How does a secular Jew from a hippie town in
His surprising journey began after a friendship with a moderate Muslim led Gartenstein-Ross to convert. A job with Al-Haramain, a Saudi-funded Islamic charity later indicted by the FBI, led him into radical Islam. Now a Christian and counter-terrorism expert, Gartenstein-Ross talked with Beliefnet about the attractions of extreme faith, the challenges of creating an authentic moderate faith, and why he still respects Islam.
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Raised by liberal Jewish parents, Gartenstein-Ross constantly searched for spirituality. A college friendship with a moderate Muslim brought him to a Sufi-inspired form of Islam. Watch » |
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In his search for faith, Gartenstein-Ross came to the conclusion that faith wasn't about what he wanted from God, but what God wanted from him. Watch » |
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A job with Al-Haramain, a Saudi-funded Islamic charity, soon tested his resolve to be a moderate Muslim. Faced with constant questioning by his co-workers, his radical conversion began. Watch » |
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Sitting on his prayer mat, Gartenstein-Ross began to pray for Muslims doing "jihad" in their fight against "infidels" around the world. Now his position in radical Islam was strengthening. Watch » |
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When his radical cohorts wouldn't accept him until Gartenstein-Ross proved his loyalty, he made a personal sacrifice. Watch » |
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As he got deeper into radical Islam, his personal views of what Islam should be--the Islam practiced by his old college friend--troubled Gartenstein-Ross. Watch » |
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'The Convert Converts' The events of 9/11 coupled with an inner struggle led Gartenstein-Ross to make a break from radical Islam, become a Christian, and turn informant for the FBI. So does he have any regrets? Watch » |
