When Mohammed died; the Christians and Jews of Arabia had been totally subjugated. The history of his relations with the Jews and Christians determined how they have been treated over the past 1400 years. Every action and word that comes from Islam today starts with the Mohammed's perfect example. In the very beginning in Mecca; Mohammed said that his prophecies came via the angel; Gabriel; who was the one who spoke to Moses. In Mecca he presented himself as a prophet in the line of Jewish prophets. However; the Koran also talks about Judgment Day; a Christian concept. In essence Islam is both a Christian and Jewish heresy. Later; in Medina Mohammed persecuted both Jews and Christians. Jihad destroyed the polytheists and subjugated both Jews and Christians. Islam has a dual nature in its dealings with the Jews and Christians. They are "brothers" in religion and they are mortal enemies to be destroyed. You cannot understand the jihad with Israel without knowing the Islamic doctrine of the Christians and Jews.
#335342 in Books Oxford University Press USA 2001-06-07Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 4.20 x .50 x 6.70l; .37 #File Name: 0192854534120 pagesOxford University Press USA
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. AtypicalBy HHI like Carrithers's account of the Buddha because of his sensitivity to many sociological; political; and economic issues that ought at least to be considered in discussions of the Buddha's life. In 5 chapters -- divided into early life; the search for enlightenment; the enlightenment itself; and teaching -- Carrithers provides interesting descriptions of the cultural context of the development of the Buddhist doctrines. This approach offers novel explanations for the adaptability of Buddhist teachings across the continents. Although Carrithers relies solely upon the Pali Text Society editions of the Theravada canon (p. viii); it is clear that he is not dependent upon them. Instead; Carrithers is skeptical that even the earliest texts; being significantly removed from the Buddha's lifetime; can be the sole source of authority upon which scholars should rely. Carrithers; therefore; introduces atypical; but important; discussions of the political scene. He challenges the common notion that Siddhartha's father was a king. At the time and place of his birth; says Carrithers; that part of the Gangetic civilization was probably ruled by "oligarchies or councils of elders" and so "they did not have kings in the strict sense" (p. 13). Similarly; Carrithers challenges common assumptions concerning the caste system; the centralization of political authority along the lines of the Greek polis; and the climate of social and intellectual change during the Buddha's lifetime. It is possible through these considerations to interpret Siddhartha's Socratic questioning of authority -- the Brahmin caste; for example -- as an act consistent with overall social change. When reading Carrithers I often have the impression that he sees Siddhartha as a self-questioning Socrates that must be understood in the context of great economic; political; and social change.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A good basic book on the life and philosophical development of the Buddha.By Joseph J. TruncaleThere is a whole series of the Past Masters books but this is the first one I have read (The Buddha: Past Masters by Michael Carrithers) in this series. I have been interested in the many Asian philosophies for most of my life and I have read numerous books on the topic over the years. This 102 page hardcover volume focuses on the life and intellectual development of the Buddha. It explains the differences and similarities of various competing philosophies being promoted at the time. This book is organized into five sections. The introduction provides insight into some of the myths surrounding this historical figure. The second section covers in detail the early life and renunciation. The third and fourth section deals with the awakening. The final chapter explains the mission and the death of Buddha. There is also a section on further readings about the Buddha.Though this book did a great job of explaining the thought process and life of this great philosopher I was a little disappointed that there were so few quotes from the Buddha in this volume. Nevertheless; I think anyone interested in the life of the Buddha will find this a good introduction to the topic.Rating: 4 Stars. Joseph J. Truncale (Author: Zen Poetry Moments: Haiku and Senryu for special occasions).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good but limitedBy C. D. Varnichael Carrithers does a good job of contextualizing a somewhat secularized version of the Sakyamuni Buddha's biography as per the Pali Suttas; although he does give some serious credence to the Chinese and Sanskrit cannons. It is brief; and some basic; biography of the relationship between the historical Buddha's ideas and his biography. It; however; skims much; including things that are more uncomfortable for modern readers; and Carrithers's also occasionally secularizes things in way scholars like John S. Strong advise against.The particularly strong parts where Carrithers knowledge of the Sakyas and Kalamans of the gangic plains and the relationship the oligarchical Republican structures could have had on Buddhism; and he also touches on both the Sremana (although he does not use that term) and yoga traditions would were obviously part of the Buddha's milieu. All that said; even with these serious and somewhat unexpected insights; it means a fairly shallow treatment of the material because of the length and focus of the introduction.
