The Complete Infidel's Guide to the Koran

I was disappointed in this book. Whether it’s true or not hardly seems to matter; I was still disappointed.

Spencer hopes to introduce casual readers to the words of the Koran, and he has nothing good to say about it. He compares it to Mein Kampf. Here are some of the chapter titles:

The Muslims’ Worst Enemies: The Koran on the Jews
The Koran on Christians: They’re Not So Hot, Either
The Koran on Women: Crooked and Inferior
The Koran Teaches Nonviolence—Oh, and Violence, Too

Here’s the bottom line: If you want to know what’s in the Holy Book of Islam, read Spencer. If you want to know what Muslims believe, read Karen Armstrong. Islam is a religion of peace, which—like Christianity—attracts a few extremists. Like Christianity, show more its holy texts are in places downright abominable. Like Christians, practicing believers generally learn to ignore or spiritualize the ungodly portions of their scriptures.

Spencer says about his work, “You will find nothing in this book about Islamic ritual practices or prayers. This is an Infidel’s guide, focusing on where the Koran came from and its specific portions that are—or should be—of concern to Infidels.” It is, by Spencer’s admission, one-sided, and not reflective of general Muslim practices.

Tomorrow, I’ll balance this with a discussion of the Texts of Terror within the Bible, so we can realize how much Christians ignore in their holy book. It might help put things in perspective. show less

Scholarly summary of what comprises Islam's revered Koran. Well-written, easy-to-read, interesting account of this syncretic political belief system that purports to be a revealed religious faith. The book is written with bravado and humor. But, also from a point-of-view that the West is under siege. This of course is a debatable point. What the reader cannot help but understand is that Mohammedanism was cobbled together from Judaism and Christianity. As well, Traditional Western readers have here a clear description of fundamental differences between European and Asian / Middle Eastern Civilizations. An instructive book that should I think be recommended reading throughout the English-speaking world.

A good introduction to the Islam through the Koran, though the Hadith, Sharia, and tradition are addressed too. Spencer is a polemescist, so you must take his polemic with a grain of salt, but everything is copiously sourced to the Koran, and context is provided. Spencer points out, rightly, than many apologists (usually leftists) for Islam's less than savory aspects, often cherry pick verses without context. Spencer does not do this. In the end, the Koran and Islam are shown for what they are: vile and violent.

An interesting glimpse into radical Islam. I doubt relations are as hopeless as presented here; however, I can see how difficult finding a solution might be. As a counter point, I recommend reading the "Evolution of God" to see why a solution might actually be possible (if we can convince our opponents that we are not in a zero sum situation).