Not Peace But a Sword: The Great Chasm Between Christianity and Islam

I bought this book looking for a fair discussion of the basic principles of Islam. It is very difficult to evaluate how accurate any book on religion actually is, but this one does go into some discussion of actual differences between Islam and Christianity and points out some of the potential issues in Islam that allow the extremists to interpret the faith in ways that lead to the ugliness we see today. I understand that fanatics can subvert any religious philosophy, but this book does explain some of the very basic foundations of Islam that allow for the violent undercurrent that seems to rise up more in this religion today than any other theology in the world.What I would have liked to have seen more of in this book was a discussion of how the different writings are viewed in terms of authenticity amongst the varied Islamic groups, theocracies, and leaders. A great deal of this book is repetitive, multiple quotes of the same Christian and Islamic principles in multiple chapters - not to make different points, but making the same points repeatedly. This makes me think the book could have been shorter, or could have contained more information, either option would have improved the book.Still, the author made some excellent points about the very significant differences between Christianity and Islam that I found enlightening. It is often pointed out today that Islam accepts Jesus and the argument is that we have much in common because of that. This author points out the very different reality of the perceived role of Jesus between the two religions which significantly changes what we actually have in common. The author also points out the enormous difference in the relationship of a Christian with God versus a Moslem with Allah. After reading this book, I do have a better understanding of the differences between the two religions, and how those differences seriously impact the life and worship of followers of Jesus and followers of Mohammed.The book is worth reading - and it did help to expand my understanding of why there is such a divide between secular countries like the US and countries that are ruled or seriously controlled by Islamic leaders.

So many try to prove what Islam and Christianity have in common, but let's face it, the differences are far bigger and more important.Christianity: 1 God in 3 persons. Father, Son, Holy Spirit.Islam: 1 Allah in no persons, as personality would be limiting.Christianity: God always keeps His word.Islam: Keeping his word limits him, so Allah can keep it or not.Christianity: God wants to save everyone from sin, and evil, even dieing as Jesus and resurrecting to try and save them. Jesus, God incarnate, saves all who come to Him.Islam: Allah won't lift a finger to save humans. Just because he claims to be merciful doesn't mean he ever has to prove it by actually showing any mercy. Everyone will go to Hell, and then be let out a few at a time when Mohammad begs nicely. You wanna be saved, save yourself by being good enough that when Mohammad begs for the good enough to be released you get released. No Christian will ever be released from Hell. Jesus is a 2nd rate prophet whose title `Messiah' is a meaningless word.Christianity: God proves He is omniscient by foreseeing the future perfectly and giving prophecy to prophets. If it does not come true in any way, he is a false prophet, so stone the fake.Islam: Allah proves he is all powerful and all knowing by giving Mohammad new verses to replace any that Allah foresaw wrong, or replace doctrines that bombed. Replaced verses can still be used as a smokescreen to fool fools, but Muslims must follow the new verses or doctrines.Christianity: God gave the law to Moses. Murder, rape, theft, lying, etc. are sins.Islam: God gave a tablet to Moses with something or other on it, but who cares what it said? Murder, rape, theft, lying, etc. done to non-Muslims is good, and encouraged.Christianity: Marriage is between 1 man and 1 woman.Islam: Not only polygamy and child brides, but sex slaves, with prostitution replaced by half hour marriage and divorce for money.Christianity: Seek common ground to try and get along.Islam: Drop 100% of Christianity and accept 100% of Islam, or else choose between slavery or death.

This is essential reading for anyone who eants to understand the context of attacks on the West by Islamic militants. Too often commentators have ignored the political nature of the central beliefs of Islam or misapplied analogies using their knowledge of Chritianity as a model for all religious belief. Robert Spencer is a calm clear elucidator of the inconvenient difference.

As a non- religious reader, I found this an excellent in depth look at the real difference between the these two major religions. How one works on a principle of love and forgiveness, and the other not so much. As proved by a quick glance around the world at the moment.

written from a roman catholic point of view bit brings out well the unavoidable fact that Islam is completely unsuited to the 21st century.

...a bit scary!

Initially I was frightened by the tone of the book. As I read further I became more comfortable I believe that there were no threats to Muslims and for non Muslims it was an education to learn how we are viewed by Islam. I think this should be compulsory reading for high school students.