A Deadly Misunderstanding

March 10, 2008
Former congressman Siljander began his career as a zealous evangelical Christian, convinced that the Qur’an was “devil’s work.” In this memoir, Siljander recounts his “paradigm crash” after discovering that much of what he’d been taught about his faith was nowhere in the Bible, and that the Christian and Muslim religious texts are surprisingly compatible when studied in their original languages. He has since made it his life’s mission to find common ground between Christian and Muslim worlds, meeting with a dizzying list of political and religious leaders in the process. The result is an engaging story (despite somewhat stilted dialogue) sure to surprise and inspire many. Though he has no formal background in linguistics or religious studies, Siljander is deft at providing balance when discussing controversial subjects, and careful to show support from academics. Though his theological argument is based almost exclusively on the study of Muslim and Christian scriptures, in the current atmosphere it’s hard to argue with his dictum for what’s needed: “Making friends with the people you thought you hated. It’s that radical, that simple and that necessary.”

February 1, 2008
Who would ever guess that the ancient language of Aramaic might hold the key to peace and understanding between Muslims and Christians? And that a former U.S. congressman from Michigan (198187) and former deputy ambassador to the UN would have discovered some key word similarities between the Bible and the Qur'an? Siljander's book recounts these discoveries as he travels to some of the most embatteled places in the world: the Sahara, Libya, Sudan, Pakistan, Nepal, and India. His accounts of amazing interviews with heads of state and leaders like Muhammad Abdelaziz of the Sahrawri peoples and Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, are very revealing. He attempts to allay the misunderstandings and ignorance through startling language discoveries, discussing, for example, words and concepts like "conversion," "son of God," "crucifixion," and "peace" in the context of the original language of Jesus ChristAramaic. Finally, Siljander declares that love and relationships are more important than political strength and posturing. An understanding of the principles in this important book could help heal the rift between Islam and the West. Recommended for all libraries.Gary P. Gillum, formerly with Brigham Young Univ., Provo, UT

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.