This work brings together in one volume scholarly and gender-inclusive translations and interpretations of Judaism’s Torah, Christianity’s New Testament, and Islam’s Qur’an. Each scriptural text is preceded by introductory and scholarly essays, often exploring the relationship of one to the other two. In addition, attention is given to the possible encounter of these three traditions with Zoroastrianism, thereby adding unique content. Intimately connected, the sacred scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are “possibly the most spiritually significant trilogy in the history of literature.” This work not only introduces each scriptural text but also serves as a foundation for greater understanding among the three traditions. Recommended for theological, academic, and large public libraries.

Booklist

Brown (Noah’s Other Son), a United Church of Canada minister, was surprised that the sacred scriptures of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam are not usually included in a single volume. He includes all three here, emphasizing the common ground among these monotheistic religions and their texts. As editor, he utilizes reputable scholars from the three religious traditions to give introductory information on the sacred texts as well as providing commentary. In particular, he emphasizes the ways in which Zoroastrianism influenced all these sacred writings. It is curious that Brown includes the entirety of the New Testament and the Quran but only the first five books (Torah) of the Hebrew Bible. Nonetheless, what is here is useful for comparative analysis as persons from each tradition may not have read the other texts or studied them as is possible here. VERDICT General readers and undergraduates with an interest in these monotheistic religions and their sacred writings will find this book to be very helpful.

Library Journal

That's the premise behind Three Testaments: Torah, Gospel and Quran. Brown has assembled Muslim, Christian and Jewish scholars to introduce modern, readable translations of the three texts. The scholars explain how the holy books of each community are used and understood withing the faith they represent.

The Catholic Register

This volume presents together in English the texts of the Torah (Genesis through Deuteronomy), the NT, and the Quran, inviting the reader to examine the interdependence of the Scriptures that are central to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Also included are supplementary essays on possible relationships with other religious traditions. After an eight-page prologue on the people of the book by Brown and a preface to the Torah by E. Frankel, there are essays by Brown on “Also Sprach Zarathustra,” monotheism, from Zoroaster to Zorobabel, and Israel’s Redeemer; an introduction to the Torah by M. Z. Brettler; and the text according to The Contemporary Torah. Next after a preface to the Gospel by H. L. Carrigan, there are essays by Brown on Gospel and Torah, Gospel and Wisdom, Gospel and Avesta, and Gospel and Quran; an introduction to the Gospel by D. Bruce; and the text according to The Inclusive Bible. Then after a preface to the sublime Quran by L. Bakhtiar, there are essays by Brown on Zoroastrians in the Quran, Torah in the Quran, Gospel in the Quran, and Avesta in the Quran; an introduction to the Quran by N. Reda; and the text according to The Sublime Quran.

New Testament Abstracts

This is an unusual, ambitious, and groundbreaking book that seeks to discover the threads that connect the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The Bible Today

From disagreement over an Islamic Center in New York to clashes between Christians and Muslims in Egypt, tension between the three Abrahamic faiths often runs high. Three Testaments brings together the text of the Torah, the New Testament, and the Quran, so that readers can explore for themselves the connections, as well as the points of departure, between Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Notable religion scholars (Laleh Bakhtiar, Marc Zvi Brettler, David Bruce, Henry Carrigan, Ellen Frankel, and Nevin Reda) provide accessible introductions to each tradition. Commentary from editor Brian Arthur Brown explores how the three faiths may draw similarities from the ancient Zoroastrian tradition. This new paperback edition of the 2012 volume provides a much-needed interfaith perspective on key sacred texts.

Interpretation: A Journal of Bible and Theology