The Great Divide-The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West, by Alvin J. Schmidt, a scholarly and well-documented work, is a factual, non-emotional critique of Islam. He contrasts the biographies of Jesus and Muhammad, and the spirit and intent of the Bible vs. the Qur'an. Dr. Schmidt shares pertinent information regarding the treatment of Muslim women, and covers such issues as slavery (which is ongoing in Islam), "charity", the Crusades, Islamic liberty and justice, and church and state. Dr. Schmidt addresses the big question of this century candidly, as to whether or not Islam is a religion of peace, sidestepping the quagmire of political correctness. This is a "must read" for all who want to learn the essential facts of Islam.
Alvin Schmidt's book about the "great divide" between Christianity and Islam is Christians, as well as, secular people need to read. It demonstrates the essential difference between Christianity and Islam; one (Christianity) is a religion founded on love and freedom from bondage, while the other (Islam) seeks to enslave and make others "submit." He opens the book by noticing the fundamental differences between Jesus and Muhammad and their views on such things as marriage, God, heaven.
Chapter two is a perfect, yet quick history lesson that is most relevant for secular people and Christians who insisted on thinking Islam, in its normative state, is a religion of peace. He accurately shows the differences in the growth of the two religions. Initially (first 300 years) Christianity spread through a passive movement relying on a sociological construct based on loving their neighbor and martyrdom. Islam spread immediately by the sword - this is objective historical data, no polemics here.
The other chapters are good, and while I cannot whole heartily endorse all his assertions, when he deals with history he is accurate and when he asserts a particular theological concept or idea, the reader knows the difference. The material and arguments are well laid out and overall, this is an outstanding work that any laymen can read and get an accurate historical understanding of the Islamic religion as it compares to Christianity.
I do need to note, there are muslims who seek a spiritual interpretation of the koran and Islamic history; they do so with either great courage or a congnitive dissonance. But if the West insists on accepting a politically correct Islam, then I hope these Islamic mystics succeed; because the West doesn't heed, it may very well fail.
