Across Centuries

I think this book was very helpful for learning the ethnic cultures of different parts of the world. Islam is a subject in the book--and this is the only textbook i have seen which has portrayed Islam as a good religion (which is true). If the people who say that islam is a violent they should go and research, because they dont have their facts straight!

Many reviewers were complaining that this textbook was teaching how Islam is better than Christiaity. I did not feel this way at all, even though I am an Atheist. The writers of this book wrote down facts about the histroy of the world, not opinions. It was simply comparing and contrasting the religions of Islam and Christianity. I gave this book 5 stars, because as a textbook (which it really is, NOT a religous-teaching book), it is excellent. It teaches many important FACTS about some of the greatest civilizations in the world. It also includes many well-constructed questions that allowed me to better understand the content of the textbook. For those who gave Across the Centuries 1/5 stars, please put your religous beliefs aside and read the textbook. I hope everyone will be able to realize that this textbook teaches about history, not religion.

A huge deal has been made about this book supposedly teaching Islam in public schools. Curious, I bought a copy of the book myself, and it does no such thing. I think people are upset because it doesn't say Islam is evil, or it doesn't say that it was spread by the sword. Islam has been misrepresented in public school textbooks for many, many years, so it's about time Islam was given a fair historical representation, especially in times like these where religious understanding is needed most. All thoughout the 2 chapters on Islam, the text is peppered with "Muslims believe" or "followers of Islam believe," making it crystal clear that the text is not endorsing any particular religious faith, it's just teaching about them. The Islamic and European empires influenced each other in many positive ways throughout history, and it's about time kids learned about it. Maybe someday nations of the world will stop thinking of each other as "Evil Empires" or "Great Satans," and see one another as they are--fellow human beings.

I agree with Karen D. Most of the intolerance in the world comes from not understanding the others. Hate is never the solution. Modern day schooling is supposed to encourage tolerance and exactly what our president is trying to do too! So, do buy this book!

This textbook has become the focus of an urban legend that's been apparently spawned by an ultra-conservative organization eager to make a name for itself. This book is the text for seventh-grade world history classes in California,and some far-wrong-wing sorts have taken great glee in spreading the word that it's somehow anti-Christian. It is clear that the previous reviewer did not read the book.I have. It's not perfect - and frankly, it leaves a lot out. But it's hardly an instruction book on "How to Be a Muslim." There are two chapters devoted to the birth and expansion of Islamic nations - two, among 18. In addition to history, the book discusses culture, belief systems, lifestyles and yes, religion - but it does NOT endorse any particular belief system.The book spends much more time, however, discussing European history, including the Crusades, which was hardly a proud moment for the Christian faith. However, the book also devotes time to discussing the Renaissance, Martin Luther, various European monarchies and other developments in Western civilization. It's important to note that California students focus on AMERICAN history in another class, and it appears that this book gives developments in our country short shrift in an attempt to avoid duplication. It's not the best book in the world - we supplement it heavily with other material - but somehow a group of small-minded bigots has decided to demonize it, and in the interests of fairness I can't allow the campaign of misinformation to go on. That would truly make me "outraged."(By the way, I teach in a PRIVATE religious school, and we use this text. Do a Google search, and you'll see that many private schools use this book as well.)