The Closing of the Muslim Mind: How Intellectual Suicide Created the Modern Islamist Crisis

This book is an extension of an argument made by earlier writers (that vocal rationalists L. Sprague de Camp for one) that the critical division between Islamic and Christian culture came when al-Ghazzali successfully argued that revelation (as well as mystical experience) was superior to reason, while afterwards Aquinas and others argued reason was compatible with revelation. My own opinion is that although one branch of Islamic thought was undoubtedly bot hostile to reason and bigoted, the Christian tendency in the later middle ages in practical terms was also becoming less tolerant rather than more; the rationalist reaction against bigoted Christian in fact appealed to example of relatively tolerant Muslim rulers (even if idealized) show more and the enlightenment began to influence the Muslim world only perhaps a century after it began to influence the west. The contrast is not as sharp as Reilly supposes. show less

An excellent book, it might be difficult for someone within this faith to take and read this book. The author talks about the roots of problems/issues in the Islamic world. Basically, differences in theology, convictions and not having rationality in their theology.

I learned about the two sects within Islamic theology if you're familiar with Philosophy. This would be interesting and easier read, learned also about Al-Ghazali and Averroes. You'll enjoy this book if you are into theology, philosophy, and history.

Deus Vult,
Gottfried

The book pushes an antiquated narrative which paints the Mutazilites as the "good" side and the Asharites as the "bad" side. I wouldn't have known unless I had talked to my friend who majors in Theology. It's a biased account masquerading as an objective non-fiction historical book and deserves a one-star rating.

If you want to read better works, please refer to "What is Islam" by Shahab Ahmed and "Al-Ghazali's Philosophical Theology" by Frank Griffel.

Short, to the point and easy to read. Mr. Reilly discusses how opposing and mutually exclusive definitions of God are the foundation of the greatest civilization of history and the cause of a stagnant, unadaptive and slowly dying culture.

Superb. At last an understandable explanation for the decline of Islamic civilization. Not just a recounting of what happened, but giving the underlying reasons for how and why it happened.

This is a very good book. It is not difficult to read. You may appreciate it more if you have some background in Aristotle and Aquinas. Maybe just a few points that were overgeneralized nevertheless very helpful in understanding the mindset of many of today's Muslims.

An excellent book, it might be difficult for someone within this faith to take and read this book. The author talks about the roots of problems/issues in the Islamic world. Basically, differences in theology, convictions and not having rationality in their theology.

I learned about the two sects within Islamic theology if you're familiar with Philosophy. This would be interesting and easier read, learned also about Al-Ghazali and Averroes. You'll enjoy this book if you are into theology, philosophy, and history.

Deus Vult,
Gottfried