Book Review: "No We Can't"

Today's review is for "No We  Can't: Radical Islam, Militant Secularism and the Myth of Coexistence" by Robert Stearns.

Well this book isn't quite my normal review fare but when it came up offered on Bethany House's review program I knew it was I book I wanted to read! For quite a while now I have been interested in learning more about Islam from a historic perspective and Islam from a Christian perspective and this book really filled the bill!

Mr. Stearns begins his book by laying out the cultural landscape of today's world and explaining multiculturalism, coexistence and what the Bible says about understanding the times we live in; additionally exploring current events and Biblical end times prophecy and how each of these things operate as cogs in the ever turning wheel of our world. His approach is methodical and clear in laying out the historical background, current cultural relevance and future likely significance for what he calls the 'three houses'. These three houses 'Radical Islam', 'Militant Secularism', and 'Judeo-Christianity' are each given their own chapters to delve deeper in to the worldviews of each and how they have reached out and affected the world we live in today. The book wraps up with three final chapters where Stearns steps back from looking at each of these houses and takes a look at the ultimate house- God's House. In these wrap up chapters Stearns really explores how Christians today are to be living and that is ultimately with eternity and Christ's kingdom in view!

I really enjoyed Stearns style and the way he put this book together, it reads smoothly and brings the reader along for an enlightening ride that is sure to wake up those still asleep in the tumultuous river of current events and buoy up those who are already awake and riding those rapids. At times I do find Stearns repeating themes and thoughts but I didn't find it detrimental to the book just reinforcing and building of his theme. I truly appreciated the wrap up of this book and the clear and inspiring call that is given to the Church today to rouse themselves and remember who they are and what God expects of them and what they can do about that. It personally saddens me that at large the Church does seem to be uninspired and uncaring to what is happening in the world around them. After reading this book I don't know how any Christian can remain uncaring of what is happening and uninspired to do something! It was a great read with lots of great information for the informed reader (my book is highlighted within an inch of it's life!) and a great read with lots of food for thought for the uninformed friend or relative that you should definitely be passing this book along to!

This book deserves every one of the 5 stars I'm giving it!