By former U.S. Congressman Mark D. Siljander — the book that chronicles the beginnings of TRAC5 and the discoveries behind faith-based diplomacy.
A Deadly Misunderstanding chronicles former Congressman Mark Siljander's journey from confrontation to bridge-building — and the linguistic, scriptural, and personal discoveries that became the foundation of TRAC5's faith-based diplomacy.
Packed with ground-breaking research on the Semitic languages of the Abrahamic faiths, the book reveals common ground long buried beneath generations of mistrust.
A short introduction to the book — what it argues, why it matters, and how it came to be.
"His book offers a blueprint for breaking this logjam of dissension that contributes to so much conflict today."
"Mark Siljander's belief that ancient 'holy books' have been mistranslated and that warring factions don't really know what they are fighting about is the most fascinating proposition I've read since Muslims, Jews and Christians started killing each other nearly two millennia ago. It warrants serious study and detailed analysis."
"I have experienced first-hand the strategy underlying Mark's book: that loving our enemies has the power to counter the threat of religious extremism."
"This courageous and groundbreaking work represents the culmination of many years of tireless effort, painstaking research, and travels to dangerous corners of the world. An important book that should be read by people on both sides of the Muslim-Christian divide."
"Christians and Muslims have been in dialogue with one another from the very beginnings of Islam. In A Deadly Misunderstanding, Mark Siljander has highlighted one of the most exciting areas of contemporary research in Jewish/Christian/Muslim relations: the healing of memories through the historical recall of shared origins."
"Thank God for peacemakers like Mark Siljander, who are working for mutual understanding and respect. Christians who read A Deadly Misunderstanding will gain insight not only into Islam but into the way of Jesus as well. They'll find themselves unable to put the book down: it's a real page-turner, and its message is revolutionary."
"This is an extraordinary and revolutionary book. I am convinced that Congressman Siljander's approach can truly change enemies into friends. While reading, I could not stop my tears on many occasions."
"This exceptional and inspirational work reveals the possibility of firm conviction and non-exclusive faith that enables a person to approach 'the other' with open arms and become a bridge between two worlds."
"I couldn't put it down, and finished it in one sitting. A unique gift to people of deep faith and good will — a potent antidote to the prevailing deadly misunderstanding that threatens to envelope us all."
"To have a man of his background, a religious conservative who still affirms his faith and stand, write such a book is nothing less than astounding. Extremely well researched and the product of enormous thought. This book demands to be read."
"His book teaches us how to transform barriers into bridges and promote respect and understanding between Muslim and Christian believers. I would like to recommend this powerful book to Muslims, Christians, Jews, and to all the faithful concerned about the safety of our planet and the wellness of the human family."
"A superb work of passion, reason and devotion that could have great impact in building bridges between societies, nations and faiths. Connecting Gospel and Qur'an via Aramaic is absolutely brilliant — a roadmap to peel through issues that are not only spiritual but also religious, political and civilizational."
The complete audiobook of A Deadly Misunderstanding, free to listen to in full. If it moves you, share it with someone who needs it — that's all we ask.
