BOOK REVIEW
Reviewed by Darold Morgan
President Emeritus of the Annuity Board, SBC

Militant Islam Reaches America
Daniel Pipes (W. W. Norton, New York, 2002), $25.95

Unholy War: Terror in the Name of Islam
John Esposito (Oxford University Press, New York, 2002), $25

Here are two books on a subject that scarcely had entered the American mindset before September 11, 2001. But these books can now be categorized as “must reading.” A number of books have been rushed to publication since the terrorist acts against our nation, but these are among the best. The books are objective and balanced in their approach, informing the under-informed American citizen about Islam and it’s key issues. The authors discuss the emergence of a radical Islam, the rather insipid stance of the government about the problems of an resurgent Islamic presence here and around the world, the basic points of Islamic theology and history, the sticking points of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the defeat of the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Daniel Pipes is a well-known journalist who has written extensively, particularly from his years of reporting on the Middle East. He brings to the table a reporter’s eye, which often is precise and objective. John Esposito, on the other hand, is a professor at Georgetown University and is recognized far and wide as a major scholar in the field of Islamic studies. Islamic theology and history come to the forefront in his book, presented in a developing format that is readable, understandable, and creditable. These two books genuinely complement each other primarily because of the varying approaches the authors take to the same challenge—the surprising presence and danger of a radical Islam in America!

Both authors concur that this radical Islamist presence must be distinguished from Islam itself. One of Esposito’s most helpful contributions is found in his extensive presentation of how the ideology of Osama ben Laden, the founder of the al Qaeda terrorist movement, came to be. Reading this book one will learn much about Egypt, Iran and other sections in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia and the Wahhabi connection, Somalia, and the Taliban in Afghanistan. These graphic lessons of history are necessary as the pieces of this tragic puzzle come together. Pipes adds to this in his descriptions about the cultural clashes which come almost to the levels of a near Armegaddon-like conflict as one determines the depth of feelings that radical Islam has against Western culture.

Ethical issues abound for the Christian as a result of reading these books. What is the proper attitude toward people who view you as a heretic or a blasphemer because you hold to the concept of the deity of Jesus Christ? How do you respond to those whose Islamic views preclude any consideration of separation of church and state? How do you react to Islamists who almost automatically lump you as secularist or hedonistic simply because you are an American citizen? What should be your approach to those whose announced goals in America is to turn this land into an Islamic state with its attendant “Sharia” religious law as the norm. In an age of religious pluralism how can a Christian even debate these controversial subjects without being accused of bias and prejudice? Do we continue to group all followers of Islam as potential enemies of American democracy? Are Islam and democracy compatible? Do we support unilaterally American policy toward Israel despite the almost unanimous feeling of the Arab/Muslim world against it? In this reading experience questions like these abound in every chapter.

To some degree these books shed some light to those whose concerns center in these ethical challenges. It is apparent that the more information one has about this entire spectrum, the better equipped all of us will be in dealing with this astonishing array of questions that will be around for a long time.

Daniel Pipes is understandably critical of the American government’s long standing policy of a benign neutralism regarding Islam. Bureaucrats of several administrations have a “less than adequate” grasp of Islamic theology, history, and aspirations, resulting in ineffective approaches to this intense problem. Ben Laden’s words are sadly prophetic: “This war is fundamentally religious. Under no circumstance should we forget this enmity between us and the infidels. For, the enmity is based on creed.”

This is not pleasant reading, but it absolutely is necessary that all Americans be informed about these issues. Terrorism mandates that the average citizen, here and in Europe, bone up on Islamic theology, history and aspirations! Even more important, it is time for the citizenry to join in a continuing revival of genuine patriotism, moral renewal, and ethical behavior. Pipes is right on target when he says, “We are not the flabby regenerates of the militant Islamic imagination” (p. 48). It is past time for a rediscovery of the massive strengths of the Western world—i.e. democracy and freedom, religious pluralism, separation of church and state, and the solid strength found in the lives of untold millions of folks who live decent and God-fearing lives.

Both books direct a powerful enjoinder to the great plurality of moderate Muslims. “Quit being cowed by the radical Islamists.” Stand up to these powerful forces with the truth of Islam. There is no excuse for terrorism in the name of Islam. With a renewal on the part of Westerners in moral and ethical values combined with an assertive renewed moderate Islam, there is hope for the future.

Updated Wednesday, March 05, 2003