Islam. For some, the word itself is frightening; for others, mysterious. For all of us, it is a religious force that cannot be ignored. With the terrorist attacks of September 11, the recent war with Iraq, and the ongoing crisis plaguing the Holy Land, Islam is in the news now more that ever. Yet most Catholics know little about this formidable faith —an ignorance that could have dramatic spiritual and socio-political consequences. Now there's a book on Islam written specifically for Catholics.
        Inside Islam: A Guide for Catholics utilizes a popular question-and-answer format so that all Catholics—both the theological novice and the well-catechized—can learn the basics of Islam. Co-authors Robert Spencer and Daniel Ali, a convert from Islam, give you a solid understanding of Islam's unique teachings including:
        —The Islamic view of God and its dramatic implications.
        —The role of Jesus in Islamic theology.
        —Islam's controversial theology of jihad, or "holy war."
        —Why Islamic theology can breed terrorist activity.
        —Why anti-Semitic texts in the Koran seriously strain Jewish-Islamic relations.
        —How the Koran and other Islamic writings directly contradict what God has revealed in the Old and New Testaments.
        —How Islamic theology undermines the inherent dignity of the human person.
        —Why women in many Islamic countries are denied basic human rights.
        —Why Islam may soon become the world's largest religious group.
         Inside Islam is an essential resource for anyone who wants to know more about this historic faith from the Middle East. The sober, factual, and contextual presentation found in this book is essential. Every person owes it to himself or herself to know the real score of the post-9/11 world, and this invaluable volume is the place to start.
        Daniel Ali converted to Catholicism form Islam in 1998. He has gained national recognition as the founder of the Christian-Islamic Forum. He is also the co-host of the video series Islam and Christianity with Farther Mitch Pacwa, S.J. on the Eternal Word Television Network.
        Robert Spencer is the author of two previous books on Islam, Islam Unveiled: Disturbing Questions About the World's Fastest Growing Faith (Encounter Books, 2002), and an in-depth study of jihad, Onward Muslim Soldiers: How Jihad Still Threatens America and the West (Regnery Publishing, 2003).