The Psalms and the Qur'an

westminster psalter david psalmsnetwork 0

The contents of many Psalms resonate with the contents of the Qur’an. The contents of many other Psalms are discordant with Qur’anic norms of what a scripture is and how it functions. This lecture will explore how this combination of resonance and dissonance enables the Psalms to be used as a key to understanding the Qur’an and the Qur’an to be used as a key to understanding the Psalms. Dr Shirin Shafaie and Dr Danny Crowther worked together as co-editors of a collection of fifteen papers written by a selected team of established and upcoming Muslim, Christian and Agnostic scholars: Reading the Bible in the Context of Islam (Routledge, forthcoming).

This talk is part of the 'New Perspectives on the Psalms: A Series of Public Lectures'.

Well I heard there was a secret chord,
That David played, and it pleased the Lord

(Leonard Cohen, ‘Hallelujah’)

The Oxford Psalms Network is pleased to announce a series of public lectures on the Psalms bringing into conversation contemporary artists, illustrators and musicians with speakers from a range of academic disciplines, including theology, literature, music and art. From the rich tradition of rabbinic commentary through the exegesis of the Church Fathers to contemporary popular song, the Psalms have always been at the core of Judaeo-Christian culture and belief. Lectures will cover topics from the earliest evidence for the singing of the Psalms in ancient Hebrew, Greek and Latin, through medieval and early Modern translations into English, French, German and other languages and intersections with other cultures and faiths, to modern responses in visual culture and music.

All lectures will take place at 6.15pm (arrival from 6.00) in the Ursell Room, Pusey House, St Giles, Oxford, followed by a drinks’ reception.

This is a public event – all are welcome!

 

The Oxford Psalms Network

Contact email: psalms@torch.ox.ac.uk

Audience: Open to all