{"title":"David Cook","description":"\u003cp\u003eDavid Cook offers insightful explorations into complex religious themes, providing readers with nuanced perspectives on contemporary spiritual issues. His works, such as \u003cem\u003eUnderstanding Jihad\u003c\/em\u003e, delve into the intricate interplay between faith, culture, and history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a thoughtful and analytical approach, Cook’s writing challenges conventional views and encourages deeper reflection on religion's role in modern society. His contributions are essential for those interested in the study of religion and spirituality.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"understanding-jihad-by-david-cook-9780520287327","title":"Understanding Jihad","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2005, \u003ci\u003eUnderstanding Jihad\u003c\/i\u003e unravels the tangled historical, intellectual, and political meanings of \u003ci\u003ejihad\u003c\/i\u003e within the context of Islamic life. In this revised and expanded second edition, author David Cook has included new material in light of pivotal developments such as the extraordinary events of the Arab Spring, the death of Usama b. Ladin, and the rise of new Islamic factions such as ISIS.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eJihad\u003c\/i\u003e is one of the most loaded and misunderstood terms in the news today. Contrary to popular understanding, the term does not mean \"holy war.\" Nor does it simply refer to an inner spiritual struggle. This judiciously balanced, accessibly written, and highly relevant book looks closely at a range of sources from sacred Islamic texts to modern interpretations, opening a critically important perspective on the role of Islam in the contemporary world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDavid Cook cites from scriptural, legal, and newly translated texts to give readers insight into the often ambiguous information that is used to construct Islamic doctrine. He sheds light on legal developments relevant to fighting and warfare and places the internal, spiritual jihad within the larger context of Islamic religion. He describes some of the conflicts that occur in radical groups and shows how the more mainstream supporters of these groups have come to understand and justify violence. He has also included a special appendix of relevant documents including materials related to the September 11 attacks and published manifestos issued by Usama b. Ladin and Palestinian suicide-martyrs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47464755167468,"sku":"9780520287327","price":56.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780520287327-understanding-jihad.jpg?v=1775053122"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/david-cook.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}