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Jesus and the Jihadis: Confronting the Rage of ISIS: The Theology Driving the Ideology

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The book that Christians want and need For this urgent hour in history As ISIS dominates news headlines, attention is given to the terrorist group’s ideology… when the true motive of their mayhem is actually revealed in their theology! Major General Michael K. Nagata of the Special Operations forces in the Middle East explains that “we do not understand the movement… and until we do, we are not going to defeat it.” The key to defeating ISIS’ regime of terror is understanding its theology. This is why two leading Biblical scholars offer this go-to guide to understanding ISIS’ distorted theology. Through fresh historical and Biblical insights, discover how ISIS’ acts of violence, terrorism, and persecution impact your life and your faith today. Get revealing answers to questions such The question millions are asking is Why? Why the hate? Why the persecution? Why the murder? To find the answer, you will trace the origins of ISIS’ radical theology and discover why these acts of terrorism are happening, what they mean, and where they are taking us.

176 pages, Paperback

First published October 20, 2015

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About the author

Craig A. Evans

160 books70 followers
Craig A. Evans (PhD, Claremont Graduate University) is Payzant Distinguished Professor of New Testament at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. He is a frequent contributor to scholarly journals and the author or editor of numerous publications.

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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Nyla Kay.
Author 1 book24 followers
June 4, 2016
Jesus and the Jihadis, Confronting the Rage of ISIS is an enthralling 176 page book by Craig A. Evans and Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston. The blood red cover is a subtle hint that this is a real look into radical, violent ISIS, a terrorist group. They happen to be self supporting financially and are the wealthiest of all terrorist groups. That was a fact I did not previously know. This book enlightened me to many such facts. They also use social media to contact members and recruit young Western world members. In today's world of electronics and social media, Twitter reaches out to an astoundingly vast number for the terrorist group.

This book is an educational yet disturbing read on a topic that is often in the news. It was like watching a scary movie through my fingers. I need to get the information and know what is going on in the World, but the facts are sometimes too much for me to handle. Unbelievable at points this is something that we should educate ourselves about so that we can better understand the Islamic faith, Muslim radical terrorists, and the huge differences in Jesus and Muhammed. The authors answer the question would Muhammed join Islam with this statement in their book: "An honest and close reading of the Islamic holy texts and traditions reveal that Muhammad would not only join the Islamic State, but he would lead it."

As a woman it was difficult at best to read the story of a woman's stoning for reporting being raped. Just reporting she was raped! Instead of getting justice she got death. Women have no human rights, absolutely none in the Islamic faith, according to this book. If she is attacked or raped, it is her own fault. The same is believed about infidels or non-believers. Men, women, or children can be assaulted or killed. Jesus and the Jihadis does a good job explaining why radical Muslims are killing Christians and Muslims who do not believe in their fight.

Using scripture, history, and the Quran, the authors have provided a book that gives readers an in depth look at Islam and ISIS, a comparison of the immense differences between Jesus and Muhammed, and a bit of history of all. Beginning with Abraham and his children, the struggle began. Islam is not a peaceful, harmonious religion. Muslims are taught that Allah wants you to die for him to be rewarded. Radical Muslims are taught Allah wants you to kill unbelievers for him to be rewarded. Allah teaches death. Christians are taught that Jesus, God's Son, has died for us already for our reward. Islam does not believe Jesus is God's Son. Jesus teaches love.

The writing style is good. The paragraphs and chapters flow well. There is a lot of information, but information is powerful, especially when dealing with an enemy or threat. It is important to gather a lot of information and history to understand. This book gives both. It is a great resource to understanding what has become a threat to Christians and the Western way of life. It has information beneficial to all adults. I rated it 5 out of 5 stars. This book would be good for personal reading, book clubs or small group studies. It would be a nice addition to a church library. I received a copy of this book from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 30 books162 followers
June 3, 2016
Jesus and the Jihadis
Confronting the Rage of ISIS
By Craig A. Evans
and Jeremiah J. Johnston

ISIS is almost constantly in the news, but what do we really know about this ideology? Craig Evans and Jeremiah Johnston offer thoughtful insight through this book.

To get an understanding we must go back thousands of years to Abraham and the choices he made when he followed God out of the land of his father. Abraham was promised a land for his descendants, a land that would be theirs. But the children of Abraham and Sarah had a problem - they were forever turning from God, worshiping other gods, going through periods of captivity and restoration. Israel's history comes to it most important moment with the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. This is one of the most important differences between Christianity and Islam - God died for us while Allah desires that you die for him.

Jesus came from a world that had stability with synagogue attendance, knowledge of Scripture, and prayer. Muhammad came from a world of paganism, polytheism, and tribal rivalries. But Muhammad was free to develop his religious system how he desired - the monotheism of Judaism appealed to him, as did Jesus as a prophet - not as God's son. He combined these with some of the beliefs of his own upbringing.

With nonviolent beginnings, Muhammad's preaching and evangelistic works became coercive and militant in the face of opposition from the Arabs of his day. Where Jesus commands us the love our enemy, Muhammad's God does not want us to befriend or love our enemy or his. This is a noted difference one that can be traced to the differences in one's understanding of who God is. To battle one's enemy is the greatest service one can do in the name of Allah and live or die one will be rewarded in pleasures.

In order to counter the threat that the has come to our very doorstep we must learn about the religion of Muhammad. Shockingly this was a sentiment put forth nearly 500 years ago by Martin Luther as Europe was under the shadow of the Islamic Ottoman Empire. Our very ignorance is undermining our sharing of the grace of God and the hope found in Jesus and His sacrifice.

This is a book that will make you think more deeply about the world we live in and the ever present threat that we now live with. To understand ISIS we need to know the roots from which they grew. This was not an overnight transition but one that has been centuries in the making. The saying knowledge is power couldn't be more true.

I was provided a copy of this book through TBCN/BookFun in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Janice Garey.
237 reviews46 followers
June 6, 2016
Review Title: Alert: Must Read. (review of Jesus and the Jihadis by Craig Evans and Jeremiah Johnson}
Reviewer: Janice S. Garey
***** 5 stars (would give 10 if I could)

After reading this book, I must say that every Christian and every person no matter where they are with their engagement with God or not (that includes Atheists, too) needs this information for understanding the foundations and activities of ISIS. I knew very little about why they have taken such violent actions toward humanity. You will find a succinct revealing of the why and how through the reading of Jesus and the Jihadis.

The book is so well written that you get into the flow easily of reading about a subject that you wish did not exist. But since it does, and you need to be thoroughly aware of those who consider you to be their enemy simply because you reject their violent religion and ways—please, read this book. The authors have the right background in academia to know how to properly research and bring to light the essence of what you need to know about the creeping and sometimes leaping forward (in stealth) evil in our world. Don’t be caught unaware. This book can be read quickly so no one should have the excuse of I don’t have time to be informed.
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I am thankful to bookfun.org, the authors, and the publisher for giving me this book to read in exchange for an honest review. I strongly recommend this book to all who seek to have peace and nonviolence dominating our world instead of violence perpetrated by ISIS. For those who adhere to the thinking that all religions are just alike, this book will be getting rid of blind spots that could lead to harmful decisions in the future. Just learning about the use of social media to lure in the young with empty promises of a beautiful life is worth the price of this book!
Profile Image for Joan.
4,384 reviews125 followers
December 18, 2015
We've seen the videos (or at least heard of them). What makes ISIS behave the way they do? Evans and Johnston say the West has an inadequate understanding of the world's second most populous religion. They have written this book to help us know what we need to know.

The book starts out with some disturbing information. ISIS is the richest terrorist group in the world, taking in some $3 million a day from the oil fields they control. It is financially self-sustaining.

The authors also enlighten readers about the subjugation of the Kafir (non-Muslim, infidel, unbeliever). According to the Qur'an, Hadith, and Sira, the Kafir has no human rights. So any non-Muslim can be raped, killed, etc. The authors argue that one cannot understand the behavior of ISIS without understanding the theology of Islam.

The authors want readers to notice the difference between Christianity and Islam. They give biblical background on Israel, the reality of Jesus, and the birth of the church. They show the differences in the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad. They review the attitude of ISIS toward history and antiquities, the use of social media to enlist western youth, and their frightening eschatology.

Ignoring ISIS is not longer an option, Evans and Johnston write. Radical Islam will not go away anytime soon.

I recommend this book for those desiring to understand the theology and behavior of radical Muslims. Potential readers should be aware that this is not a definitive work. It is written by two Christians and aims to show the stark difference between the teachings of Jesus and Muhammad.

Food for thought: “Islamic aggression is a threat not only to Christendom, but also against Western civilization itself.” (145)

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Mary.
282 reviews13 followers
February 12, 2016
"Jesus and the Jihadis: Confronting the Rage of ISIS: The Theology Driving the Ideology," written by Dr. Craig Evans and Dr. Jeremiah Johnston is an informative book. These two doctors explain the differences between Jesus Christ and Muhammad, and some of the differences between the Qur'an and the Bible. I believe they were able to explain these topics with respect to each group. Since Islam has become the second largest religion in the world, and ISIS has become the wealthiest terrorist group in the world, it is best to learn what we can about them.
I found this book to be filled with current information. I admit to occasionally finding it a tad difficult to understand, but I often get frustrated with my brain! I think, in today's world, it is important that average citizens attempt to understand what, and why, Islamist's believe what they do. Sadly, ignoring ISIS is no longer an option, as radical Islam does not appear to be going away anytime soon.
I recommend this book for those that want to understand the theology and behavior of radical Muslims.
I received this from Book Fun Club in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Debora Wilder.
562 reviews2 followers
April 14, 2016
A no-spin look at ISIS.

This book may not be an easy read. It is essential though if you are to understand ISIS, and all the other Islamic terrorist groups. This book is loaded with information, laid out in a logical format with lots of footnotes backing up every fact. It hits hard without being a “hit piece.”

This book has several sections covering different aspects of the issue. First an introductory chapter presents the problem. Then there are several chapters on the origin of Islam – a must read.

The story of the Bible is fully substantiated by archeological evidence. There is no refuting the evidence. This is why ISIS is hell bent on destroying the ancient antiquities which refute their faith. Then the author gives us a fascinating comparison of the Bible and the Qur’an. And finally we get a great history of ISIS in modern times.

The bottom line – Muslims and Christians do NOT serve the same God. Islam is at war with us, whether we like it or not. This is a tough, but necessary read.

I received a free copy of this book through The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sonnetta.
443 reviews
August 14, 2016
This is such an informative book. It is for the scholars, Christians, Muslims and every other religion. There is so much to learn about ISIS and this is one of the books that can get you started. It reminds us that we should never underestimate our enemies. This book will scare you because it shows that we are fighting a group of people with deep convictions. They are not easily swayed. We cannot fight an enemy that independent financially. We need to be more logical in our attacks. Our emotions cannot control how we operate.
This group is a stark reminder of how people with deep convictions can impact the world. Can you imagine a group of Christian with these same principles how much the world would change for God?
I received this book for free from The Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review. I also posted this review on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Goodreads, Deepershopper, etc.
Profile Image for Jacob O'connor.
1,653 reviews26 followers
February 25, 2016
My first impulse was to be annoyed with Evans.  JatJ has a distinct tone, and I wanted something more objective and conciliatory.  On the other hand, we're talking about a group that is cutting people's heads off, so maybe Mr. Spock's approach isn’t in order.  

JatJ is a mix of basic information about the Bible as well as some insights into how faithful to Islam groups like ISIS are.  Some of the passages quoted from the Quran were shocking.  I'd love to hear a Muslim response.  There were other times where Evans was looking to make a point from a passage that I just didn't see.  

Here's my heart.  There is an undeniable problem with modern Islam.  Yet I want to give them the same benefit of the doubt that I'd like to get.  I'm more interested in accuracy than feeling sanctimonious.  As far as I can tell, the Taliban is practicing Islam the way Mohammad intended.  I just want the facts to speak for themselves.  
Profile Image for Deana Dick.
3,103 reviews134 followers
February 13, 2016
The book is a look into the history of Islam and ISIS. It seems to be throughly searched and has many facts throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about this subject that has been at the forefront of the news . We may never understand the why's of this group , but it makes you more aware of what may be coming . The media does give us a bit of insight into this subject, but the book digs deeper and gives examples that I never thought of before. I didn't know that ISIS uses Twitter to send out messages to people around the world. But what better way to get information out, then to use social media which is used daily by millions of people. For each of us, we must choose to be more diligent in being aware of our surroundings.

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
255 reviews9 followers
March 23, 2016
This is an enlightening and informative book regarding the Jihadis, Isis and Islam and the difference between Jesus and Muhammad. Information that Isis is well organized and wealthy and are a very dangerous terrorist group. We are given historic data in regards to the Christian Faith and about Islam and the Qu'ran. How western youth are being led to enlist through social media and turning to Islam and joining Isis.
So many thousands of people are ignorant to this situation. I recommend this book so people will know that Islam (Isis) is a powerful threat not only to America but all of mankind, anyone who does not believe in the Islam religion.

I received a free copy of this book from bookfun.org for my honest opinion and review.
4 reviews
December 14, 2015

I found this book to be a tremendous asset in learning about the current world situation concerning the Jihadis, ISIS and the Islamic State. It also provides a great deal of historic background regarding the Christian faith that will be very useful in supporting Christian witness to the lost. There was considerable data provided about Islam, the Qu'ran and Muhammad which, prior to reading this book, was totally unknown to me. I believe it would behoove every citizen of the United States to read this book as it provides vast information as to what is currently taking place right here in our country.

I was given this book by the Book Club Network for my honest review.
Profile Image for Justin.
140 reviews36 followers
March 3, 2016
This was a quick read. I thought this was an important read, it gave a brief overview of the differences between Muhammad and Jesus, and really displayed that ISIS just isn't a "JV" terrorist group. But a well sophisticated operation, controlling a huge area of land, and well.....forming a state. Intent on spreading Islam by the sword. Good emphasis on the meaning of Islam being "submission" and not peace. Islam is not a religion of peace. Even if many are moderate muslims, they still remain eerily quiet to terrorism.
Profile Image for Cheri Swalwell.
Author 72 books60 followers
January 29, 2016
Jesus and the Jihadis was a book I wanted to read. It was very informative and definitely made this girl who doesn’t see a lot of what happening in the world think. Something I hope to reread and continue to digest. I’m glad this book was written.

I received this book for free from The Book Club Network and the author in exchange for my honest review. I placed my review on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Deeper Shopping, if available.
1,175 reviews16 followers
June 2, 2016
As ISIS dominates news headlines I found this book did give me more insight and information about this subject and that was certainly an eye opener! The dollar amount of what the Islamic State makes in a day was $3 million a day! What their thoughts and actions are all about was definitely discussed thoroughly in this book.. If you want some well researched information on this topic.. read this book... I was gifted a copy by the Book Club Network for review.
Profile Image for Greg Hudson.
5 reviews
December 29, 2015
There are only a few chapters worth reading in this book that have any good information on ISIS. The rest is devoted to telling the reader all the ways in which in the authors' view Christianity is better than Islam.
153 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2017
Jesus and the Jihadis Confronting the Rage of Isis by Craig A. Evans and Jeremiah J. Johnston is a compelling book, examining the theology driving the ideology. Their purpose is to convey the key to defeating ISIS’ terrorist campaign by biblically understanding its theology. They examine the origin of ISIS’s beliefs and they compare Jesus and Muhammad. They reveal what Muslims think about Jesus.
The authors explain how effectively ISIS is using social media to recruit and why Islam had 200 million more converts than Christianity in the 20th century and how this affects us today. They detail the importance of the land of Israel and the altercation over boundaries. They show exactly what is in the Qu’ran.
This book explores the whole aspect of ISIS and what it means for our future. The hate, the persecution, the violence and murder are explained through the origin of their theology and their radical beliefs. I recommend this book which explains the basis of this radical movement. I received this book through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.

Profile Image for John.
Author 10 books7 followers
May 3, 2017
The book provides clear information on the truth of Islam and ISIS. It confirms what many have said about ISIS being true to Islam. Details are provided to show the history of this belief system and the issues the world faces because of it. This is a must read to understand current events. As some have said after reading this book you WILL know more about Islam than 90% of the world's Muslims.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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