Boyd Patterson, assistant district attorney, has released a new book, The Spiritual Foundation of Islamic Terrorism.
Mr. Patterson has a long background and professional interest in criminal motive. He has Bachelor's and Master's degrees in psychology and he counseled delinquent youth for two years. As Chattanooga's Gang Task Force coordinator, he implemented many anti-gang initiatives to address the underlying motivations driving kids to join street gangs.
Earlier this year Mr. Patterson published "Evolutionary Emotional Intelligence for Social Workers: Status and the Psychology of Group Violence," which addresses the common biological drives motivating adolescents to join Jihadi groups, street gangs and Neo-Nazi organizations.
"The Spiritual Foundation of Islamic Terrorism" is a short book that also examines criminal motive.
"Winning this battle requires an understanding of what motivates our enemies," said Mr. Patterson. "Two things need to happen. First, non-Muslims need to pick up the Quran and read the verses that seem to support acts of violence. Second, it's time for the Muslims who condemn terrorism to step forward and provide nonviolent and/or modern day explanations for these verses, if possible.
"The book was intended to facilitate this painful but necessary dialogue between Muslims and non-Muslims. I believe this dialogue will eventually allow us to overcome our enemies, together as Americans."
A free PDF version of the book is available here. Readers can go to Amazon.com to purchase a hard copy or Kindle version.
All author proceeds from Amazon sales will go to the 7-16 Freedom Fund, which supports families of those affected by the July 16 shootings in Chattanooga.
There will be a town hall discussion at the downtown library Monday, Nov. 30, from 6-7:30 p.m. Mr. Patterson will present information from his book and ask local Muslim community leader Bassam Issa to respond.
Readers may send comments and feedback to boyd@boydpatterson.com