The Third Jihad by Michael Youssef

This is an enlightening book. Youssef makes reference to a third jihad because there have been two already. He takes readers through the wars of Islamic conquest (622-751) and the wars of Islamic expansion (1302-1924). An American Islamist Imam in Washington DC called for an Islamic State of North America by 2050. Could that mean a third jihad is being planned?

Youssef is concerned that we in the West are not taking seriously the work of Islamists. He reminds us of the history of Islamic terrorism, dating back to the 1780 and the Barbary pirates. He is concerned that American leaders have not learned from history and few try to really understand the Muslim worldview.

I like his distinction between Muslims and Islamists. Islamists are zealous to make Sharia law the ultimate authority. There would be rules for every part of life. I like that Youssef explained the history of Islam so we can better understand their motives and strategies.

Youssef is concerned the church is sleeping rather than being salt and light to the world. He is concerned we are not aware of the nonviolent way Islamists are making inroads in education and areas of western culture.

Christians need the information contained in this book. We need to understand Islamic ideology and what it means for our future. I did find that Youssef was quite pro-Israel and pro-Republican and it colored some of his comments. Other than that, his book is informative and timely with critical information Christians need to know today.

You can read an excerpt here and watch the book trailer here.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Michael Youssef is the founder and president of Leading The Way, a worldwide ministry that leads the way for people living in spiritual darkness to discover the light of Christ. (www.LTW.org) He is also the founder pastor of The Church of The Apostles in Atlanta, Georgia. Born in Egypt, he became an American citizen in 1984. He holds numerous degrees, including a PhD in social anthropology from Emory University. He has authored more than 35 books. He and his wife have four grown children and eight grandchildren.

Tyndale Momentum, 256 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.