A Deadly Misunderstanding: A Congressman's Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide

A Deadly Misunderstanding: A Congressman's Quest to Bridge the Muslim-Christian Divide

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4.13 of 5 stars 4.13  ·  rating details  ·  53 ratings  ·  17 reviews

Former Congressman and Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Mark D. Siljander takes us on an eye-opening journey of personal, religious, and political discovery. In the 1980s, Siljander was a newly minted Reagan Republican from Michigan who joined Congress in the same generation as Newt Gingrich and Tom DeLay, ready to remake the world. A staunch member of the Religious

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Hardcover, 272 pages
Published October 7th 2008 by HarperOne (first published October 1st 2008)
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Matthew
A tremendously important work, in light of the rising tide of fear and distrust in the world. NOT the rising tide of jargonized nonsense like "Islamofascism" or "the great Satan", put forth by evil fundamentalist lunatics and repeated by half-wits of both sides. These name-callers are, themselves, part of the problem and are impediments to the solutions.

Siljander (who attends my Church when time permits) puts forth a compelling, academically-sound case for massive agreement and confluence betwee...more
Charlie
A DEADLY UNDERSTANDING is not a book for folks who already have strong preconceived politcal ideals. This book WILL challenge your prejudices and cultural perceptions, particularly regarding Muslims and detente toward Middle Eastern countries and their religious convictions.

This book will also let you see a man, Mark Siljander, who is trying to live the "sermon on the mount" gospel and not just playing political and/or diplomatic games with people and countries. He was willing to put his life on...more
Usman
I'll be honest -- I was not at all expecting to enjoy this book, and actually found it somewhat painful to read for the first third or so, as it came off as corny and elementary in its arguments and message early on. Thankfully, I stuck with it, and my perception improved substantially during the middle third of the book. Simply put, I think this is a worthy read for all, given the times in which we are living. In lieu of a proper review, I'm just going to copy and paste an email I sent to the f...more
Mary
This is a record of studies of Christian, Jewish and Muslim background and beliefs. The author, an Evangelical Christian, began with his initial distorted fear and hatred, but surprised himself by discovering that there were paths for understanding, and committed himself to building friendships among believers. He records much of his research, so this is an introduction to the linguistic roots of the three religions and fundamental ways in which they agree. Or don’t. We have added it to our libr...more
Alice
This book was a surprise love for me. I had it recommended on Facebook by someone I didn't know - but after reading it, my entire world looks different. I have to admit, I nearly put it down a couple of times - it was simply too challenging! However, I am so glad I stuck with it. It has reset my direction and hope, and I'm so glad I found it!
Michael
This was the first book I read to try and understand why Christians and Muslims don't get along. It is the story of one man's quest to make a change in the divide between these two religions, and though it is solely his story, it is filled with important insights into the broad amount of similarities between these two faiths. Very good read!
Melinda
This is a truely important book. It challenged not only my understanding of Islam, but my understanding of Christianity as well. Siljander tells the story of his own awakening and faith journey. By studying the Aramaic New Testament he discovered amazing similarities between Christianity and Islam. He then tells how these new discoveries allowed him to build friendships with important leaders in the Arab world and with Muslim scholars in the US.
Dan
interesting material about reading the Bible in Aramaic but first you have to wade through all of his BS. The author is full of himself, constantly talking about the great things he's done, the famous people he's met, and how humble he is. good message, arrogant messenger.
Chris
Great book, great examples of how a Christian can make peace with Muslims. A must read due to a continued climate of mistrust and misunderstanding between Christians and Muslims!
Ann
This book changed my perspective on a lot of things. I agree with 95% of what is in this book and I think everyone should read it.
Cody
Actually an interesting read Mr. Siljander does a good job of addressing the differences in our religions. He seems to make some concessions as to his beliefs when he is meeting with the leaders and heads of state, in order to open up dialog, but he makes the differences seem small enough to work around.

Isn't that what Christianity is about tolerance of others beliefs?

I guess the problem is when those "others" would force there way upon you.
Convert, submit, or die as the saying goes.

Wait that...more
Julie Lauletta
I'm very glad that I read this book. It was surprising that I found a book authored by a "conservative Christian" to be so tolerant of other faiths and validating of my own attitude. I think it would be wonderful if every member of Congress would read this, and it would be interesting to hear my Mom's take on it.
Mike
Aug 11, 2011 Mike added it
Well done!
Paul
Met the author.
Jeff
Great book and highly recommended for anyone who wants to see our world through different eyes but maintaining our faith.
Carol
Every Christian should read this....
Daniel
Jun 12, 2013 Daniel marked it as to-read
Teri Sant9iago
Apr 30, 2013 Teri Sant9iago marked it as to-read
Linda K Erwin
Apr 11, 2013 Linda K Erwin marked it as to-read
Pam
Mar 28, 2013 Pam marked it as to-read
Malcolm Carter
Mar 10, 2013 Malcolm Carter marked it as to-read
Norman
Jan 10, 2013 Norman marked it as reference-works
Shelves: book-depot
Ruslan
Jan 08, 2013 Ruslan marked it as to-read
Shelves: muslims
Ryan Robinson
Jan 04, 2013 Ryan Robinson marked it as to-read
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Jan 02, 2013 Kalyn Waller marked it as to-read
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Amazing Book! 3 12 Dec 28, 2008 05:43pm  
A Deadly Misunderstanding (ebook)

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