The Blood of the Moon: Understanding the Historic Struggle Between Islam and Western Civilization

by George Grant

"Allah has bought from the Umma-the true believers of Islam-their selves and their substance in return for Paradise; they fight in the way of Allah, killing and being killed. Their promise is written in the blood of the moon." -From the Koran, chap. 9, v. 112
The conflict between Islam and the West existed long before the destruction of the World Trade Center and the other events that recently touched America. It goes back hundreds, even thousands, of years. Yet the struggle is upon us now as never before. In this well-reasoned, accessible book, Middle East expert George Grant answers the troubling questions on many believers' minds. Who are the followers of Islam, and what do they believe? What could have motivated those who carried out the acts of terror on September 11? Why has there been tension between Islam and the West for centuries? What are the true meanings of terms such as Ji'had, Intifada, and Dhimma? And is there any hope for peace? The call upon believers now-as always-is to prepare and equip ourselves so that we may stand fast. The Blood of the Moon will help readers better understand the history of Islam and its struggle with the Western world, as well as how Christians can share the message of salvation through Jesus Christ with the followers of Allah.

Genres: History, Islam, Christian, Cultural, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology

207 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Dr. George Grant is an evangelical educator recognized by a Tennessee newspaper “Review Appeal” as the one who “lives and breathes” education.

Grant is known as a reformed scholar and evangelical activist who hopes to promote sound Christian doctrine, seeking honest answers to honest questions, developing true spirituality and experiencing the beauty of human relationships.

He founded Franklin Classical School, located in Franklin, Tennessee and the King’s Meadow Study Center, which seeks to help the modern church to develop a practical cultural expression of a Christian worldview in art, music, literature, politics, social research, community development and education.

Grant has also produced numerous writings of more than 60 works on the topics relating to theology, school curriculum, arts, fiction and politics.

Reviews

[Suzannah Rowntree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reread. In this brief book, George Grant digs into history to explain the roots of conflicts that bedevil the Middle East hundreds and in some cases thousands of years after their inception. For example, he suggests that the multiple invasions carried out against Kuwait by Saddam Hussein's Iraq have their roots in the ancient Babylonian/Sumerian rivalry. He does very persuasively argue that ancient empires continue to inspire Middle Eastern dictatorships to the present day. And his explanation of the Isaac/Ishmael rivalry, and its importance in Islamic thought, reminded me of the famous Australian/New Zealand rivalry (which I never really heard about until I went to NZ). He chronicles the various colonial and multicultural efforts to impose peace on the Middle East throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and leaves us with an encouragement to recognise that peace in this conflicted region will only be granted through the saving power of the word of God.

Read for the first time 17 January 2012

[Gregory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although written shortly after 9/11, this book is surprisingly relevant. It dives deep into the history of the conflicts in the Middle East. After centuries of war, and now decades of political attempts to bring peace, it is apparent there must be a spiritual solution to the chronic conflicts that plague the region.

[winds]

Had to read for a class

[lily perdomo · Rating 2 out of 5]

Outdated but still an interesting read but a little dry

[Rick Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated this introduction to the history of conflict between Islam and the West. It was especially fascinating to see the obsession with cultural history that seems to be a characteristic of many Middle Eastern countries. It's a bit like the nationalism that swept through Europe in the 19th century. My only complaint is that the book was too short and left me with too many question. I guess that just the nature of an introduction, though. There's a nice bibliography that I plan to plunder.

Also, I realize that many people have complained about the non-standard translation of the Koran used by Grant in this book. Specifically the opening quote appears to be one verse off in its reference and has an odd translation that doesn't appear in most English renderings. According to his preface, he used a translation created by the St. Catherine Bible Society in Bethlehem. I guess I'll try to get my hands on a copy of that translation and check it out.

[David Bowen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something that stuck out at me was that if the American school system taught history instead of social studies, we would understand the problems in the middle east and realize that even though Moses supposes erroneously, Moses still supposes his toses are roses. They fight for what they think is right, and you cannot crush conviction with force.

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid.

[Winnie Thornton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written with Grant's eloquent, speech-worthy prose, this is a clear, succinct telling of the clash between Isaac and Ishmael through the millennia.

[Unoose Ayoob]

This is a book I am ashamed to claim that I read.
(read it for a self imposed challenge of completing reading this piece of junk)

[Frederick Nji · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is truly a remarkable book which gives you an insight in the wars between Islam and the State of Israel . Good reads for any one trying to understand all that has been going on for generations.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Obviously not bedtime reading, but I appreciated its perspective on our current conflict(s).