The twelfth Imam

Joel Rosenberg's novel teaches much about the eschatology of Shiite Islam and the profound implications those teachings hold for political stability in the region and the world. Set primarily in Iran, the book follows the American chase for information concerning rumored nuclear weapons-making capabilities. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the desire for nuclear war centers around a messianic character known as the Twelfth Imam, who appears at different times to throw around a few miracles for the benefit of the gullible, a group which unfortunately includes the leaders of Iran. The Christian Gospel is presented clearly in this book as well as quotations from the Bible made appropriately and within proper context. Review by J.David Knepper at