Book Review: Seeds of Turmoil

Seeds of Turmoil by Bryant Wright

Bryant Wright, the current president of the SBC, has written what I consider to be the best overview resource on Islam. Typical books talk about the intricacies of the religion or compare their theology to Christianity, but Wright carefully looks at the Biblical roots behind the development and rise of Islam.

Wright rather convincingly asserts in this book that Islam rose out of the differences between Sarah and Hagar as well as the sibling rivalry of Isaac and Ishmael. Most scholars say, and I believe it’s rather clear, that Islam was born out of the promises not made to Ishmael. While Isaac carried on the promises of God that led to Christ, Ishmael’s bloodline would go awry and lead to possibly the most dangerous religion in the world today. Wright highlights the historic breaking points in which Ishamel slowly but surely builds resentment toward his more highly adored little brother Isaac.

Though the scholarship of this book is top notch, I think the most pivotal section of this book is the last group of chapters in which Wright explores the truth that God does indeed play favorites and that Christianity is entirely exclusive.

In short, this book is a great read for anyone looking to delve deeper into the megareligion that is Islam.