Deseret News | Reader comments: Book explores the life of Islam's founder

Reader comments
Book explores the life of Islam's founder

Drs. Jack Ayre | 7:14 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Dr. Daniel Peterson is a man of remarkable intellect, dedication and faith. He is a scholar like few others and a man of compassion and caring. I for one am grateful for his efforts to enlighten all of us about the spiritual elements of Islam. May he be blessed in his efforts to bring together all of God's children.

Laura Ainsworth | 7:54 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

The next book on my summer must read list. Daniel Peterson's writings are concise and his style mirrors that of his lectures; captivating. His thorough research into the volumes of texts and information that is readily available to him as a scholar heightens his writings to a level of expertise that is pillars above others in understanding the complexities of the subjects studied. Where can I buy this book?

Frank Staheli | 10:46 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I've enjoyed Dr. Peterson's Understanding Islam: A Mormon Perspective. I will get hold of a copy of his new book as soon as I can, because I trust his expertise. It's about time someone counteracted the hateful screed that some American authors have written about Mohammad.

Comments continue below

Dr. Joseph D. Smith | 11:57 a.m. Aug. 11, 2007

Dr. Daniel Peterson is one of my favorite speakers on Middle Eastern religious issues. It's no wonder he has written a book about one of the main religions of the Middle East. After hearing Dr. Peterson speak, I've collected and read all of his lectures and books and look forward to reading this new book. It's about time someone wrote about one of the main world religions without the biased ignorance that prevails in the post 9/11 world.

Anonymous | 3:17 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

i find it interesting how the mormons are allying themselves with the muslims when once they allied themselves with the jews....does it just happen which ever way the wind blows? american foreign policy has endangered my childrens lives at their school as the young muslim men have risen up in defence of religion so while it is important to understand the religion as a religion what about trying to understand their culture so that we might not create the end of the world. my town is almost 50% muslim and it is not just a religion but a devout culture...and i have to say at least they do stick to their commandments in a very serious way...hard to find any hypocrites there....

dgr | 3:33 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

LDS still ally themselves with Jews. It isn't an either or proposition.

Steve | 4:58 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

It is always good to learn more about Islam. I have met several that are peaceful and dedicated. It is difficult to see them as anything other than terrorist and suicidal. I wish the "mainstream" would speak out against all that is evil in Islam. I would not hesitate to speak against and condemn, in a public forum, if it were my religion. I hope that their silence does not end up destroying us all.

anonymous good | 5:26 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I AM ALSO A LATTERDAY SAINT AND FIND IT REFRESHING THE WAY MR PETERSON HELPS TO DISPELL HATE AND MISUNDERSTANDING. IS IT NOT THE JOB OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN TO BE A PEACEMAKER?

dgr | 6:17 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

I've ordered the book from Amazon after reading this article and the comments.

Also ordered one I've wanted for a long time, Skousen's book on the Constitution.

mrhackman | 9:31 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

"the level of ignorance of people in the West about Islam is stunning".

I would take it one step farther and say that our level of ignorance about religion is stunning. We tend to know only about our religious slice, and even that knowledge is often thin.

It is too bad that we cannot have a "religious studies" course in our schools. Religion is a primary problem in the world and it would do us good to study our texts and the texts of others to develop understanding.

Lucky to be alive | 10:05 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

How many of you have lived within the confines of a Muslim community that embraces these radical ideas? You haven't got a clue. I challenge you to live thier culture and life. Then you tell the world how you sympathize with them. You are flaming crazy if you think it is about peace and love towards you.

Anonymous | 10:56 p.m. Aug. 11, 2007

while they are dedicated to Allah, they also follow what they deem to be right for an islamic state. it is not a case for misunderstanding, it is a case of what is the reality of the truth. they are very religious and honourable people but they are also very dedicated in the outlook on how things should be done and that is the islamic way. their children are taught on a daily basis what is right in islam, and i mean two hours aday in the many mosques, young children as young as seven spending hours in the company of their imams being taught that the only true way is dealing with the infidels, etc. there is no correspondance with being religious and keeping the laws of the land, religion always wins out and the laws disregarded if they don't suit their purpose. i am anything but racist but it is scary to see it come alive around you and realise what is coming and it will come as long as the west interfere with the east. islam from what i can see is a good religion and the people practise it are decent and honest people as long as you play it their way but if anything interferes with any islamic law or group of people heaven help us.....

Craig | 12:01 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

The reason the Muslims are under attack in the "Christian" world is because there is an organization trying to conquer the world. Read the Communist Manifesto. It's obvious what they are doing. They use propaganda to get the Christians to hate the Muslims & the Muslims to hate the Christians. They have to get rid of religion period. All religion is bad to them. That's why the courts and some politicians try to remove the 10 commandments (which Muslims believe in also), crosses, prayer in anything public, the courts. That's why the Rudy Giulianis and Mayor Bloomberg, Hillery Clintons etc are also trying to get rid of guns. Want to conquer the US. You must get rid of guns, religion, freedom of the press (Fairness Doctrine bill mean anything?) etc etc. Wake up America! You are under attack. Why do liberals fight for abortion? Remind anyone of China? No God, then it's ok to kill babies. You are just a deer population out of control to these people since they foolishly don't believe in God. I am not a Muslim, but I will die fighting for their freedom to believe in Mohammad. Is religion legal in China? Of course not. Was it in the Soviet Union? Of course not. Did Hitler allow it? Nope. Castro? Nope. Kim Jung Ill? You guessed it. They all had or have "separation of church and state".

Pedro T | 12:08 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

I am looking forward to reading Mr. Peterson's book to get a different perspective.

After reading various books on Islam and its Founder Mohammed (the perfect of example for Muslims of how to live your life), I am curious to see how he reconciles some of the events in the life of the prophet with statements/rhetoric to the contrary, which stress non-violence and peaceful coexistence with others.

As for the comments of "Anonymous" and anyone else who in my view despise this nation and all that it stands for, I have a thought: You are given the choice to choose between living indefinitely in the US or a Sharia-bound Muslim country. It is as simple as that, pick one or the other, no "what if's..." or "but...". Which do you choose? Your response more likely than not says much about hypocrisy.

America isn't perfect, but it is the best system around for helping people achieve their greatest potential, if they so desire. Thanks, but no thanks to your moral equivalence.

Mark | 1:27 a.m. Aug. 12, 2007

It seems like many of you are approaching this book with some very negative views of Islam. It shows the need for this constructive dialogue on a major world religion.

RB | 10:13 p.m. Aug. 12, 2007

The Prophet Mohammed and his Islam are one thing: the current radicalization of Islam and growing animosity against Western civilization is something quite different. A scholarly work on the Prophet, no matter how laudable, means little if the current problems cannot be resolved and all factions live in peace. Positive actions and changed attitudes are more meaningful than a well written book. That said, I wish to read Dr. Peterson's book: he is a superior scholar and thinker.

Utahkeith | 10:55 p.m. Aug. 13, 2007

Excellent Article, the study of the Qu'ran is very interesting and in an odd sort of way is another testament of Jesus Christ in itself if you know how to look. Although it does not accept the atonement, it does lend part to the fact Jehovah, or Allah is God, and those of a studious nature know who Jehovah is and that He is a Mediator. The Qu'ran also supports the prophets of the bible, and to whom do the prophets of the bible testify of? Enough said? Good article.

leigh | 1:14 a.m. Oct. 24, 2007

Why read another modern biography of Mohammad when you can read the seminal 8th century biography Sirat Rasul Allah written by the devout Muslim Ishaq edited by Hisham?. If the Peterson book contradicts this original biography then itï¿½s not worth reading, but is either propaganda or well meaning spin.
Judge the accuracy of any modern biography of Mohammad with the Ishaq original (plus a good knowledge of the hadiths) That is the litmus test for truth, however unpalatable it may be for some.

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