Review – Racing Toward Armageddon
The Three Great Religions and the Plot to End the World
Oct 4, 2009
According to current estimates, 33% of the world identifies itself as Christian, 21% Islam, and .22% Jewish. All three religions believe in Armageddon, the end of life as it is currently known. And all three expect Jerusalem to play a major role in the final days of the world. But how are these attitudes impacting life today? Are powerful men and women influenced by these ideas? And in what direction would they turn the world if they do? In Racing Toward Armageddon, author Michael Baigent attempts to answer some of those questions.
A New Look at Israel as a Nation
Michael Baigent, obviously, covers the formation of Israel as a nation and the war that followed. However, he also brings out the inside view of the war- exactly how close were the Israelites to attacking the Dome of the Rock? The reader also learns about the red heifer- the belief that the reformation of the Temple can only occur after a perfect red heifer without a blemish is born- and the active steps that some in Israel are taking everyday to see the "New Jerusalem" as a reality.
A New Look at the Christian Fundamentalists
The rapture, an idea that has captivated millions of Christians, is revealed as a new concept in Christianity. The source of this idea will be a shock to many readers. Breaking down the ideas that fed into the Rapture and attacking the current fundamentalist leaders who are propagating the idea, Baigent should cause all readers to take a second look at their own beliefs. The fundamentalist Christians also believe that Jerusalem plays a vital role in Armageddon, and that Israel must be protected. With a large percentage of Americans identifying themselves as fundamentalist, is this impacting U.S. foreign policy?
A New Look at Islam
Islam is one of the most mis-understood religions in the Western World right now. Michael Baigent breaks down the divides in Islam, explaining how the different factions have different beliefs, and how those beliefs affect the world we all live in. He also tied in the last of the three "great religions" and how they also "need" Jerusalem for their Armageddon.
About the Author Michael Baigent
Born in New Zealand in 1948, he graduated from Canterbury University, Christchurch, with a bachelor's degree in psychology and from the University of Kent, England with a master's degree in mysticism and religious experience. He is also author of From the Omens of Babylon, Ancient Traces, and The Jesus Papers, the last of which was a New York Times Bestseller. He co-authored Holy Blood, Holy Grail, and The Messianic Legacy, The Temples and the Lodge, The Dead Sea Scrolls Deception, Secret Germany, The Elixir and the Stone, and The Inquisition (with different co-authors). Along with being on the New York Times Bestseller List, his books have often been international bestsellers as well.
His open-mindedness is clear in all of his writings. He is direct and honest when questioned about proof for the mysterious child of Jesus and Mary Magdalene: "There's none whatsoever – that’s purely hypothesis on our part – but I think it's a plausible hypothesis - that the Holy Grail is the bloodline of David – and if Jesus and Mary Magdalene had been married and she was pregnant with this child – "yes, she would have carried the Grail to France" – and I think this is the way that we need to look at this material – Is it true? I don't know – Is it plausible? Yes." He stated this during a 2005 British documentary that aired in February 2005.
In Racing Toward Armageddon: The Three Great Religions and the Plot to End the World, Michael Baigent uses his excellent education and knowledge to provide a wide-screen view into the real state of the world today. It's a provocative and exciting read. From the first to the last, Michael Baigent unravels the mysteries of the religions that are affecting world policy today. He also takes a straight-on look at the extremist edge that some factions of all three religions are dragging the rest of the world to. All reader's should walk away from the book well-informed of the situation the world is in, and be left asking themselves the vital question, "What can I do to help change this?"
Racing Toward Armegeddon: The Three Great Religions and the Plot to End the World. by: Michael Baigent. c 2009. Harpoer Collins Publishing. ISBN 9780061363184
Statistics provided and checked by consulting the following sources:
adherents.com, religioustolerance.org, and scribd.com
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