Editor's Shelf pictures the books as they appear on the shelf. It's more of an inventory of recent arrivals than any serious assesment of the book.

In The Flowering of Muslim Theology , By: Josef van Ess Translated by Jane Marie Todd, Harvard University Press, ISBN: 06-7402208-4

Josef van Ess is the world's most distinguished scholar of classical kalam, the Muslim theology that was the precursor to, and foundation for, modern Islam. This book makes available, for the first time in English, the fruit of van Ess's thirty-five years of work in the field. A lucid and authoritative introduction to classical Islam, it opens a window on the intellectual world that gave rise to Muslim theology.

A sustained look at important issues in early kalam, The Flowering of Muslim Theology discusses the emergence of theology in the classical period and offers acute and illuminating comparisons with the Christian (and Jewish) traditions. Van Ess looks at the issue of heresy, at early ideas about straying from true belief. In a substantial and original instance of Koranic exegesis, he considers a problem much debated among classical theologians: whether it is possible to see God. He examines the different ways in which early Muslim thinkers appropriated atomism, a natural philosophy that was originally materialistic and atheistic, for their own theological purposes. He explores the explosive mix of theology and political thought, in an analysis of the development of ideas about the role and authority of a ruler. And he considers the relationship, or contradiction, between faith and knowledge: the enduring question of how one can know whether something is right or true.

A work of intellectual history enlivened by vivid examples, The Flowering of Muslim Theology gives a wider audience rare insight into Islam's rich classical past.
 

For Prophet and Tsar Islam and Empire in Russia and Central Asia , By: Robert D. Crews ,Harvard University Press,ISBN: 06-7402164-9

Russia occupies a unique position in the Muslim world. Unlike any other non-Islamic state, it has ruled Muslim populations for over five hundred years. Though Russia today is plagued by its unrelenting war in Chechnya, Russia's approach toward Islam once yielded stability. In stark contrast to the popular "clash of civilizations" theory that sees Islam inevitably in conflict with the West, Robert D. Crews reveals the remarkable ways in which Russia constructed an empire with broad Muslim support.

In the eighteenth century, Catherine the Great inaugurated a policy of religious toleration that made Islam an essential pillar of Orthodox Russia. For ensuing generations, tsars and their police forces supported official Muslim authorities willing to submit to imperial directions in exchange for defense against brands of Islam they deemed heretical and destabilizing. As a result, Russian officials assumed the powerful but often awkward role of arbitrator in disputes between Muslims. And just as the state became a presence in the local mosque, Muslims became inextricably integrated into the empire and shaped tsarist will in Muslim communities stretching from the Volga River to Central Asia.

For Prophet and Tsar draws on police and court records, and Muslim petitions, denunciations, and clerical writings--not accessible prior to 1991--to unearth the fascinating relationship between an empire and its subjects. As America and Western Europe debate how best to secure the allegiances of their Muslim populations, Crews offers a unique and critical historical vantage point.

Is the Qur'an God's word? , By: Dr Sami Ashouri , Amana Publications, ISBN: 1-59008-035-1

 With his scientific background, Dr Sami Ashouri took nothing for granted unless substantiated by scientific means. When he first studied the Qur'an, the first question to come to his mind was: "How do we know this is not the work of a human being?" He observed statements, interspersed throughout the book, which drew his attention and carried him on a journey of scientific research and exploration that lasted several years.

He presents his findings to the reader in this book wherein he has described modern scientific data with clarity and devoid of any complexity. He takes the reader on interesting journeys through ancient and medieval accounts to show how mankind arrived at modern scientific discoveries. Finally, he draws specific conclusions as to the similarity between these Qur'anic statements and modern day scientific discoveries.

Dr. Ashouri then leaves it up to the reader to answer, for his own, the question , "Could these statements have been made, in the seventh century, by a human being?" or as differently stated, "Is the Qur'an God's word? .

How Do You Know?: Reading Ziauddin Sardar on Islam, Science and Cultural Relations , By: Ziauddin Sardar, Pluto Press, ISBN: 0-7453-2514-9

This book brings together some of Ziauddin Sardar key writings in one volume. It provides extracts from many of his most acclaimed books. Organized in clear chapters, the essays are carefully chosen to explore the themes of Islam, science and cultural relations.

Forcing God's Hand: Why Millions Pray for a Quick Rapture--And Destruction of Planet Earth , By: Grace Halsell , Amana Publications,
ISBN: 1-59008-015-7

In her startling new book, Forcing God's Hand: Why Millions Pray for a Quick Rapture and the Destruction of Planet Earth, Grace Halsell explores the danger of a new religious doctrine sweeping America. Adherents to this doctrine are said to constitute the fastest growing movement in Christianity today. Its leaders proclaim that God wants--even demands--that Planet Earth be destroyed in our generation.

Fundamentalist Evangelicals believe there will be catastrophic events on earth, some occurring already, including the turmoil in the Middle East, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon in which Christ will triumph and begin ruling the earth. At this point, they believe, non-believers will be destroyed, good Christians saved and any remaining Jews converted to Christianity. By praying for their Rapture and the End of Time, might they Force the Hand of God—to bring it about?

The Making of a Terrorist [Three Volumes]: Recruitment, Training, and Root Causes Volume I Recruitment Volume II Training Volume III Root Causes,
By: James J. F. Forest, Praeger Security International,
ISBN: 0-275-98544-X, 0-275-98545-8, 0-275-98546-6

Global terrorism has become a frightening reality. From New York City and Washington, D.C., to Bali, Moscow, and Madrid, ordinary citizens throughout the civilized world live with increasing fear of a deadly attack from unknown individuals, for reasons many of us cannot fathom. National and international security forces are on constant alert, desperate to prevent the next catastrophe, and yet many observers agree that our military and intelligence services are spread too thin and face insurmountable hurdles in the global war on terrorism. The situation calls for greater engagement with the public, as the necessary eyes and ears of the global anti-terrorism coalition. However, to be effective the public must be equipped with the knowledge of how, why, and where an individual becomes a terrorist. This is the primary goal of this set, which seeks to answer one central question: What do we currently know about the transformation through which an individual becomes a terrorist?

Overall, we have learned that this transformation involves a variety of complex and interconnected issues. A single contributing factor-such as personal religious conviction, widespread poverty, or an oppressive government-may not necessarily lead to the formation of terrorist organizations. However, the current body of research on terrorism suggests that a combination of factors will, in most cases, result in some form of terrorism. This combination differs widely by region, and at minimum involves motivations, opportunities, contexts, processes, personal disposition, and preparation. Volume I deals with recruitment means and methods, and includes discussions of psychological, social, ideological, and religious dimensions of recruitment. Volume II addresses the training of terrorists, including teaching tools and training manuals, and it includes fascinating case studies from Al Qaeda, Hezbollah, Aum Shinrikyo, Christian militias, and other groups. Volume III is devoted to root causes, including their political, religious, and socioeconomic dimensions. Appendices to these volumes feature profiles of terrorist organizations, samples of terrorist training manuals, and recommended resources for the study of terrorism.