The Politically Incorrect Guide to Islam (And the Crusades) by Robert Spencer (2005, Paperback)

As a college senior studying to be a high school history teacher, and with an interest in world religions, I developed an interest in Islam. Although I took a course on Islamic History, the professor can't cover everything in 15 weeks. Since I couldn't find any texts seeming to be fair and balanced, I bought this one and one favoring the Muslims and will eventually read both.

It's interesting seeing Koranic scripture that sanctions terrorist attacks and/or Jihad on non-Islamic soil. The references that Spencer uses are consistent with my English translation of the Koran. He makes a compelling case that Allah and Jehovah aren't the same god, contrary to popular belief. He argues that the Crusaders, rather than being merely brutal savages, were responsible for stalling the Muslim expansion and giving Europe enough time to protect itself. Although appearing to be biased, his historical statements are consistent with what I learned in college. At the same time, I like that he expands on some concepts that my former professor introduced, like the dhimmi tax. While my professor explained that it was a tax on unbelievers allowing them to practice Christianity, there are many anti-Christian aspects that my professor ignored. You'll also read things about Muhammad's personal life that you're unlikely to hear about in a college class. However, I don't like everything about the book.

I didn't like that Spencer appeared to have nothing good to say about Muhammad. His approach is from a Western perspective, pro-Christian/Jew, and anti-Muslim (hence the title). Like some historians, he conveniently omits portions of history badmouthing the Crusaders and the Roman Catholic Church. Spencer seems to ignore the idea that many Muslims, especially in the U.S, desire peace rather than Jihad via warfare. (Though I would be curious to see where their loyalties would be if Osama bin Laden were ever able to conquer us.) In summary, it does a good job showing the Christian, European point of view, but by its very nature is forced to omit other points of view that would make it a more fair and balanced text.

In review of my article at large, I would recommend this book as a representative of the Christian, European point of view (it may even be the most accurate?). However, to obtain a more panoramic picture of the historical aspects, one should read a pro-Islamic text as well. Often times, I've heard, the truth tends to lie somewhere in the middle. You can decide that for yourself.

Not a politically-correct sentence of nonsense in this book. It is a no-holds bared examination of the truth of Islam. It examines in frank and great detail the Koran, Hadith literature, and other Muslim teachings. It is clear that Islam teaches jihad and promotes violence in order to accomplish their goal of bringing all people, all countries, the entire world under Islamic rule, Islamic governance, and shariah law. It is equally clear that the historical PC view of the crusades is grossly distorted. It is a must read book for all Americans, and Westerners, who recognise that Islam holds a serious threat to our way of life. The Muslim goal is to subdue America from within, replace our Constitution with Shariah lay and to force all Americans to accept Islam. This book explains this from their own literature and words they speak even today. This book explains Islam and their subversive objectives.

If you're anything like me, you like getting more info about the headlines especially since so much of the media is biased. Since Islam is all in the news these days and I enjoy studying other religions, I bought this book to learn more about one of the world's major faiths. I have to say I was really surprised after reading this book and seeing all the myths about Islam the book dispels -- myths such as Islam is a "religion of peace" and that Islam preaches tolerance. I was initially a bit sceptical of this book because the author has to be really biased against Islam, right? Actually though, very little of the author's opinion is in this book. In fact, almost every myth this book discredits uses direct passages from the Qur'an, quotations from Islamic leaders, and historical evidence. This was a pleasant surprise -- there's no rabid hate of Islam in here -- just a very scholarly and logical refutation of myths. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to others -- even if you don't agree with the book's premise, you will at least get a good introduction to Islamic theology. 5/5!

Too bad they won't be teaching this in any high school history class nor any college class for that matter. This book will teach you, with Koranic references, what Islam is really all about and why what is happening in today's world is the same thing that was happening back in 1095AD. A must read to fully interpret and clarify today's headlines.

THis book should be required reading for all Americans. It will truly open your eyes about Islam and show you what a treat it really is no matter how much you already think you know about it. It is written in a truthful, straight forward style and uses hard evidence to back up what the author says. Read it before it is too late!