ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. The book begins with the image of a garden that will serve to illuminate the relationship between monotheistic faith, reason, and violence. The garden more generally is a special place where human reason can make whatever arrangements it will, not only in placement of the flora but in the economic use made of the garden, to provide food or to sell its produce for income. The problematic aspect of the garden image becomes apparent, however, when it is extended to a universal image of what monotheistic believers must attempt in the fulfillment of their religious duty. Attempts to replicate the Garden of Eden as a preserved society of true religious believers have always been problematic, because they are defensive in nature. In the beginning of the Third Millennium, monotheistic religious belief will have to become a worldwide missionary endeavor rather than a wall-building enterprise.
