Rating: 
Summary: A problematic response to 9-11
Review: "Light in the Shadow of Jihad: The Struggle for Truth," by Ravi Zacharias, is a short book, written from the evangelical Christian perspective, that attempts to place the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001 in a greater theological and social perspective. The author discusses the origins of Islam, ethical relativism, biblical texts, the debate over "the hiddenness of God," intolerance in Islamic countries, and United States national values.There are some interesting and effective parts of the book. I was moved by his account of returning home to the U.S. after the tragedy. He also partially reproduces an article written by Muslim scholar Muqtedar Khan, in which Khan challenges the Islamic world to do some soul-searching in the post 9-11 context. Zacharias himself challenges moderate Muslims to speak out against violence done in the name of Islam. I found the most problematic part of the book to be the author's attitude towards Islam. There is a subtle vein of hostility towards Islam running throughout the book, such as when he claims that Islam can be "demanding [. . .] of the American culture to provide it unlimited freedom." An unqualified statement like that hurts Zacharias' credibility in my mind. At times it seems like he wants to criticize Islam more pointedly but is trying to be politically correct about it. He also presents a naively rosy view of Christendom as a whole. Ultimately, I found few new insights in this book. But I think it is still worth reading for those seeking more perspectives on 9-11.
Rating: 
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: In the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001, Dr. Ravi Zacharias sat down to collect his thoughts, and wrote this book. First off, he looks at good and evil, and calls on America to return to morality. Then he looks at the struggle between truth and falsehood, and asks questions that Muslims must answer. The next chapter of the book looks at prophecy and the modern Middle East. And, the final two chapters ask the questions of where was God, and where do we go from here. But, don't stop there. Be sure to read the appendix, which is entitled, "Steadying the Soul While the Heart is Breaking." It is a very touching postscript. In many ways I feel inadequate in writing this review. I wish that I could easily boil down Dr. Zacharias' thoughts, but this book is just not like that. It is a book that came from his soul-searching, and it made me search my soul as well. If, as a Christian, you are willing to peer into your soul, as you prepare for the years ahead, then I would highly recommend that you get this book.
Rating:
Summary: Decent essays
Review: It's been a long time since I've enjoyed a decent, well structured, set of essays. Having recently waded through a relatively pointless Umberto Eco novel and struggling with the light-weight redundancy of the "Left Behind" series, I found Ravi's carefully wrought essays a refreshing wind of intelligence. For anyone inclined to things multi-cultural this little gem is a must. There are few observations that are particularly prophetic in the light of the more recent blood letting in India. Do your mind a favor.
Rating:
Summary: Preaches to the choir, about the choir.
Review: Light in the Shadow of Jihad is eloquent and seemingly heart-felt sermon, but a little short on substance, it seemed to me. Zacharius' main points are that relativism is unhelpful in meeting the needs of modern man, and unprincipled absolutism -- a la bin Laden -- is no good either. It's also kind of a patriotic crie de couer. All right. Rousing, but not that enlightening. But maybe that's because I've heard the sermon before. I tend to agree with most of what Zacharius says. But from the title I thought I might learn something about Islam here. I did not. The book is primarily about relativism. Zacharius is from India, but he seems to know more about Western philosophy than about non-Western religions, which is a pity, because Americans do need to learn about other religions from a prophetic, rather than uncritically affirming or denying, perspective. If that is what you are looking for, I recommend Paul Fregosi (Jihad), Maxime Rodinson (Mohammed), Bernard Lewis, V.S. Naipaul, or Peter Partner (God of Battles) for an honest and more informed look at Islam. I also highly recommend the works of Vishal Mangalwadi, another Indian Christian who writes with passion, but also it seems to me broader knowledge of other religions. If you want an eloquent sermon on the errors of relativism, this book may meet your need, however.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting
Review: This book takes a very interesting look at our current world situation. One might think based on the title that the book is about Islam, but in reality this book is geared toward introspection regarding our own relativistic society (and the problems related to it). These problems have been brought to the forefront due to recent world events. I read this book during a bus ride and found it to be an extremely interesting read.
Rating:
Summary: I think this is agood book.
Review: This is a good book about bad things that happened in New York. He says a lot of good things about what we can do to cope with our pain. I made me feel better.
Rating:
Summary: A short thought provoking read
Review: This is a good short book that highlights some of the fundamental strengths of Christianity as they relate to September 11th. It provide a good philosophical view of how we as Christians can help bridge the gap. Warning, Mr. Zacharias is an intellectual and you'll need to bring your A game to truly absorb the philosophy behind his thoughts.
Rating:
Summary: Enormous wisdom in few words
Review: This is a small book, but it says volumes. I read it in two short settings, there's just so much content that I had to allow it time to digest. I don't think I would have picked it up on my own, simply because I've had my fill of the tragic events of 9/11 and the aftermath. I received it as a gift and it came highly recommended. From the time I opened and perused it, I was captivated. I now feel that my own healing process has begun; not only for the events of 9/11, but for other tragedies in my life as well. I feel obligated to say that the author is Christian and the book is biblically based. There was a time in my life when that may have offended me, and I would have wanted to know. However, there can be no greater love than God's love and this is the message of this wonderful text.
Rating:
Summary: Gets right to the heart of 9/11
Review: This is finally the book that I have been waiting for that really, REALLY gets to the heart of the matter of 9/11. It is a quick read but is definitely not a light read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to think deeply about issues. After reading this book, I personally realized how many other people along with myself, were in the dark about the real issues of 9/11.
This is a must read for America!
Rating:
Summary: Gets right to the heart of 9/11
Review: This is finally the book that I have been waiting for that really, REALLY gets to the heart of the matter of 9/11. It is a quick read but is definitely not a light read.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to think deeply about issues. After reading this book, I personally realized how many other people along with myself, were in the dark about the real issues of 9/11.
This is a must read for America!
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