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The Third Jihad: Overcoming Radical Islam’s Plan for the West
Radical Islam has been waging war against our global civilization throughout history―and now, it’s closer than ever to American soil. Dr. Michael Youssef, a Coptic Christian who was born in Egypt and now leads a megachurch in America, knows from firsthand experience that radical Islamists have goals that many American Christians believe are “unthinkable.” In this book, he warns Western Christians that it doesn’t help to ignore what’s going on. There’s a third jihad underway, and its goal is to take over the West.
The Third Jihad is a call for Christians to defend their families, protect their nation, and boldly share the good news of Jesus with their communities―especially their Muslim neighbors.
Packed with surprising insights from history, compelling and dramatic stories, and a practical agenda that one person―or one church―can immediately put into practice to make a difference in the world. Rich in encouraging biblical principles and prophetic insights, The Third Jihad leads the reader to an empowering conclusion in our troubling (and even frightening) times.
Michael Youssef’s insights will inspire Christians to take their faith seriously, share their faith freely, and to truly be salt and light in a world of increasing darkness and decay.
The Third Jihad is a call for Christians to defend their families, protect their nation, and boldly share the good news of Jesus with their communities―especially their Muslim neighbors.
Packed with surprising insights from history, compelling and dramatic stories, and a practical agenda that one person―or one church―can immediately put into practice to make a difference in the world. Rich in encouraging biblical principles and prophetic insights, The Third Jihad leads the reader to an empowering conclusion in our troubling (and even frightening) times.
Michael Youssef’s insights will inspire Christians to take their faith seriously, share their faith freely, and to truly be salt and light in a world of increasing darkness and decay.
256 pages, Paperback
Published March 5, 2019
58 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Michael Youssef
108 books74 followersMichael Youssef is the founder and president of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ through the creative use of media and on-the-ground ministry teams (www.LTW.org). His weekly television programs and daily radio programs are broadcast in 25 languages and seen worldwide, airing more than 13,000 times per week. He is also the founding pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Youssef was born in Egypt, but in 1984, he fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming an American citizen. He holds numerous degrees, including a PhD in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 35 books, including recent popular titles The Barbarians Are Here and Jesus, Jihad and Peace. He and his wife have four grown children and eight grandchildren.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 20, 2019
[Note: This book was provided free of charge by Tyndale Blog Tours. All thoughts and opinions are my own.]
From time to time I read books relating to Islam and its existential thread to Western civilization [1]. Having traveled to the Middle East (so far Turkey, Jordan, and Israel) and having been broadly familiar with quite a few Muslims within the West, I find that Islam has a position that is deeply troublesome and that it is pretty easy for people to write books like this one that are full of both concern and alarm. And given the author's background as a Coptic Egyptian, there is certainly a great deal of alarm that comes with the territory. Perspective matters a great deal, and the vulnerability of the author and of his family and of his fellow Christians in the Middle East certainly colors what he has to say about the horrors of a place where Sharia law is dominant and where believers in Jesus Christ are given at best the subject of dhimmi, something that no one outside of Salafist Muslims actually deserves to be.
The author begins this short volume with a dystopian look at a future Islamic States of America (1), because this sort of book needs to begin with a nightmarish scenario that no reader should want to occur. After that the author looks at the historical perspective of America's long fight with radical Islam and its oppression, beginning with the barbary pirates (2), and then moves to the period before 9/11 when we were unaware that we had been targeted by radical Islam (3). The author examines the first jihad of the beginning of the Muslim caliphates (4), the disastrous response of the Crusades (5), disastrous because they were ultimately unsuccessful, as well as the second jihad of the Ottomans (6). The author states that the third jihad has begun (7) and comments on how this looks in contemporary Europe (8), with the firm belief that what is happening in Europe could easily happen within the United States (9). The author examines the tactical alliance between radical Islam and cowardly secularists (10), points out some keys to survival for believers (11), and reminds the reader not to be afraid (12) of what will happen. With some additional discussion questions for the reader to prompt thought and reflection as well as biographical detail about the author and some notes, the book is just a bit over 200 pages.
There are a lot of things to appreciate about the book. For one, the author's perspective is one that clearly encourages, if not induces, the author to show some interest in understanding Islam and its behavior. Given the extreme suffering faced over the past few generations (to say nothing of the past 1400 years) for Christians in the Middle East, the spread of such horrors to North America and Europe is not something that anyone should relish, especially when one considers the tactical alliance being made between Muslim and secularist enemies of the Christian faith and Judeo-Christian culture in general. The author manages to strike a moderate tone between historical analysis, keen awareness of current trends, as well as a high view of divine providence as well as human agency. The result is a book that is somewhat scary but also compelling and encouraging at the same time. This is not an easy balance to maintain, and the fact that the author is able to do so is likely due to his own lengthy experience in dealing with Islam and the Middle East, including the dangerous and important efforts at evangelism there.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
From time to time I read books relating to Islam and its existential thread to Western civilization [1]. Having traveled to the Middle East (so far Turkey, Jordan, and Israel) and having been broadly familiar with quite a few Muslims within the West, I find that Islam has a position that is deeply troublesome and that it is pretty easy for people to write books like this one that are full of both concern and alarm. And given the author's background as a Coptic Egyptian, there is certainly a great deal of alarm that comes with the territory. Perspective matters a great deal, and the vulnerability of the author and of his family and of his fellow Christians in the Middle East certainly colors what he has to say about the horrors of a place where Sharia law is dominant and where believers in Jesus Christ are given at best the subject of dhimmi, something that no one outside of Salafist Muslims actually deserves to be.
The author begins this short volume with a dystopian look at a future Islamic States of America (1), because this sort of book needs to begin with a nightmarish scenario that no reader should want to occur. After that the author looks at the historical perspective of America's long fight with radical Islam and its oppression, beginning with the barbary pirates (2), and then moves to the period before 9/11 when we were unaware that we had been targeted by radical Islam (3). The author examines the first jihad of the beginning of the Muslim caliphates (4), the disastrous response of the Crusades (5), disastrous because they were ultimately unsuccessful, as well as the second jihad of the Ottomans (6). The author states that the third jihad has begun (7) and comments on how this looks in contemporary Europe (8), with the firm belief that what is happening in Europe could easily happen within the United States (9). The author examines the tactical alliance between radical Islam and cowardly secularists (10), points out some keys to survival for believers (11), and reminds the reader not to be afraid (12) of what will happen. With some additional discussion questions for the reader to prompt thought and reflection as well as biographical detail about the author and some notes, the book is just a bit over 200 pages.
There are a lot of things to appreciate about the book. For one, the author's perspective is one that clearly encourages, if not induces, the author to show some interest in understanding Islam and its behavior. Given the extreme suffering faced over the past few generations (to say nothing of the past 1400 years) for Christians in the Middle East, the spread of such horrors to North America and Europe is not something that anyone should relish, especially when one considers the tactical alliance being made between Muslim and secularist enemies of the Christian faith and Judeo-Christian culture in general. The author manages to strike a moderate tone between historical analysis, keen awareness of current trends, as well as a high view of divine providence as well as human agency. The result is a book that is somewhat scary but also compelling and encouraging at the same time. This is not an easy balance to maintain, and the fact that the author is able to do so is likely due to his own lengthy experience in dealing with Islam and the Middle East, including the dangerous and important efforts at evangelism there.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2019...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2017...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2018...
February 27, 2019
The Third Jihad by Dr. Michael Youssef is an illuminating book that moves beyond the headlines of the day and political narratives to the history of jihad and its progression to the present day. The historical, geographical, philosophical, political, and religious history is clearly outlined from Dr. Youseef whose background as a Coptic Christian offers valuable insights.
The Third Jihad asserts the antidote will come when Christian believers show more evidence of being salt and light. Dr. Youssef’s book calls the church to prayer for revival and an awakening similar to what occurred through Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield and John Wesley.
This book will be released March 5. It is an important and significant book for our time. I believe it is an important call to awaken the body of Christ in these times to what the Lord entrusted to us as our calling before He returns.
The Third Jihad asserts the antidote will come when Christian believers show more evidence of being salt and light. Dr. Youssef’s book calls the church to prayer for revival and an awakening similar to what occurred through Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield and John Wesley.
This book will be released March 5. It is an important and significant book for our time. I believe it is an important call to awaken the body of Christ in these times to what the Lord entrusted to us as our calling before He returns.
March 15, 2019
This is an enlightening book. Youssef makes reference to a third jihad because there have been two already. He takes readers through the wars of Islamic conquest (622-751) and the wars of Islamic expansion (1302-1924). An American Islamist Imam in Washington DC called for an Islamic State of North America by 2050. Could that mean a third jihad is being planned?
Youssef is concerned that we in the West are not taking seriously the work of Islamists. He reminds us of the history of Islamic terrorism, dating back to the 1780 and the Barbary pirates. He is concerned that American leaders have not learned from history and few try to really understand the Muslim worldview.
I like his distinction between Muslims and Islamists. Islamists are zealous to make Sharia law the ultimate authority. There would be rules for every part of life. I like that Youssef explained the history of Islam so we can better understand their motives and strategies.
Youssef is concerned the church is sleeping rather than being salt and light to the world. He is concerned we are not aware of the nonviolent way Islamists are making inroads in education and areas of western culture.
Christians need the information contained in this book. We need to understand Islamic ideology and what it means for our future. I did find that Youssef was quite pro-Israel and pro-Republican and it colored some of his comments. Other than that, his book is informative and timely with critical information Christians need to know today.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Youssef is concerned that we in the West are not taking seriously the work of Islamists. He reminds us of the history of Islamic terrorism, dating back to the 1780 and the Barbary pirates. He is concerned that American leaders have not learned from history and few try to really understand the Muslim worldview.
I like his distinction between Muslims and Islamists. Islamists are zealous to make Sharia law the ultimate authority. There would be rules for every part of life. I like that Youssef explained the history of Islam so we can better understand their motives and strategies.
Youssef is concerned the church is sleeping rather than being salt and light to the world. He is concerned we are not aware of the nonviolent way Islamists are making inroads in education and areas of western culture.
Christians need the information contained in this book. We need to understand Islamic ideology and what it means for our future. I did find that Youssef was quite pro-Israel and pro-Republican and it colored some of his comments. Other than that, his book is informative and timely with critical information Christians need to know today.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 23, 2020
I have already read several books by this author and was impressed with his knowledge and writing skills on the history of Islam. He was born in Egypt and grew up there as a Coptic Christian; today Dr. Youssef leads a megachurch in America. As such he has a native's understanding of the workings of the Middle East, Islam and especially radical Islam, and the dwindling Christian population in the region. In this book, The Third Jihad: Overcoming Radical Islam's Plan for the West by Michael Youssef, he explains that radical Islam has been at war with the West and global civilization since its inception. He covers the history of the first two jihads that were fought with swords and other weapons as opposed to what he has identified as the Third Jihad that is being fought using the laws and freedoms in western societies against them in order to destroy them and supplant them with Islam and sharia law. In The Third Jihad Dr. Youssef calls on Christians to defend their families and their freedoms as he shares historical insights and strategies that can be used to counteract the insidious nature of radical Islam.
February 28, 2019
Utterly fascinating and meticulously researched this book is really a wake up call to so many Americans, myself included, as to what is going on in the world. It is a great reminder that we need to not turn a blind eye to what is going on. Well written and utterly fascinating this book was a wonderful, fascinating read that keeps you thinking long after the last page is turned.
I loved how well informed and insightful the author is, there is so much information that I did not know at all and that makes perfect sense! You can tell he really knows his stuff and has researched a ton. This book is a great way to get this information into the average persons hands and help you want to play a more active part and not bury your head in the sand.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I loved how well informed and insightful the author is, there is so much information that I did not know at all and that makes perfect sense! You can tell he really knows his stuff and has researched a ton. This book is a great way to get this information into the average persons hands and help you want to play a more active part and not bury your head in the sand.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 8, 2019
Redeemed itself to two stars by providing a thought provoking insight to the history of Jihad and the difference between the techniques of political Islam and militant Islam.
The book lacks focus by spending a few chapters ranting about the dangers of far left politics and multiculturalism which are related to the issue examined in the book but just felt like a chance for the author to talk about his bug bear.
I think the book would gain a lot by expanding more on the differences between Christianity and radical Islam.
If you read make sure you take a heavy pinch of salt as you try and separate fact from opinion, particularly with contemporary events.
The book lacks focus by spending a few chapters ranting about the dangers of far left politics and multiculturalism which are related to the issue examined in the book but just felt like a chance for the author to talk about his bug bear.
I think the book would gain a lot by expanding more on the differences between Christianity and radical Islam.
If you read make sure you take a heavy pinch of salt as you try and separate fact from opinion, particularly with contemporary events.
February 11, 2021
Youssef is one of our best contemporary Christian authors because he understands the downward trajectory of American culture. In this book, he writes about the danger of fundamentalist Islam as it pertains to Europe and North America. The third jihad, rather than proceeding by the violence of the first two, is taking advantage of Western legal systems and the peculiarly Western desire to be "tolerant." Islam is able to do this because most in the West are woefully ignorant of the Islamist goal of global dominance.
If you've never read a book about the history of Islam and its current strategies in the West, this is as good as it gets.
If you've never read a book about the history of Islam and its current strategies in the West, this is as good as it gets.
January 10, 2025
Dr. Michael Youssef grasp of the Islam world intertwined with Christianity is impeccable. It evokes a feeling of fright of what would be and yet a feeling of comfort that everything will come to fruition as God has planned it for his people. The book is both enlightening and a source of knowledge. A must read for someone who wants to know the 2 leading religions of the world and the contrast that sets them apart. Is Islam to be feared? A good question. But, the answer is always not in the context of religion but on its wayward idealism.
June 9, 2019
This is an intriguing look into radical Muslims and how they are infiltrating every place from government to our schools, churches and every day life. It is written by a Christian who runs a Christian outreach organization to the Muslim population overseas. He writes about the history of the Muslim faith and walks the reader through their history to help the reader understand the radical Muslim way of thinking.
September 5, 2022
A great summary of the rise and fall of Islam over the centuries. Beginning with the revelation to Mohammad and its resulting growth and establishment as a civilization and concluding with an up-to-date summary of the continuing efforts of Islam to establish itself in the western world. How should Christians respond is an encouraging look at how to bring the gospel to those whom God is calling.
March 28, 2019
Written by a n Egyptian Coptic Christian this book sheds light on a threat from Islam we seldom hear about: achieving their never forsaken dream of world domination not so much by terror but by propaganda and political power. He makes compelling arguments for our need for more awareness.
July 12, 2019
Quite frightening.
If what he says is all true, I had a feeling there was a bit of the God Squad in there, then we in the West and all non-muslims, need to get a grip.
I have thought this hellish scenario of where the world is headed could happen for years.
If what he says is all true, I had a feeling there was a bit of the God Squad in there, then we in the West and all non-muslims, need to get a grip.
I have thought this hellish scenario of where the world is headed could happen for years.
December 29, 2019
This book is a full of lies and non true stories and historical events and the writer did it on purpose, just to support his ideas about how threatening and dangerous Islam is to the west.. which is non sense at all. Another "Islamphobic" book .
February 18, 2019
A new look at Islam from a Christian perspective. Michael Youssef isn't your typical American evangelical and has written a book that is worth taking a look at.
March 21, 2019
Very eye-opening
April 4, 2019
Wow, totally fear-mongering. Unhelpful. Stupid. Totally regret reading this book.
April 19, 2019
Very interesting and very scary. We as a nation are falling into this blindly.
April 25, 2019
Jarring information about the history and goal of Islam. Wake up, world! Absolutely everyone should read this book.
February 19, 2020
This was so informational and addresses what we need to know about the takeover of Jews and Christians and Americans.
February 22, 2020
This book is required reading for all freedom and liberty-loving American patriots, including those who don't know better yet.
March 29, 2020
A very good review of Muslim history with an action plan on how to deal with the radical ideas of Islam.
September 14, 2024
must read
If you want to understand the impact that Islam is having on the world and America, this is a must read.
If you want to understand the impact that Islam is having on the world and America, this is a must read.
December 22, 2025
Very good and interesting. I remember many of the instances he included, except he gives names, dates and places.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews