How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too)

By: David Goldman

Narrated by: Tom Weiner

Past and present civilizations failed and fail for many reasons, but the number-one predictor of a civilization’s survival is its sense of religion—or lack thereof. So argues First Things columnist David Goldman in How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too).

The strength of a civilization’s religion affects its purpose, its fertility rate, and ultimately, its fate, says Goldman—who then argues that, contrary to popular belief, Islamic countries are in the last throes of death while Christian America is in a position to flourish. Goldman goes on to say that America must embrace our exceptionalism and stop trying to save Muslim countries that are determined to destroy themselves.

Original, stunning, and provocative, How Civilizations Die shows the power of religion to save—or doom—a society and why, if we stick to our principles, we will emerge as leader of another American century.

©2011 David P. Goldman (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"David Goldman muses on population trends and religion with a breathtaking depth, originality, and panache." (Daniel Pipes, president of the Middle East Forum)

Worldviews matter

What did you love best about How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too)?

Sometimes it is necessary to explain the obvious. Anti-human campaigns,such as zero population growth, have consequences that should be obvious, but unfortunately aren't understood until it's too late.

The good news is that Christians who understand the biblical command to be fruitful and multiply are mankind's hope.

The narcissistic, short-sighted, me-centered reap what they sow: few children, and an end to their way of life, necessarily.

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He read it with emphasis seemingly born of empathy. Very effective.

If you could give How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too) a new subtitle, what would it be?

Worldviews Matter

Any additional comments?

Buy it. Read (listen to) it. Believe it. It's obvious.

Want to know how the world really works? A must

If you could sum up How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too) in three words, what would they be?

Humans abandon truth

What was one of the most memorable moments of How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too)?

The realization that we can't ignore fundamental truths

Have you listened to any of Tom Weiner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

N/A

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Guaranteed to make you sick

Any additional comments?

History can be interpreted many ways, but few if any interpretations make as much sense as this work.

Meh

Some interesting points, but short-sighted at times. Author draws narrow and unimaginative conclusiones from these points. Author sneaks in the "Obama is a secret muslim" myth, which was frankly annoying.
Nevertheless, well worth the listen.

A must read for any American

What made the experience of listening to How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too) the most enjoyable?

story content

What was one of the most memorable moments of How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too)?

Hope for our future

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

emphasis

If you could give How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too) a new subtitle, what would it be?

Beyond stereo type

Any additional comments?

Our young people need to understand why a young person in another country would

Great overview of world history in 9 hours

After listening to this book, a lot of the events and situations you see on the news will come into clearer focus and understanding for you.

Great but too detailed.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Very intersting concepts that I had never been exposed to. I always thought that the Islamic world was exploding in growth such that in a century or so they would take over the world due to sheer numbers. This book offers facts that destroy that belief.

Any additional comments?

The author appears to want his readers/listenters to be fully informed. But for the average person, this book could have been half as long and it still would have provided significant information.

Good book but...

If the premise is based on the want to live forever. I surmise that the authors biased or sub conscious fear of death is projected on the entire work. However, the evidence was solid and the logic was sound. It is a good axis of explanation, but should not be taken as a certainty or absolute.

informetive new point of view on demografic

the only problem i think it enter to deep into politic. I would prefere to hear more on the demografic issue. so the first half of the book is much better.

Insightful Treatment of Feared Topic

As the US fills with self-centered young adults more concerned with their own immediate gratification and self-actualisation than with the altruistic and deeply meaningful task of forming and raising a family, Goldman holds a stark mirror in front of our faces to show us what we look like, whom we resemble, and what our future is.

Ideas I Have Never Heard Before!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely! Every human being should read this book -- especially our leaders. I consider myself a well-read, well-informed person; but, David Goldman presents ideas I've never heard before. These past eight months, I've gone from knowing almost nothing about Islam to being our local expert. Then I listened to Mr. Goldman! Wow! To say the least, I was blown away! Please, move beyond your prejudices, the reader (dull), the style (dry); and listen to what the man is saying. My God, if only half of what he is saying is true, it's game-changing truth! Population explosion? Absolutely not! Islam taking over the world? No way. The importance of faith? All important! Who are the real world-changers? See that mother over there with four kids. Go tell her, "Thank you for saving America!" I consider this a land-mark book.

What did you like best about this story?

Author Goldman's mind sweeps across history, culture, and disciplines with the cleaving gusto of a swinging broadsword. I like that. He attacks, thrusts, parleys, and destroys the conventional, the sacred, and the politically correct. If you'd like a fresh and unconventional look into the future, read Goldman.

What does Tom Weiner bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I wanted Tom to get more excited, to raise his voice, to drive home the point with vigor. However, having listened to the book three times, I came to appreciate Tom's dignified and measured cadence, his matter-of-fact approach. Tom let the words speak their powerful messages without getting in their way. I commend him for his studied presentation.

If you could give How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too) a new subtitle, what would it be?

How Civilizations Die (and Why What Your Grandmother Believes Is Saving America)

Any additional comments?

I am hungry for more. The more I reflect on this book, the more questions I have. Each chapter begs to be another whole book. If this truly is what is going to happen, how do we deal with it? How do we save the Arab world from Islam, and what do we give them to replace it? Again, what exactly is it about evangelical faith that produces fertility? Might it be possible that person-to-person relationships between Western and Arab women can and will save the planet? I need the sequel.