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Spencer proclaims that Islam is not the religion of peace that many claim it to be. Opinions on his conclusions differ (to put it mildly), but it's difficult to argue with Robert Spencer's method of inquiry: It's lawyerly, in the best sense of that term. Spencer considers the testimony of many sources--of the West and the "House of Islam"--from which he deduces meaning, intent, and possible consequences. This approach makes his findings sound valid and credible--like them or not. Nadia May's brisk reading conveys the author's certitude with bantering good humor. Difficult pronunciations are well rendered, a strength that helps listeners keep track of the myriad depositions on this most important of problems. T.J.W. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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Booklist
To proclamations that Islam is a religion of peace, Spencer responds (in chapters entitled with questions such as "Is Islam Compatible with Liberal Democracy?" and "Is Islam Tolerant of Non-Muslims?") with evidence, historical and recent, of harsh treatment of women, other religionists, and social minorities in Islamic societies. Besides the facts Spencer presents, his citations of the Qur'an; the hadiths, or sayings and deeds of Muhammad; and Islamic authorities across the liberal-to-fundamentalist spectrum verify attitudes and practices that secular Westerners and present-day Jews and Christians don't think of as peaceable, just, or decent. For instance, slavery and polygamy may be waning in Islamic societies, but they aren't disapproved of or banned because the Qur'an and hadiths endorse them. Islam hasn't adapted to change nearly as much as Judaism and Christianity have, and that accounts for its savage relations with the West. Spencer doesn't see either Islam moderating or the West regarding Islam realistically any time soon. Barring "some wondrous intervention from the Merciful One," he concludes, the immediate future "will be difficult." Alarmingly cogent. Ray Olson
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --Ce texte fait référence à une édition épuisée ou non disponible de ce titre.
