Author Urges Social Media Prayer Pledges as 10th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks Approaches

Contact: Ty Mays, 770-256-8710; Press kit available @ www.denisonforum.org/newsroom

DALLAS, Aug. 31, 2011 /Standard Newswire/ -- "Radical Islam: What You Need to Know," the latest book by author, educator and cultural apologist, Dr. Jim Denison, is now available at Christian bookstores and major bookseller websites across America.

As the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist acts approaches, Denison invites Christian readers to download a complimentary daily devotional and prayer guide, "Redeeming 9/11: Building God's Kingdom Today." He also invites readers to share via Twitter or the Denison Forum's Facebook wall their Prayer Pledge to engage spiritually in praying for our country. 

"The global threat posed by radical Islam is greater than on Sept. 11, 2001," Denison said. "For every militant who dies in jihad, a thousand others seek to avenge his -- or her -- death.

"This book is a primer that tells Westerners what they need to know about this threat, why radical Muslims still hate us and what we can do about it."

Cost is $13.99 for "Radical Islam: What You Need to Know," which is distributed by Wesscott Marketing. The book is available as a trade paperback at www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, www.Christianbook.com, Parable Stores, Munce Stores, LifeWay Stores, via Ingram and Spring Arbor Distributors, independent Christian booksellers, and www.denisonforum.org.

The "Redeeming 9/11" devotional and prayer guide, available at www.denisonforum.org, contains thought-provoking examples from current events that tie into inspirational lessons from history and the Bible, all of which illustrate God's sovereignty, redemptive purpose in suffering and faithfulness to his people. The booklet concludes with a hope-filled call to join the Fifth Great Awakening spiritual movement sweeping the world today. Denison's commentary, "Redeeming 9/11 on our knees," (www.dftc.co/911prayerpledge) offers guidance on how to use the prayer guide and how to participate in the Prayer Pledge.

As America prepares for the 10th anniversary of Sept. 11, Denison asks Christians to pledge their prayers for our country. Those wishing to participate in the 9/11 Prayer Pledge may post their prayers on Twitter using the #911prayerpledge hashtag or on the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DenisonForum.

Denison cites Ephesians 6:12 as his reason for including spiritual engagement among suggested strategies for fighting the war on terror. He asks Christians reading his book to join him in daily prayer that Muslims will find hope in Christ. "The Bible says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms," Denison says.

"Radical Islam: What You Need to Know" (ISBN 978-0-9837857-1-2) begins with a look at Osama bin Laden, the Al Qaeda leader killed in May in a U.S. Special Forces raid in Pakistan, and examines the ramifications of bin Laden's death, including whether it was just. The book goes on to explain what distinguishes radical Islam from the rest of the Muslim world and addresses basic questions: "Where was God on 9/11?" and "How Do We Win This War?"

Denison briefly touches on basic Muslim beliefs before focusing on the two tenets that distinguish radical Islam. First, extremists contend the West has been attacking Islam since the Crusades and especially by supporting Israel. Since the Qur'an requires Muslims to defend Islam, jihadists believe they are required to attack us. Second, radical Muslims believe all Westerners are complicit in the ongoing siege of Islam because we elect our leaders and support our military. In their minds, killing us is defending Islam.

Faced with this worldview, Denison writes, both Christians and secular Westerners must act. He offers practical ideas on how to handle the threat, including praying for Muslims and supporting Christians from Muslim backgrounds.

Chapter 1 on bin Laden and his death, along with Dr. Denison's cultural commentary subscription, are available at www.denisonforum.org.

"Radical Islam" is the first in the "Unlocking the Truth" series of books offering a spiritual perspective on key cultural issues facing America. Denison is also the author of six books, including the most recent, "Wrestling with God: How Can I Love a God I'm Not Sure I Can Trust?" by Tyndale House Publishers.  

James C. Denison, Ph.D., is an author, educator and cultural apologist, building a bridge between faith and culture by engaging contemporary issues with historical, scientific and biblical truth. He founded the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture (DFTC) in February 2009 and writes for The Dallas Morning News, contributing weekly to the "Texas Faith Forum." He currently serves on the board of the Baylor Health Care System and as chair of the advisory board for Dallas Baptist University. Denison is former senior pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas.

Denison's daily cultural commentary is made available worldwide to thousands of subscribers at www.denisonforum.org/cultural-commentary. His faith perspective sheds light on topics ranging from same-sex marriage, to bioethics, to the recent turmoil in the financial markets.

Connect with the Denison Forum on Twitter @JimDenison (www.twitter.com/JimDenison) and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DenisonForum. For more information, visit www.denisonforum.org.

To schedule an interview with Denison, contact Ty Mays at 770-256-8710 or tmays@inchristcommunications.com.