017 conference in Erlangen. Annotation ©2020 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
The third volume of the series "Key Concepts of Interreligious Discourses" investigates the roots of the concept of freedom in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and its relevance for the present time. The idea of freedom in terms of personal freedoms, which include freedom of conscience, freedom of speech and bodily integrity, is a relatively new one and can in some aspects get into conflict with religious convictions. At the same time, freedom as an emancipatory power from outer oppression as well as from inner dependencies is deeply rooted in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is still a vital concept in religious and non-religious communities and movements. The volume presents the concept of freedom in its different aspects as anchored in the traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It unfolds commonalities and differences between the three monotheistic religions as well as the manifold discourses about freedom within these three traditions. The book offers fundamental knowledge about the specific understanding of freedom in each one of these traditions, their interdependencies and their relationship to secular interpretations.
