Tired of the simplistic cultural conversation about the nature of Islam, the author set out to write a book about Islam that was unlike any other.
He interviewed fourteen leaders and experts on Islam that span the ideological spectrum within religion, politics, and worldview to get to the bottom of one of today s most controversial and timely subjects. . .what is the nature of Islam.
The leaders interviewed are liberals and conservatives and represent every corner of the religious landscape including a radical Islamist, two Muslim reformers, Jews, Christians, and Atheists.
Other interviewees include a feminist, the son of one of the founders of Hamas, and even an ex CIA Director.
The author gets out of the way and lets the reader hear from these riveting personalities directly.
A great part of the appeal of this book is that the leaders and experts you are introduced to are not in agreement as to the nature of Islam-to the point that if they were put in a room and asked to define Islam, war might break out.
Yet, what these leaders who represent completely different religious and political orientations say in common about Islam is simply extraordinary and will quite likely shake your worldview.
This book is absolute must reading for anybody who wants to understand Islam beyond the usual simplistic messages you are fed about Islam from the media, government, and culture ( Islam is evil and Islam is a religion of peace ).