The Dye of God

Essays on Islam and the Qur'an

by Anthony H. Johns

Book cover: The Dye of God

Extent: 350 pages

Publisher: ATF Press

Subjects: Islamic & Middle Eastern Studies, Religious Studies

Language: English

Paperback (Published)

(December 2022)

ISBN: 9781922582850

Price: $33.95

In stock

Hardback (Published)

(December 2022)

ISBN: 9781922582867

Price: $45.95

In stock

PDF (Published)

(December 2022)

ISBN: 9781922582881

Price: $33.95

The essays in this book were originally published between 1981 to 2008 in different academic journals and are the outcome of a journey of Anthony’s encounter with the Qur’an and the world of Islam that began by chance (the lottery of conscription into the British Army) and an overseas posting to Singapore late in 1947. For Singapore to be a starting point for such a journey seems counter intuitive, yet the great island archipelago of Southeast Asia, far from being a periphery, is an integral part of the Muslim world. From Singapore to retirement in Australia, surrounded by family and colleague, and now in my 90’s, he has continued his study and writing on Islam. This book then is a sampling of this life’s work.

  • By (author) Anthony H. Johns

"Not a single word can be taken or heard in isolation. All represent nuclei of meaning that are cumulative and cohere, serving as triggers to activate the profoundest depths of religious consciousness'. Anthony John's reflection on the language of the Qur'a?n at the end of his essay on Job, speaks also to the quality of these essays which shine with the lucidity and humility of a lifetime's scholarship. The Dye of God opens the spirituality of the Qur'an and the manifold tradition of Islam, carefully and respectfully exploring its theological distinctiveness as well as its resonances with other Abrahamic faiths. This is a rich resource for deepening understanding between faith communities, and for encouraging all in the love of God." Rev Dr Sarah Bachelard, Director, Benedictus Contemplative Church, Canberra, Australia "The author has found a way to give readers, even those without Arabic, some sense of the majesty of the Qur'an's language and the range of its concerns. These are studies of stories that tell of exhorting the great prophets to their most courageous resolutions, and of ministering to their moments of greatest frailty. By listening to the Qur'anic stories so carefully, by finding the music in language to render them, and by meditating on the learned reflections of the great commentators who went before him, Johns is able to offer the modern reader an insight into why the narratives resonate through all aspects of Islamic life." Dr AD Street, Schoolof Divinity, Cambridge, UK