The Shared Well: A Concise Guide to Relations Between Islam and the West

by Robert Van de Weyer

Overview

Shocked by the murderous attacks of September 11, most Americans remain mystified by the root causes of the catastrophe. In concise and elegant prose, distinguished scholar Robert Van de Weyer analyzes the troubled history of the West and its relations with the Islamic world. A pastor and author of more than twenty books about comparative religion, world history, and economics, Van de Weyer guides a journey though our inextricably linked past, present, and future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781574886085
Publisher:	Potomac Books
Publication date:	08/21/2003
Pages:	132
Product dimensions:	5.06(w) x 8.30(h) x 0.41(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	vii
	Introduction: Anguished Questions	1
Chapter 1	"Why do they hate us?" Islam and the West in conflict	7
	The Arab Empire
	The Crusades
	The Ottoman Empire
	Western Imperialism
	Islamic Militancy
	Zionism
	The Legacy
Chapter 2	"Is mutual love and respect possible?" Islam and the West in harmony	33
	Christian Roots of Islam
	Philosophy and Theology
	Science, Mathematics, and Medicine
	Politics and Law
	Warfare
	The Legacy
Chapter 3	"What can we do--politically?" The politics of peace	55
	The Globalization of Goods and Capital
	False Assumptions
	The Globalization of People and Expertise
	Politics after September 11
	Toward Political Freedom
Chapter 4	"What can we do--religiously?" The religion of peace	81
	The Globalization of Creeds and Sects
	False Assumptions
	The Globalization of Wisdom and Symbols
	Religion after September 11
	Toward Religious Freedom
	Conclusion: Freedom to Live in Peace	105
Appendix 1	Muhammad, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity	109
Appendix 2	A Guide to Further Reading	121
	Index	123
	The Author	131

Editorial Reviews

Though this survey of Islamic thought, culture, and history is very general (it's aimed at the popular reader seeking to understand why September 11th happened), it's accurate and without any political slant other than the desire for peace and understanding between Islam and the West. The "shared well" of the title refers to the well of hate which must be dried up through cessation of rivalry. Van der Weyer is a minister and writer in England. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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