Reading Infidel in Indianapolis
Ayaan Hirsi Ali has an incredible story to tell. She is brutally honest with herself, her past, and her observations of the world around her. Infidel is the story of Ali's spiritual and political journey from a Muslim Somali household to democratic freedom in the West. I have not studied Islam as I should, so reading Infidel was somewhat of an eye-opener. "Reading Infidel in Indianapolis" is a reference to "Reading Lolita in Tehran" because after reading this memoir, I think it is a valuable book for American women to read, and to wake up to the abuse and suffering that their sex endures in other parts in the world. (But as Ali points out, Muslim women suffer everywhere and anywhere and that the West should recognize the violation of human rights in its own backyard.)
It was fascinating to see the beauty of Christianity through Ali's eyes, although she may not recognize it as that. As she encounters the Western world after her escape to Holland, she is amazed that an entire moral system can exist outside of Islam and comes to the conclusion that is is so much better than anything Islam can offer. Ali makes friends with a Christian woman and her observations on Christianity are worth noting.
Ellen and I had numerous conversations about her Christian beliefs. Her relationship with God seemed to be about dialogue and love, a striking contrast to the fear and submission I had been taught to show.According to Ali, Islam is concerned only with the future afterlife. Life on earth is a test, and if you pass, you earn your way to heaven. As Ali points out, with such a worldview, why do anything to improve life on earth? This is the reason she claims so many Muslim countries are in poverty - not because of politics, but because of theology. Ali witnesses the contrast in the Christian West where life on earth is valued.
I thought Infidel serves as a testimony to the freedom Christ brings. Like Ali saw herself, Christ is concerned with how we live our lives today, here and now. This is where sanctification lies; this is true freedom.
Labels: book review
2 Comments:
This sounds fascinating. I definitely want to read it at some point.
I think I'll go to the library and check that book out!
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