Root of All Evil: An Exposition Prejudice, Fundamentalism and Gender Imbalance

This title demonstrates that the essence of love and tolerance at the core of all religions, of all great traditions, is universal. It explores the roots of the world's evils in fundamentalism and patriarchy.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: In the beginning - stories of good and evil; Chapter 2: Violence in the name of one's God; Chapter 3: Who among us is chosen? Chapter 4: Tales of power and corruption - the collusion of religion and politics in the US; Chapter 5: Partitions and global conflict - further tales of politics and religion; Chapter 6: Armageddon or a new paradigm?

About the Author :
Sharon G. Mijares, PhD teaches Comparative Religions at the California Institute of Human Science and various Psychology courses at Chapman University. She has been a student of Christian mysticism for over 36 years and has spent the last 16 years studying Jesus' original Aramaic teachings. She is a member of the Sufi Ruhaniat International, and is ordained in its Universal Worship Service--honoring all the world's religious traditions. www.sharonmijares.com Aliaa Rafea, PhD is a noted Islamic and Egyptian scholar and faculty member at Ain Shams University. She was a visiting professor at RMWC in 2002. She comes from a long line of Sufi guides and is a descendent of the Prophet Muhammad. Her doctoral degree is in Anthropology. She authored and co-authored several books in Arabic and English, the latest of which is The Book of Essential Islam (Book Foundation 2005). She is a fellow of Society of Applied Anthropology, and a member in several international academic institutions. She is also a member in several NGOs in Egypt. Rachel Falik holds an MS. in Organizational Psychology, and has a special interest in intercultural dynamics. She was born and raised in Israel and served as a Lieutenant in the Israeli Air Force. She subsequently had a managerial career as a human resources specialist and currently lives in the US. Jenny Eda Schipper holds a Master's Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Duquesne University. She is a yoga teacher, a massage therapist and an artist, and is currently co-editing The Jewish Woman Muslim Woman in the 21st Century: Transcending Differences.

Review :
"This is a courageous book by a group of women of valor, who dared to cross a bridge that others shy away from. The book shows in a very convincing manner how one can fight the demonization of the 'Other'. Their answer is that through intimate dialog and unique collaboration, one can see the different shades of truth. This book serves as a guide to answer the 'God is on My side' argument that has been prevalent since 9/11. These women share humanistic values, and look into the deeper roots of mankind's tendency to repeat past mistakes and go on forever on a march of folly." -- David Michaelis, Founder LINK TV "The Root of All Evil is a profound exploration of how the repression of the feminine has caused great imbalances in our world. Few contemporary narratives have showcased with such clarity the conscious denial of the feminine over the course of time, and portrayed how urgent is the need to rediscover, draw out and strengthen the feminine in our world today. As we seek to address the critical problems facing the world community, a key factor will be our ability to reclaim the feminine energies that have long been repressed. As the authors of this important book have shown, this feminine power, present in both men and women, is essential for helping us progress toward a more balanced, loving and compassionate world community." -- Dena Merriam, Founder and Convener The Global Peace Initiative of Women "Compelling, deeply felt and personal-The Root of All Evil demonstrates as much as describes radical solutions for the problems caused by fear-based violence and exclusion in our world. Exemplifying the struggle between diverse points of view, yet demonstrating that cooperation is possible, this book "walks its talk." It is a must-read for those concerned about the deeper roots of fundamentalism, both religious and secular." -- Saadi Shakur Chishti (Neil Douglas-Klotz) co-author, The Tent of Abraham; author, The Sufi Book of Life The Root of All Evil is not bedside reading. It will provoke every one of its readers and will infuriate many of them. It takes on patriarchal societies, governments, and religions, documenting the malevolence of prejudice and gender imbalance from the Hindu caste system to the excesses of the Taliban. However, the book ends on a hopeful note, allowing the authors to tell their stories, accounts of how they transcended their cultural conditioning to bring love, harmony, and egalitarianism into their corners of this tattered, male-dominated, world. -- Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-editor, The Psychological Effects of War Trauma on Civilians: An International Perspective "Perfect timing for a book that carries us to the realm of heart, while exposing the root causes that separate us, as one human family. This highly informative text is masterfully blended between feminine perspective and cultural prejudice; patriarchy and politics; faith and fundamentalism; spirituality and science. The uniqueness of the book is manifested through its epilogue which offers a forum to the authors of diverse cultures and faiths to honestly reflect on their personal selves and upbringings that shaped their world views. Their agreement to disagree with each other on critical issues of concern has added a fascinating and healing dimension." -- Sharmin Ahmad (Reepi), author, The Rainbow in a Heart; Consultant: Peace Education, and Interfaith Dialogue "The reader interested in how four women coming from different disciplines, cultures, and religious traditions can collaborate on a highly emotional and controversial topic will find much to relish in this book." -- Patricia L. Wolleat PsycCRITIQUES "The authors have written a well-intentioned book. They address several contemporary concerns that will interest readers from varied ethnic and educational backgrounds ... they ... manage to provoke thoughtful consideration of possible solutions to the harmful divisions in the world." -- Carolyn Merchant Metapsychology