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Inside The Revolution: How The Followers Of Jihad, Jefferson & Jesus Are Battling To Dominate The Middle East And Transform The World (2009)

by Joel C. Rosenberg(Favorite Author)

4.18 of 5 Votes: 4

ISBN

1414319312 (ISBN13: 9781414319315)

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Tyndale House Publishers

review 1: Inside the Revolution is Joel Rosenberg's latest work on the current events transpiring in the Middle East and what affect they have on the Western Evangelical world. It is reminiscent of his previous work, Epicenter, but this time Rosenberg focuses on three revolutions that he has labeled that are occurring in the Muslim world today. The first revolution that Rosenberg identifies is that of Islamic Radicals, more specifically the current regime in Iran. Rosenberg gives a brief history of Iran's power struggle in the late seventies, including the fall of the shah and the rise of Ayatollah Khomeini. More modern story lines are detailed, such as the presidency of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and a short biography of Osama bin Laden. He discusses these Radicals' theology and what meth... moreods they are employing to spread their revolution. The second revolution is that of Reformers, as Rosenberg calls them. These are devout, practicing Muslims who embrace democracy, more specifically a Jeffersonian brand of democracy. He gives the examples of several Muslim kingdoms that are succeeding by using Western ideas combined with Islamic ideology, such as Morocco and Jordan. The third revolution is being promoted by what Rosenberg calls Revivalists. These are Middle Easterners of Muslim and Christian descent who have become evangelicals and are now spreading the gospel throughout their respective countries. They are using many tools, such as satellite television and underground churches to gain converts. I feel as if Rosenberg portrays the Radicals one dimensionally, never really giving their side of the story. There is a reason why Radical Muslims are so hateful toward Westerners. I would like to know why, but Rosenberg never addresses that issue. Rosenberg also makes prophetic claims regarding the current events in the Middle East, claiming that what is happening right now is predicted in the Bible. The scripture portions he uses to support those claims don't work for me, and I disagree with his interpretation. I feel that Rosenberg is well-connected and has insight into Middle Eastern affairs, but he is not a Biblical scholar. This book is full of wonderful stories of Muslim people escaping tyrannical dictators that use religion to enslave, politically moderate Muslims that are ignored by the media and shouldn't be, and Arab Christians who are risking their lives to show their fellow citizens the love of Jesus. Rosenberg's research was extensive (perhaps too extensive: this book is over 500 pages long). He interviewed countless intelligence officers, ministry leaders, and Muslim government officials. It's an informative read, but too slanted toward Rosenberg's point of view. I realize it is impossible for any author to be completely objective, but Rosenberg's agenda is quite transparent.
review 2: This is a great book. Not just entertaining, but meaningful. In many ways it has made a measurable change in my life and faith. Joel C. Rosenberg is a Messianic Jew who writes about Islam and the Middle East. This book is in three parts. The first part is about the Radical Muslims, the ones who believe "Islam is the truth and Jihad is the Way". It will scare you. It did me. The second part is about the Reformers, the ones who believe "Islam is the truth but Jihad is not the Way". This was enlightening to say the least. The third part is about the Revivalists. These are Muslims who have come to accept Jesus Christ. Their stories are inspirational and life-changing.I know that reading about Islam, Jihad and the Middle East may not be everyone's "cup of tea". But if you can only read one book about it, I believe this is the book to read. Obviously I highly recommend it. less

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