Where God Was Born

“Feiler brings to life the birth moment of Western faith and seeks to use the past to understand the present climate of religious extremism.”—Washington Post At a time when America debates its values and the world braces for religious war, Bruce Feiler travels 10,000 miles through the heart of the Middle East—Israel, Iraq, and Iran—and examines the question: Is Religion Tearing Us Apart . . . Or Can it Bring Us Together? Where God Was Born combines the adventure of a wartime chronicle, the excitement of an archaeological detective story, and the insight of personal spiritual exploration. Taking readers to biblical sites not seen by Westerners for decades, Feiler’s journey uncovers little-known details about the common roots of Judiasm, Christianity, and Islam, affirms the importance of the Bible in today’s world, and offers a rare, universal vision of God that can inspire different faiths into a united allegiance of hope. This unforgettable exploration into the heart of the world’s three major faiths reveals: The Birthplace of Faith: A 10,000-mile journey on foot, by jeep, and by helicopter to the lands where the Old Testament was born—Israel, Iraq, and Iran. A Wartime Chronicle: Navigate the flashpoints of modern religious conflict, from active warzones to ancient ruins, to ask if faith is tearing us apart or can bring us together. Common Roots of Abrahamic Religions: An archaeological detective story that takes readers to biblical sites unseen by Westerners for decades, uncovering the shared heritage of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Faith, Extremism, and Hope: A rare and universal vision of God that challenges religious extremism and offers a united allegiance of hope for the world's great faiths.