The Third Jihad by Michael Youssef

This is an enlightening book. Youssef makes reference to a third jihad because there have been two already. He takes readers through the wars of Islamic conquest (622-751) and the wars of Islamic expansion (1302-1924). An American Islamist Imam in Washington DC called for an Islamic State of North America by 2050. Could that mean a third jihad is being planned?

Youssef is concerned that we in the West are not taking seriously the work of Islamists. He reminds us of the history of Islamic terrorism, dating back to the 1780 and the Barbary pirates. He is concerned that American leaders have not learned from history and few try to really understand the Muslim worldview.

I like his distinction between Muslims and Islamists. Islamists are zealous to make Sharia law the ultimate authority. There would be rules for every part of life. I like that Youssef explained the history of Islam so we can better understand their motives and strategies.

Youssef is concerned the church is sleeping rather than being salt and light to the world. He is concerned we are not aware of the nonviolent way Islamists are making inroads in education and areas of western culture.

Christians need the information contained in this book. We need to understand Islamic ideology and what it means for our future. I did find that Youssef was quite pro-Israel and pro-Republican and it colored some of his comments. Other than that, his book is informative and timely with critical information Christians need to know today.

You can read an excerpt here and watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Michael Youssef is the founder and president of Leading The Way, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. (www.LTW.org) He is also the founder pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Egypt, he became an American citizen in 1984. He holds numerous degrees, including a PhD in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 35 books. He and his wife have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

Tyndale Momentum, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Jesus and the Jihadis by Craig A. Evans and Jeremiah J. Johnston

We've seen the videos (or at least heard of them). What makes ISIS behave the way they do? Evans and Johnston say the West has an inadequate understanding of the world's second most populous religion. They have written this book to help us know what we need to know.

The book starts out with some disturbing information. ISIS is the richest terrorist group in the world, taking in some $3 million a day from the oil fields they control. It is financially self-sustaining.

The authors also enlighten readers about the subjugation of the Kafir (non-Muslim, infidel, unbeliever). According to the Qur'an, Hadith, and Sira, the Kafir has no human rights. So any non-Muslim can be raped, killed, etc. The authors argue that one cannot understand the behavior of ISIS without understanding the theology of Islam.

The authors want readers to notice the difference between Christianity and Islam. They give biblical background on Israel, the reality of Jesus, and the birth of the church. They show the differences in the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad. They review the attitude of ISIS toward history and antiquities, the use of social media to enlist western youth, and their frightening eschatology.

Ignoring ISIS is not longer an option, Evans and Johnston write. Radical Islam will not go away anytime soon.

I recommend this book for those desiring to understand the theology and behavior of radical Muslims. Potential readers should be aware that this is not a definitive work. It is written by two Christians and aims to show the stark difference between the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad.

Food for thought: “Islamic aggression is a threat not only to Christendom, but also against Western civilization itself.” (145)

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Craig A. Evans received his PhD in New Testament from Claremont Graduate University. He and his wife live in Kentville, Nova Scotia. They have two grown daughters and a grandson.

Jeremiah J. Johnston received his PhD from Middlesex University (UK). He currently serves as the founder and president of Christian Thinkers Society, a resident institute at Houston Baptist University where he also serves as an associate professor in the School of Christian Thought. You can find out more at www.ChristianThinkers.com.

Destiny Image, 176 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Too Many to Jail by Mark Bradley

The church in Iran has been growing vigorously, Bradley writes. There is overwhelming evidence there has been dynamic growth in the house church movement. He estimates that there are around 370,000 Christians among Iranians of Muslim background.

He gives a history of the last several decades to show how many in that country have become disillusioned with Islam. Many have turned to Jesus. Bradley says that “Iranians have an instinctive love for Jesus.” (104) They read about him in the Koran and see him as a peaceful man and a miracle worker.

Bradley shares why the house church movement allows for this growth. Christians can meet at different places and at different times. After persecution, they can regroup again. Women are frequently in leadership. They emphasize sharing testimonies. There is an expectation for God to be active so most of the house churches are charismatic.

While Anglicans and Presbyterians had missionaries in the country for over a hundred years, Ayatollah Khomeini effectively brought that to an end by 1979. At that time there was thought to be around 500 Christians in the country. Recently, the government has forced the closure of the services in Persian in most of the Protestant church buildings. “This means that the number of functioning public services in Persian can now be counted on one hand.” (154-5) He explains how the decadence of the west is associated with Christianity. Muslims feel that allowing Christianity freedom will lead to licentiousness, so it must be suppressed. Bradley includes a heartbreaking account of the persecution too.

Areas of difficulty for Christians in Iran include print materials (it is illegal to produce any Christian content in the Persian language in Iran) and training. Even so, Bradley says there is little heresy in Iran. He notes that satellite TV and Internet are used by thousands of isolated Christians.

This book is an encouraging account of Christianity in Iran. Bradley has included a number of inspiring testimonies. His review of the last several decades of the country's history is great for understanding the situation there today. He has included an extensive appendix with the history of Christianity in Iran prior to 1979 as well.

The author suggests http://www.iran30.org/ to pray for the believers in Iran.

Mark Bradley is a researcher with a charity working in the Middle East.

Lion Hudson (distributed in the U.S. by Kregel), 303 pages.I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kregel for the purpose of an independent and honest review.

Examine Your Faith by Pamela Christian

“Do you want to live your life on the basis of a lie?” Pamela asks. She experienced a crisis of her own faith and realized she was a Christian in name only. She began the process of examining her faith and wants others to do the same. She does not want anyone to come to a test and find their faith faulty. She wants to make sure faith is on a solid foundation and based on truth.

She notes that in her own life she needed to establish a confident conviction of the object of her faith – believing faith. That is what this book is about. She has written it to help others come to faith, faith in Christ.

She establishes the difference between belief and faith. Faith is acting on what we believe. Many people take their beliefs from various religions. She notes the problems with that and the importance of examining personal faith.
She arrives at a definition of sound faith, distinguishes feeling and thinking, explores how truth is determined, and looks at religious pluralism. She provides information about the origin and beliefs of the top six religious belief systems: Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, humanism (including New Age), Islam, and Christianity. She adds personal testimonies of people who practiced them. She looks at evil and how the various religions deal with it, comparing them to Christianity. She then has an extended section on Jesus, predictions of His birth, His ministry, and evidence for His resurrection.

She concludes by encouraging readers to conclude that the Christian faith provides the best possible explanation for our world, the existence of God, the reality of pain and suffering and the conclusion of evil. (191)

This would be a good book to give to a non-Christian who is honestly seeking the truth, especially a person in one of the major religions. Pamela does a fine job of identifying the beliefs of the major religions and showing that Christianity presents the best belief system. I was a bit disappointed in her section on the Distinction of Christianity, such as the various denominations. That topic seems to be a serious deterrent to some believing in Christ.

While not specifically aimed at Christians, this would be a good book to read to gain an overview of the major religions, the ones some of your neighbors may adhere to. It would help you identify issues where you could offer better answers from Christian faith.

Pamela Christian began her ministry as a Teaching Director for Community Bible Study in the 1990s. This was followed by invitations to speak across the country for various organizations, which she continues to do. She initially wrote workbooks for her retreats and conferences. Her writing expanded to book compilations, magazines and several e-books. She has a certificate in apologetics from Biola University and her passion is helping others in matters of faith. She and her husband live in Southern California with their two grown children living nearby. You can find our more about her and her ministry at www.pamelachristianministries.com.

WestBow Press, 228 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the author through the Book Group Network for the purpose of this review.

Understanding Islam & Christianity by Josh McDowell and Jim Walker

The authors begin by showing the agreements between Muslims and Christians. They then focus on questions Muslims ask about Christianity (mostly Jesus).

They move to how the two differ over what it means that Jesus is God's Son, answering the Muslim objections. They also look at other titles given to Jesus, including the title “Son of God,” what Jesus meant by it, how the Jews understood it, and why the Muslims reject it. The Quran's teaching on the subject is compared with the Bible. They explore the understanding and history of the Christian's Trinity, revealing the Muslim misunderstanding. They answer Muslim objections to the belief.

Next they address the atonement and the Muslim objections to it. They explore the differences in the understanding of “salvation” by Christians and Muslims. Then they answer the Quran's claim that Jesus was not crucified by examining the evidence from the Old Testament, Quran, New Testament, historians, and medicine.

The Muslim claims that the Bible predicted Muhammad are investigated, both the “counselor” Jesus foretold and the “prophet” Moses foretold. Both ideas are soundly defeated.

Then the authors address the Muslim claim that the Bible has been “corrupted.” (I don't understand why this wasn't the first topic covered. The authors admit that the use of the New Testament in proving answers to previous issues relies on its reliability. (183) So why not prove its reliability before using it as proof?) They also clarify how the New Testament Canon was determined. (This is McDowell's expertise and it shows. Fifty pages of the book are given to this topic.)

Next is an evaluation of the Quran. They note, “Muslims believe that the Quran in their hands today is a copy of the heavenly Quran. It is eternal, uncreated, an attribute of Allah.” (235) They then give evidence to show that the Quran is, in fact, the creation of men. They also show how the truth of the Bible is confirmed in the Quran. This is followed by an evaluation of Muhammad's life.

I am not sure of the value of this book. For a Muslim to read it, or for a Christian to use it in dialog with a Muslim, the Muslim would have to accept the Bible as accurate. The authors themselves admit, “Most sincere Muslims we've met and with whom we have discussed this topic [of the crucifixion] are adamant in insisting that Jesus was not crucified and for the most part disregard any evidence that says otherwise. We can understand that mentality when one believes the Quran is from God and is afraid to question his own faith.” (132) My understanding is that Muslims believe the Christian Bible has been “corrupted” and the Quran corrects it. The authors do show that the Bible is affirmed by the Quran, but that is at the end of the book, not the beginning.

The scope of this book is limited. There is nothing about heaven, how non-Muslims live in a Muslim society, jihad, etc. This book basically covers the persons of Jesus and Muhammad. I think the title is a bit of a misnomer.

The authors freely quote other sources, lots of other sources, and at length. So if you've read much on the topic, this book may not contain new information for you. This book would serve as a limited introduction to a comparison of Islam and Christianity, specific to a few topics.

Josh McDowell accepted the challenge to investigate the claims of Christianity while a college student. He committed his life to Christ and for 50 years he has been sharing his testimony and evidence that God is real and relevant to our lives. He received a bachelor's degree from Wheaton College and a master's degree in theology from Talbot Theological Seminary. He has been on staff with Cru (formerly Campus Crusade for Christ) for almost 50 years. He and his wife have four grown children and five grandchildren. They live in Southern California.
Jim Walker has been involved in Islamic ministry and research for over 20 years. He has taught numerous seminars for Christians interested in learning about Muslims' faith.

Harvest House Publishers, 304 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

The Brotherhood Conspiracy by Terry Brennan

This is the second in Brennan's exciting end times series. You would not have to read The Sacred Cipher first (read my review here) as enough of that story is provided in this one. But then you'd miss all the intense action leading up to this drama.

The Temple Mount was nearly destroyed by the earthquake and the Israelis and Muslim factions are fighting over control of the area. The Israelis are determined to get unquestioned sovereignty over it. But a faction of radical Islam has the goal of restoring the Caliphate. A powerful Muslim leader is moving to break the Israeli strength and institute the world domination of Islam.

The Israeli's plan is to erect another sacred structure on the Temple Mount. Caught in the middle of this is the U. S. President. He is a Christian and he is torn. Are the last days unfolding? Is this God's plan? He recruits Tom and his group to go to Israel and find the sacred structure and prevent the start of another world war. Unknown to Tom, there are deadly assassins out to keep him from completing his task.

This is another action packed novel from Brennan. Interwoven into the intrigue are historical facts and information on the current political situation in the Middle East. The author has included a note at the end of the book giving the historical background. You might want to read that first to really appreciate the novel.

If you like novels that take the current world political condition and relate it to possible biblical fulfillment, you'll like this book. You will learn a great deal and have an exciting read in the process. And the end of this novel is not the end of the story so I will be eagerly awaiting the next in this series.

Terry Brennan had an extensive career in journalism, winning several awards. He served eleven years as the vice president of operations for the Bowery Mission in New York City and is currently chief administrative officer for Care for the Homeless.

Kregel Publication, 368 pages.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

The Sacred Cipher by Terry Brennan

In this end times novel, an ancient scroll is found in a secret room under the New York Bowery Mission. Tom, executive director of the mission, assembles a group of historians and scientists to decode the mysterious writing. When the message is revealed, the team heads to Jerusalem to find the hidden but very real third temple.

I found the novel a combination of interesting and informative history and contemporary Middle East politics. The Author's Note at the end indicates much of the novel is based on documented history and relatively current events. You may want to read the Author's Note first so you have an idea of the historical basis as you read the novel.

Those who enjoy reading speculative end times novels will enjoy this one. The events set up the possibility of the Lord's near return. I did find the premise of the third temple to be a little far fetched and a bit too unrealistic for me. I do prefer a book with intense action and I found in this novel the action was often prolonged - the writing could have been tighter. I found the dialog, addressing an individual by name every time, was tiresome.

I did take away from this novel a renewed sense of the tension in the Middle East, especially over the control of the Temple Mount, and the history behind it.

Terry Brennan had an extensive career in journalism, winning several awards. He served eleven years as the vice president of operations for the Bowery Mission in New York City and is currently chief administrative officer for Care for the Homeless.

Kregel Publications, 352 pages.

Understanding World Religions in 15 Minutes a Day by Garry Morgan

Six billion people on earth are religious. Chances are you have neighbors that are of a different religion than yours. But there are so many religions, how can you possibly understand them all?

Garry has provided a comprehensive look at over twenty religions. He begins with the largest religion, Christianity, with believers numbering nearly a third of the world's population. He reviews the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches of Christianity, as well as Protestant and Evangelical Christianity.

He has six chapters on Islam, the world's second largest religion. He covers its beginnings, the Five Pillars, additional core beliefs, its theology, its varieties and issues, and finally, the very unorthodox Nation of Islam.

Other religions have extended treatment too, such as three chapters on Hinduism, the world's third largest religion, and three chapters on the various sects of Buddhism.

The other religions have brief reviews, generally just four pages. These are meant to be introductions to the topics and are by no means exhaustive or complete. He has included secular humanism since it fits his “working definition of religion as an organized system of beliefs that answers ultimate questions about life.” (138)

I learned that the newest religion is Baha'i, beginning in the mid-nineteenth century, and emphasizes peace and unity of all religions. Ethical dualism, the concept of weighing good and bad deeds, originated in Zoroastrianism. People will often mix religions, such as the American Christian who looks at her horoscope every morning or the African Christian who takes his ill son to the native healer.

This is a good introduction to the major world religions. It is easy to understand. Each chapter takes just a few minutes to read so it won't for you to have a better understanding of those whose beliefs differ from yours.

Garry Morgan is Professor of Intercultural Studies at Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. He spent eighteen years of ministry in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. He and his wife live in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.

Bethany House, 175 pages. Publisher's product page.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House for the purpose of this review.

No, We Can't by Robert Stearns

Nobody wants to be negative but Stearns knew he had to be honest. Understanding the situation today requires taking the time to view the world and what is happening in it.

Stearns examines the three value systems prominent in the world today: radicalized Islam; an aggressive humanism; and the Judeo-Christian faith. He evaluates the three worldviews and how they deal with culture and the basic questions of mankind (existence, purpose, etc.).

Stearns' “hypothesis is that these three prevailing worldviews are all, in different yet equally serious ways, seeking the hearts, souls, minds and bodies of mankind. The end game is to emerge as the dominant player, allowing them to influence and even redefine the future of human existence.” (62) He argues that coexistence is a myth, giving several reasons why. “...[I]t becomes more obvious that multiculturalism is no longer an option for those who wish to continue to live in freedom.” (183)

He has written this book “...so that we can plainly see that the Judeo-Christian worldview is the best possible means of providing a platform of liberty for the human race,” (165) But the Judeo-Christian worldview is being attacked. Christians are in a battle, he writes. “It is a spiritual battle we are called to win.” (29) Stearns foresees the Islamization of the U. S. (as it is happening in Europe) unless Americans are willing to pay the price. “Stay awake and remain active to ensure that the torch of liberty is not extinguished...” (182)

Christians are faced with a decision, he writes. The choice the American church makes will determine whether America as we know it survives or not.

For someone isolated from current events, Stearns' book is a good look at the major belief systems of our day. For those thoughtfully paying attention to the world today, this book will be a fine review but does not really offer any new information.

Stearns definitely writes from a Christian viewpoint, seeing the Christian faith and culture as the only viable one for mankind. I wholeheartedly agree.

Unfortunately, in his enthusiasm for Christianity, I think Stearns makes some statements which can be criticized by those from other faiths. For example, “...God values men and women equally, people of all races equally and the young and old equally.” (137)

He opens himself to criticism when Old Testament laws are considered. Leviticus 12:1-5 says when a male is born, the mother is unclean a week, and when a daughter is born, the mother is unclean for two weeks. The purifying time is doubled too.

Another telling passage is Leviticus 27:1-8. The passage is about “a special vow to the Lord involving the valuation of persons...: The valuation is as follows:

male, aged 20 to 60, 50 shekels of silver

female, 30 shekels

male, aged 5 to 20, 20 shekels

female, 10 shekels

male, aged 1 month to 5 years, 5 shekels

female, 3 shekels

male, over 60 years old, 15 shekels

female, 10 shekels

And then there is Numbers 27 where the daughters of Zelophehad had to plead their case to inherit some of their father's possessions as only sons inherited under the law and Zelophehad had no sons.

He also opens himself to criticism with this statement: “When the Law was given, it was only the lawbreakers who were appointed for destruction.” (137)

But we must remember Exodus 20:5 which says that God is a jealous God, “visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me...”

When a Christian writes a book about other belief systems, it is crucial that the author be accurate regarding the facts of his own faith. While much of Stearns' book is worth reading, it is a shame he makes a couple of statements that might cause his work to be discredited.

Chosen (a division of Baker Publishing Group), 222 pages.

Publisher product information.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of this review.

People of the Book by Kathi Macias

Farah is a young Muslim woman in Saudi Arabia. During the month of Ramadan she has committed to deepening her devotion to Allah. She fasts and prays and is dismayed when she does not feel any closer to Allah. Then one night she has a dream and Isa, the prophet Jesus appears to her. He says he is there to draw her to him. She is puzzled by the experience.

Nura is Farah's cousin. Unlike many other young Muslim women, Nura's father allows her unlimited access to the Internet. She begins to frequent a chat room in which Muslims discuss Jesus. There she meets Sara, a young woman in the United States. While Sara is of Muslim descent, she is now a Christian.
But Sara has her own problems. Her brother Emir has been shot in a gang incident and is near death. He is in rebellion to God. Sara and her parents are concerned about his salvation.
Nura and Farah become believers in Isa (Jesus) but their new found faith is discovered. The consequences are deadly.
Macias has woven an interesting story around Islam and Christianity. One learns much about what it means to be a Christian in a country where such belief is forbidden.

I love it when an author writes about the Pacific Northwest in a way that rings true: “There was a hint of moisture surrounding them, but scarcely enough to be noticeable to two teen aged girls who had been raised in the Pacific Northwest. Rain was simply a way of life, and unless it came as a deluge, they seldom even bothered with umbrellas.” (58)

I received and advanced copy of this book in egalley form from New Hope Publisher for the purpose of this review.

Author's website: http://www.kathimacias.com/

Author's blog and a trailer on the book: http://kathieasywritermacias.blogspot.com/2011/01/people-of-book-is-almost-here.html 
 
New Hope Publishers, 318 pages.

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

Part One of the book (two thirds of the text) is a retelling of the biblical story of Abraham through Jacob (with several pages of Scripture quoted). Part Two gives some information on Muhammad, the origin of Islam, and some modern history of Muslim countries. Wright draws attention to the utopian nature of Islam, “…that there will be no peace in this world until everyone submits to their ideology.” (143) Muslims, like Nazis and Marxists, “…are about winning people to their viewpoint, not through love and persuasion, but by power, force, intimidation, and fear.” (143)

Wright admits that his writing is biased. “It is impossible for me as a Christian to give an unbiased account of the Jewish perspective.” (120) He believes the Jews are still the “chosen” people of God (162) and God’s “special people” (166). He is adamant that God promised the Holy Land to Abraham’s physical descendants as an “everlasting possession.” He even intimidates the reader by saying, “It’s hard to see how a Bible-believing Christian could not be supportive of Israel’s ownership of the land.” (33)
Here’s how: Wright, for example, is convinced of a “spiritual” fulfillment of God’s promise to David that his throne would be eternal and there would always be one of his descendants upon it (2 Sam. 7:12-13,16). Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise, Wright says (126), although there is no physical throne we can see upon which Jesus sits.
If Wright is willing to believe a “spiritual” fulfillment of that promise, then he also needs to consider a “spiritual” fulfillment of the promise to Abraham. Biblical writer Paul says that Christ is the fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham (Gal. 3:16). Paul also says that Christians are now the true descendants of Abraham and the heirs of the promises to him (Gal. 3:7,29). But then, if we consider a “spiritual” fulfillment of the promises to Abraham, perhaps it is not a physical land at all (just as it is not a physical throne of David) but the spiritual land of rest in Christ the author of Hebrews talks about in Hebrews 3:7 to 4:13.
Dare I say, “It is hard for me to see how any Bible-believing and Galatians-reading Christian could be supportive of Israel’s ownership of the land?” (I deliberately play on Wright’s statement I quoted above.)
If one has read any other book on the Israeli Arab conflict there will be essentially nothing new here. If one is totally ignorant on the biblical story of Abraham through Jacob and the founding of the Jewish people, or is ignorant on the history of Islam, one can read about them both, and the origins of the current conflict, but at the whim of a biased author.

This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson Publishers.