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The account of Joseph that is found in Genesis 37-50 is one of the most well-known stories in the Bible. Its classic rags-to-riches plot explores themes that have intrigued people throughout history: murder, betrayal, sibling rivalry, greed, natural disaster, and mistaken identity. In Inquiring of Joseph, John Kaltner shows theres more than one way to tell this story--and both are worth reading. Inquiring of Joseph puts the biblical Joseph in conversation with his Quranic self. The Islamic text is a clear parallel to the biblical story in the events of Josephs life, but there are some important differences between them that result in two distinct versions of the tale. This interface allows for a new understanding of the familiar biblical tradition as aspects that are often missed become more prominent and puzzling elements are seen in a new light. Chapters are "Introduction," "Joseph the Sign (Quran 12:1-20; Genesis 37)," "Joseph the Servant (Quran 12:21-34; Genesis 39:1-19)," "Joseph the Truthful One (Quran 12:35-53; Genesis 39:20-41:36)," "Joseph the Intelligent Custodian (Quran 12:54-68; Genesis 41:37-43:15)," "Joseph the Possessor of Knowledge (Quran 12:69-86; Genesis 43:16-44:34)," and "Joseph the Brother (Quran 12:87-101; Genesis 45:1-28)."
About the author
John Kaltner, PhD, is associate professor of religious studies at Rhodes College, Memphis, Tennessee. He is the author of
Ishmael Instructs Isaac: An Introduction to the Qur'an for Bible Readers of the Connections series published by Liturgical Press.
