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While we have written articles
and reviewed books published since the tragic event of September 11, 2001, we
would be remiss not to call your attention to the outstanding book by professor
Gene Veith on terrorism. Terrorism is a new form of warfare, at least for those
of us living in America, and according to those in authority, it will be present
from now on.
This reality places new
challenges before us as Christians. New opportunities will confront us in the
days ahead. Being a kingdom disciple requires knowing and understanding our
world. We are to make disciples not only in the church among God’s covenant
people, but also by reaching out to those outside the church community.
Gene Edward Veith has written
numerous books that we have been pleased to recommend. Probably his most
important book has been Postmodernism. I believe Christianity In An
Age of Terrorism will also be an important book to place alongside the
others. Veith uses his vast field of knowledge to interweave topics such as the
holy wars among Christians and Muslims, tolerance, the Taliban, secularists and
terrorism.
Veith does a masterful job of
demonstrating how terrorism and self-righteousness are connected. He explains
very clearly how terrorists can be very pious and moral about their terrorism.
From their position, it is not difficult for them to justify cruelty and
injustice. His statistics about Muslims in America are on target; or at least
consistent with other books we have read and reviewed. He points out that while
Americans have purchased more flags since 9-11, so have more purchased copies of
Islam’s Koran.
Veith correctly states “It is
impossible to come to grips with al Qaeda and other Islamic radicals without
taking their religion and the zeal it inspires seriously.” He also underscores
that America’s lack of knowledge about Islam and its weak and worldly religions
makes us extremely vulnerable to Muslim evangelism. Islamic terrorists are still
mad at western civilization because of past history.
Veith shows the contrast
between American Christians who believe that life is not based on what a person
has to do but rather on what God has done for us. Islam is a works-oriented
religion based not on what God has done but what one must do. The religion of
Muslims motivates them to hate those of other religions. Veith clearly
underscores, “It is politics when added to religion that makes such an
incendiary and dangerous mixture.
The book is very thought
provoking. It is an easy read and could be an effective guide for a discussion
group. It contains a good summary of the basics of Christianity and “the just
war” theory. Veith does not hide his Lutheran background but uses the tenets of
Luther’s theology to underscore some important points related to this topic. His
grasp of culture adds to the importance of this book. I recommend it as an
important book to read.
- Charles Dunahoo, CEP
Coordinator
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