Book Review: Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

Title: Seeds of Turmoil: The Biblical Roots of the Inevitable Crisis in the Middle East
Author: Bryant Wright
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9780849948152

Summary from Publisher's Website: 

"A clear, in-depth biblical explanation of the origin, history, and significance of the Middle East conflict.
The current conflict in the Middle East began long before the creation of the state of Israel in 1948. It originated when Abraham sinned, distorting God's promise that he and his heirs would make a great nation and inherit the land now called The Holy Land.

A historical and political account, Seeds of Turmoil clearly explains the biblical story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar and the ensuing sibling rivalry between Jacob and Esau, whose choices formed the world's three most influential religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

This fascinating insight into the beginnings of the conflict also explains what about the land is so important today. In addition, Wright sheds light on the conflicting Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives and answers the question, Does God play favorites?"

My Review:

Seeds of Turmoil is a wonderful introduction to the Biblical causes behind the conflict in the Middle East. As relatively quick read, this book will fill in the gaps where the modern news media leaves off. Bryant Wright has a lovely writing style. His knowledge of the subject as well as his understanding of scriptures is clearly seen, and he does this without making the book feel like a classroom lecture or sermon. With great ease he outlines the reasons - Biblical, emotional, and otherwise - that have brought us to the current state of things between Jewish, Christian, and Islamic believers in the region. Though occasionally repetitive I soon found that I could appreciate the repeated information as a reminder as facts and scriptures were flying through the chapters. (Note that at first this got very, well, irritating. It does pass!)

On the plus side... maps! The maps are a fantastic addition. I need to "see" the geography in order to comprehend the movement in wars, within people groups, as land is transferred, etc. It is a great help for those visual learners among us.


Rating: 5 Stars! I really enjoyed this book! It educated me, widened my understanding of people and situations, and deepened my connection to scripture. It will be recommended, but not shared. I'm keeping this one for my bookshelf!

*Disclaimer: I was given a free copy of this book from Thomas Nelson through Booksneeze in exchange for my honest review.