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| March, 2006 | ||
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Richard Henry Drummond Islam for the Western Mind is written by a respected, ordained Presbyterian minister and scholar who has presented to us in this book the world’s second largest religion (and the fastest growing one) with compassion, understanding, and insight. It is an important book, particularly at this time, because so many Americans, obsessed by the fear of terrorism and still angry over the events of September 11, regard Islam with increasing distrust, disdain, and outrage. Dr. Drummond, who has studied and taught about Islam for some fifty years, conscientiously seeks to dispel much of this anger and fear through his thought-provoking book. Drummond divides the book into four primary sections. In the first section he begins with an “Overview of Issues,” in which he attempts to distill much of the historical relationship of Islam and other religions; particularly with the Christian faith. A short sketch of the life of Muhammad follows, relating the prophet’s astonishing rise into spiritual prominence. The major portion of the book is given over to “The Teaching of the Koran” which draws upon the author’s considerable background in the study of this scripture. The final section, “Historical and Theological Evaluation,” sums up some of the historical conflicts between our two worlds—conflicts that spring from ignorance and fanaticism shared in part by both traditional Western and Islamic cultures. The clear message of this book is simple: Islam deserves our understanding, respect, and careful, thoughtful assessment. The present condition of world events would seem to demand it. —Cliff Johnson
Author Lavinia Plonka says What Are You Afraid Of? “is the result of her own personal journey to understanding fear in herself as well as in her practice with others.” She cites a report from the University of Ottawa, “…87 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorder.” As an instructor of the Feldenkrais Method of exercise her work centers around somatic education; learning through movement and studying the body/ mind relationship to the world. In addition to the lessons on how to uncover what is at the root of a fear, there are step-by-step, easy-to-follow illustrations for doing the somatic movements. Plonka feels that the physical exercises are key to teaching the body new habits; they assist in our understanding, coping with, and conquering our fears. There is the suggestion here that sometimes our anxieties are habit-forming; that if we keep track of when these attacks occur, as when we are faced with particular issues or certain expectations of us, we can better realize why they take place. One of the ten chapters addresses the fear of injury or death. Plonka points out that we are sometimes so protective of avoiding injury or dying prematurely that our fear takes precedence over enjoying life. Under the title “Taking Baby Steps,” she offers these instructions for loving yourself: “Trust your inner instincts and to rely on your talents, all of these are lifelong works.” Throughout the book there are powerful quotes on fear: “Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world,” Ralph Waldo Emerson; and a Moorish proverb, “He who is afraid of a thing, gives it power over him.” This book is a guide for courageous living and could be of great benefit to those of us suffering from any overwhelming fear. —Mary Porter
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