Book Review: Inside the Revolution by Joel C. Rosenberg

Title: Inside the Revolution: How the Followers of Jihad, Jefferson and Jesus Are Battling to Dominate the Middle East and Transform the World
Author: Joel C. Rosenberg
Publisher: Tyndale, Carol Stream
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 551
ISBN: 978-1-4143-1931-5
Genre: Nonfiction/religion

Summary of Inside the Revolution
Rosenberg distinguishes between the Muslim population who largely carries on with the status quo and the Muslim population that works for change. Inside the Revolution focuses mainly on the second group, which Rosenberg terms "Revolutionaries." In three parts, the book examines subsections of the Revolutionary group.

The "Radicals," according to Rosenberg, operate on the belief that "Islam is the answer. Jihad is the way." Rosenberg traces the recent history of this group throughout the Middle East and explains how the Radicals reason from the Koran that violent jihad is the only option. This first section examines how political decisions and Muslim extremism have led to the famous 9/11 attack on the Twin Towers and are now likely leading to a nuclear bomb in Iran.

Next, Rosenberg turns to the "Reformers," or those who believe that "Islam is the answer, but Jihad is not the way." Based on their entirely different interpretation of the Koran, this group of Muslims firmly opposes the terrorist tactics of the Radicals. Rosenberg provides snapshots of several Middle Eastern countries where Reformers have made considerable progress and zeroes in on several leaders of this movement. In various ways, they are working to stop terrorism, build friendly relations with non-Muslim countries, expand democracy in their countries, and free women and religious minorities from oppression.

The "Revivalists" are either former Muslims or nominal Christians from Muslim-majority countries who have come to believe deeply that "Islam is not the answer, and jihad is not the way. Jesus is the way." In most cases, the Revivalists are not as much concerned with political revolution as with spiritual. Rosenberg shares stories that have remained largely untold in the West about the spread of Christianity in Muslim countries. The Revivalists work through many methods, including satellite TV, radio, and face-to-face contact. They approach evangelism from different angles, too; some point out the problems with Islam, while others simply focus on the teachings of Jesus. But they all share these core convictions, according to Rosenberg:

• God loves all mankind, regardless of nationality, tribe, or religion.
• All mankind, however, is sinful and separated from God.
• Because God loves mankind so profoundly, He has provided the one hope for our salvation, Jesus Christ.
• Each person must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ.
• Those who choose to follow Christ must love their neighbors and enemies, regardless of nationality, tribe, or religion, and should strive to make disciples of all nations because Jesus has commanded these things.

The final chapter discusses the role readers may play in joining the Revolution. Rosenberg sums up these steps as follows: learn, pray, give, go.

Why to Read Inside the Revolution
Western Christians, the target audience for this book, often suffer from an overwhelmingly self-occupied mindset. We are concerned about world events only if they involve our citizens. We think 9/11 was the most shocking and horrific attack imaginable, yet we don't know or care that people are dying week after week around the world because of religiously motivated terrorism. Rosenberg confronts the dangers of such ignorance, dangers both to our way of life and to the well-being of millions of people.

But Rosenberg doesn't just sound the alarm on a growing threat. Through his examination of the Reformers and Revivalists, he also points to many reasons for hope. His practical tips at the end also show how everyday people can make a difference, even if we aren't millionaires, politicians, or gifted speakers.

Cautions
Because Inside the Revolution focuses on current events, some references are already outdated and other events are simply missing because they hadn't occurred at the book's writing. Leaders come and go from power, people die, and so forth. However, much of the information is still current and helpful.

Rating by No-Spoilers
4.5 out of 5