Resources I find helpful on Islam

1)   In 2006, I filmed a 5-minute introduction to Obsession, a documentary that highlights the threat of militant Islam.  In Syria, I met and travelled with Jennifer Bryson, director of Witherspoon Institute’s Islam and Civil Society Project.  In this article, Jennifer reviews Obsession, detailing the film’s failure to offer solutions, but offering her own 10-point action plan.

2)   Fouad Masri, and his organization Crescent Project, dispel fears and misunderstandings many Americans harbor of Muslims.  Fouad’s Building Bridges DVD Study Guide presents practical approach, encouraging and teaching Christians to respectfully engage the 8 million Muslim-Americans. 

3)   Other leaders and organizations building bridges to the Muslim world:

a)   Zainab Al Suwaij, an Iraqi-American, she founded American Islamic Congress a Muslim-American human rights organization;  granddaughter of Basra’s leading cleric, she marched against Saddam Hussein, one of the few women to participate in 1991 uprising. 

b)   Holland Taylor, an American, former telecom executive raised in Middle East travelling Iran as a teenager; co-founded Liberty for All Foundation (LibForAll) alongside former Indonesian President, Abdurrahman Wahid;  a global counter terrorism network, LibForAll presents moderate and tolerant face of Islam;  their work concentrates in Muslim world, working with Muslim leaders to combat radicalism. 

c)   Zuhdi Jasser, son of Muslim-Syrian immigrants; former physician to Congress and Supreme Court; today practices privately in Phoenix, AZ, where he launched American Islamic Forum for Democracy, to represent pious, spiritual Muslim Americans who favor constitutional democracy over Islamic caliphate.

d)   Greg Mortensen, builds schools for girls in remote, tribal regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.  New York Times Bestseller, Three Cups of Tea, tells how he builds trust and respect with communities threatened by radicalism.  More than 25,000 children attend Greg’s 64 schools despite repeated attacks from neighboring Taliban.

 More Reading…

·      Right Islam vs. Wrong Islam article by Abdurrahman Wahid.  Former President of Indonesia, a Sufi Muslim, says moderate, peaceful Islam must overcome Wahhabi threat that perils non-Muslims and Muslims alike. 

·      Power, Faith, and Fantasy book by Michael Oren.  Recounts history, from 1776 to present-day, between America and the Middle East. 

·      America Alone book by Mark Steyn.  Highlights trends of growing Muslim populations in EU and posits that future demographics could legitimize acceptance of Sharia;  argues America is ‘last man standing’. 

·      Muslims, Christians and Jesus book by Carl Medearis.  Written for Christians, concisely encapsulates history and principles of Islamic faith.  Advocates focus be not on differences, but common ground to build relationships between faiths.

·      A Deadly Misunderstanding book by Congressman Mark Siljander.  Recounts former US Congressman and UN Ambassador’s experiences building relationships with Muslim leaders.  Details and debunks popular points of contention between Christians and Muslims.