Saturday, January 1, 2011

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

This book traces back to Genesis the ever-present conflict in the Middle East, showing how the factions stem from Abraham’s two sons, Ishmael and Isaac, ancestors of Arab and Jew. Back to Abraham can be traced three major religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Wright takes half the book to lay out the story of Abraham, the Abrahamic covenant, Sarah and Hagar, Isaac and Ishmael, Isaac and Rebekah, and Esau and Jacob. If one had no familiarity with the Genesis narrative, this almost too-careful retelling by Wright might be helpful. For those well acquainted with Genesis, this first half of the book bogs down, as the author hammers and re-hammers his points for almost a hundred pages.

The second half of the book focuses on the Jewish, Islamic and Christian perspectives of the history of the Middle East. Wright gives a clear and adequate picture of each perspective. Again, if one has little to no familiarity with each religion’s perspective, Wright’s writing is helpful.

Biblical truth was communicated clearly and well. I recommend Seeds of Turmoil as a good primer with regard to Middle East conflict; it would be interesting and enlightening reading for one who knows little or nothing about the Middle East. If one wants an in-depth analysis, this is not the book to choose.

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