Islam; Its Prophet, Peoples, Politics, and Power »

George W. Braswell, Jr. is a professor of missions and world religions and serves as director of the D.Min. program at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. A resident of Wake Forest, North Carolina, he is the author of several books including Understanding World Religions and Islam: Its Prophet, Peoples, Politics, and Power.

A historical and modern overview of Islam written from the viewpoint of a western Christian scholar.

Publishers Weekly

Braswell, a professor of world religions who has spent much of his academic life living and teaching in Iran, tries to correct American stereotypes of Muslims in this well-balanced and judicious overview of the history and teachings of Islam. He opens with 20 questions constantly asked by modern Western society about Islam, and he structures the book around his answers, which concern the customs, practices and theology of the religion. In addition, Braswell examines in detail the intersections of a Muslim's personal and family life with his or her social life and political life. Finally, he demonstrates the ways in which Islam responds to contemporary issues like abortion and AIDS. Braswell's book should be required reading for all journalists, business people and tourists traveling to an Islamic culture. (July)