Reviews (148)

The Beginning of a Needed Dialog
This book is one of the most interesting summaries of the need for a dialog on what religion has brought us.Whether you are a believer or not, this short, concise and well written book will hopefully be a stimulant for assessing what one believes in the face of overwhelming pressure to subscribe to one religion or another.It is a calling for accountability for in how we live our lives, and not to "give it up" as they say to a higher being - as if you were an actor on a stage.This book will also lead you to question whether religion has brought more suffering to the world or less.

Harris tries to be brief, but misses
91 pages and you're done.Sam Harris does his best to get to the point: Christianity is false and everyone should stop believing it right now.
Oh, the irony
God, save me from your followers. And while you're at it save me from their equally intolerant detractors. These people cry out for an end to religion because it is bigoted and intolerant, but they have no problem with their own intolerance or calls for an end to free speech. They would overturn the First Amendment if they had their way. I wonder what would come next, midnight arrests at the homes of believers?
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Subjects:  1. Christianity    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Pop Culture Issues    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    5. Christianity - History - Social Issues    6. Christianity and politics    7. Church and state    8. Fundamentalism    9. Religion    10. Religion - Christian Life    11. Religion And Politics    12. Religion, Politics & State    13. United States    14. Current Events / General   

Reviews (12)

Important Revelations!
"Tempting Faith" begins with Kuo's early life, his accepting Christianity, and gaining credibility through working for Bill Bennett, Ralph Reed, John Ashcroft, Bob Dole, and Pat Robertson.
Excellent, Balanced
It's hard to imagine, but after all the author went through with this administration, the author still seemed in awe of Pres. Bush.I expected the anger of someone who felt he'd been betrayed, but instead, criticism seemed downplayed and it was simply compelling story of the author's hopes and his realization that he'd taken the wrong route to achieve them.I definitely recommend it.

Who cares ifthey "like" us?

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Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    2. Christianity and politics    3. Church And Government    4. Church and state    5. Government - Executive Branch    6. Government - National    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion - Socialissues    10. Religion And Politics    11. Religion, Politics & State    12. Religious right    13. United States    14. Religion / Church & State   

Reviews (7)

you shall love your neighbor as yourself
Danforth follows the teachings of Jesus in this moderate and sensible discussion of the extremes theocons go to in following an badly distorted religion that has little to do with NT Christianity.Danforth makes the point much less emphatically than that, always willing to give evangelicals more than the benefit of the doubt. Nevertheless, the gun-totin' execution-advocatin'tax-hatin' theocons bear no resemblance to the Jesus of the bible who advised against using weapons, stopped an execution, and in Lukehas only hard words for the rich and those who pursue wealth.
Where's the Democrat Doing the Same?
In terms of extreme partisanship, Danforth has nailed the problems with the modern Republican Party on the head.The greatest confusion on this issue, however, rests in the assumption that the most vociferous opponents of the Republicans are somehow different.They are fanatical too, and in a profoundly quasi-religious way. Righteousness is now at the core of both party bases.
Politics and Faithyness
In 1909, G.K. Chesterton recognized the danger of Episcopalianism ceasing to be a religion without ceasing to be a church.Mr. Danforth, who publicly dons the mantle of credibility as a former Episcopalian clergyman, seems to be a perfect example of this unfortunate decline.The kernel is gone but he clings to the shell.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    4. Political Process - Political Parties    5. Political Science    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Religion And Politics    9. Religion, Politics & State    10. United States    11. Political Science / Political Parties   

Reviews (113)

Informative but casts too wide a net.
Bruce Bawer's book is informative and covers quite a lot of ground in its description of the insidious nature of radical Islam in Europe and how the political elite are more enamoured with political power over a propagandised electorate instead of applying themselves to the defence of freedom. But that is what European style government is all about despite the contemporary terrorism of radical Islam, and is--like democracy--the antithesis of freedom.
While Europe Slept: How Radical Islam is Destroying the West
Hardly a more timely subject can be found.Perhaps long overdue, if you want to educate and inform yourself about what is really going on behind the press headlines, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Thoughtful, but exaggerates Europe's fate
Having lived in Europe for a few years, I can safely say that the extreme liberal PC policies of "Sure! Anyone can live here!" mentality towards immigration have lead to a dangerously large anti-European Muslim population. This will be a large issue for the continent in the current century, but is Europe going to become part of a monstrous Islamic Calliphate? Highly doubtful
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Emigration & Immigration    3. Europe    4. Islam - General    5. Islamic Government    6. Islamic Studies    7. Islamic fundamentalism    8. Muslims    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Political Freedom & Security - International Secur    11. Public Opinion And Foreign Policy    12. Public Policy - Social Policy    13. Public opinion    14. Religion    15. Religion, Politics & State    16. Sociology    17. Political Science / Social Policy   

Reviews (149)

Everything Wrong with the Radical Right
This is an excellent book that deeply explores the history and politics of America's oil addiction, and how it is enslaving the U.S. to foreign countries. If you care about American democracy and America's independence, you will read this book.
Pretty good, but....
I agreed with much of this book.thought by the Title it would primarily be about the dangers of religion in politics. However, it seems the author thinks "radical secularism" is almost as bad as fundamentalism. It does paint a bleak picture of the future of America. Another problem was it was a bit boring at some points. Finally, a critique I have of quite a few books I have read recently. Authors, PLEASE stop using endnotes! They are very difficult to look up! Either (perferably) use footnotes (at the bottom of the page) or put notes at the end of each chapter.

A Missed Opportunity
Kevin Phillips picked a worthy set of topics but unfortunately, his diagnosis misses the boat.He tries to suggest that oil dependence, (Christian) religious fundamentalism and what he calls the "financialization" of the American economy hold great peril for the United States.He is right that the nation faces peril, but his preference to engage in feel good populism rather than truly identify policies and attitudes that put the nation at risk weakens his message.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Conservatism    3. Government - National    4. Government - U.S. Government    5. International Relations - General    6. Petroleum    7. Petroleum industry and trade    8. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    9. Political Science    10. Political aspects    11. Politics / Current Events    12. Politics/International Relations    13. Religion And Politics    14. United States    15. Political Science / Government / National   

Reviews (50)

Most depressing book I have read in a long time
Phillips nails it. And it's coming here to a city near you.

Bilious rant spoils otherwise thoughtful and penetrating analysis
The first thing that strikes one about Melanie Phillips' impassioned broadside against radical Islam run amok is its cover (UK edition). A snapshot from the anti-Danish cartoons protest in London shows 20-month old Farisa Jihad sporting `I Love Al-Qaeda' headgear while the angry features of one keffiyeh-clad demonstrator grace the upper part of the picture. It is a poignant image of innocence soon to evaporate, the first steps of an apprenticeship in hate watched over and encouraged by the representatives of a fanatical ideology who, Phillips argues, too easily find quarter in our midst and do so at our peril.
The birth process of Islamic Fundamentalism in London
This book expertly describes how and why the Muslim community within London gives birth to a group of radical men whom go on to committ terror throughout the world. The author questions why England has not confronted these sects more head on without the worry of insulting Muslems. An interesting and worthy point is one that indicates that living in England does not give anyone the right to denounce the goverment to the point ofproclaiming death to the goverment officials. Maybe its time to send these people back to the 'war torn' areas from which they came from and allow them to express their 'freedoms' and collect ' state financial aid' there. This point is raised and the reader has the option of agreeing or not. The best thing about this book is that it was written and demands that action be taken place to quell an uprising taking place. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Government policy    2. Great Britain    3. International Relations - General    4. Islam    5. Islamic Studies    6. Muslims    7. Political Freedom & Security - Terrorism    8. Political Science    9. Political Terrorism    10. Politics / Current Events    11. Politics/International Relations    12. Religion, Politics & State    13. Terrorism    14. Non-Classifiable   

Editorial Review

Secular liberals and religious conservatives will find things to both comfort and alarm them in Jim Wallis's Read more

Reviews (196)

Not nonpartisan
Wallis pitches his book as an attempt to show that Christians can be Democrats or Republicans, or whatever presumably.Here, he is correct.He also pitches his argument as being nonpartisan. Here, he is mistaken; it doesn't take too long to figure out his idea of nonpartisan is liberal Democrat.

WELL WRITTEN BLATHER
Although well written, this book is just left wing socialist blather. Most egregiously in error is the author's characterization of Catholic social teaching. He wuld have us believe that the Catholic Church is all behind the US social welfare system. Just one quote summarizes where the Catholic Church really is on this issue:
finding common ground in higher ground
jim wallis' book "God's politics: why the right gets it wrong and the left doesn't get it" offers a great response to many major issues that our country is grappling with these days. wallis convicts both republicans and democrats and speaks with a surprising level of urgency and candor. he reminds the reader that God is neither a republican or a democrat, that He doesn't want you to vote partisan but according to your highest ideals, and that yes, He definitely HATES war, torture, and injustice. some conservative critics complain that he wants to make all Christians into democrats and start a socialist movement, but it's actually very clear from reading the first few pages that this isn't true. no matter how you vote and no matter what your faith, it's an insightful read that bucks all the party lines and encourages those who want to vote from the heart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Christian Life - General    2. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Social Issues    4. Christianity and politics    5. Religion    6. Religion - Christian Life    7. Religion And Politics    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. United States    10. Religion / Church & State   

Reviews (59)

An Insightful Look at Religion in US politics and History
Jon Meacham has written yet another fine book that gives some real meaning to the phrase "Seperation of Church and state.His look at the Institutional religion of the Founders is very insightful and full of meaning in the current religious/ political controversies.Recommended.

Great - quick overview of religous thought in American politics
Well balanced with sources well referenced. Great glimpse into the thoughts of many of the people that of have shaped our Democracy. Very brief discussions covering the pre-Revolution thinking through the Reagan era.
American Gospel:God, the Founding Fathers, and the aking of a Nation
Intelligent,informed, and intelectually honest ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. History    3. History - U.S.    4. History Of Religion (General)    5. National characteristics, American    6. Religion    7. Religion and politics    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. U.S. History - Revolution And Confederation (1775-1789)    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. United States - Revolutionary War    13. History / United States / General   

Reviews (17)

A message for our time
I only have one thing to add to the other reviews about this book and it is this; I really believe that this is a message the Holy Spirit is sending out to the Church in different ways these days. I hope we will have ears to hear.
Good News (For a Change)
In The Myth of a Christian Nation, Boyd makes a direct challenge to those who call themselves Christians but have adopted Caesar (worldly) attitudes and tactics in a wrongheaded and tragic attempt to bring about the kingdom of God in America.The attempt is wrongheaded because, "[Christian] power to speak into people's lives and into the culture has never been given by Caesar, and it therefore can't be taken away by Caesar.Civil religion worries about such things, but not the kingdom of God."182."You can no more have a Christian worldly government than you can have a Christian petunia or aardvark."54
Underdeveloped
In starting, I'd like to say that I really wanted to like this book.The title itself its appealing, and to an extent, I agree with some of Boyd's comments.But as much as I would have liked to nod my head in agreement through and through as I read the book, it turned out that I simply could not do so.
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Subjects:  1. Christian conservatism    2. Christianity - Christian Life - General    3. Christianity - Christian Life - Political Issues    4. Christianity - Evangelism    5. Evangelicalism    6. Kingdom of God    7. Religion    8. Religion - Christian Life    9. Religion And Politics    10. Religion, Politics & State    11. United States    12. Christian Interest    13. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (27)

Briliant Mind
This is a Woman who knows what she is up against, and if she does not, she's not afraid to learn.
Great History of the Middle East
Mrs Albright has a strong grasp of Middle Eastern history as well as Islam. A good quick read by a very moderate voice.

reflections on the differentiators
A very thought-provoking book,especially in this day of US-backed aggression in various MidEast hotspots.Unusual in its very reflective stance from one who played an important part in these affairs at one point.Excellent.
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Subjects:  1. Foreign relations    2. Government - U.S. Government    3. International Relations - Diplomacy    4. Political Science    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Politics/International Relations    7. Religion and international affairs    8. Religion, Politics & State    9. U.S. - Contemporary Politics    10. U.S. Foreign Relations    11. United States    12. Political Science / International Relations / Diplomacy   

Editorial Review

Even at his most irate, Jimmy Carter projects cool, communicating with a poise that commands attention while gently signaling to opponents that they better do their homework before mounting any sort of debate. Perhaps that's why the former president, Nobel Peace Prize-winner, and bestselling author ranks as one of the planet's most respected voices in the areas of human rights, diplomacy, and good government. And when a clearly agitated Carter suggests America is on a slippery slope, globally speaking, as he does throughout Read more

Reviews (246)

A bit disappointing
Even though I am biased towards Jimmy, I was a little disappointed by this book.While some sections are very succinct and Jimmy is clearly writing from the heart, for $15 one would expect a little more analysis and explanation of the major issues of the day.

An important book for our times
I bought this book from the UK amazon under the title Faith & Freedom. It is an eye-opening account of how religious fundamentalists have managed to leave the impact of their worst attitudes of intolerance, self-righteousness, and belligerence on American domestic and foreign politics, something that concerns me as a UK citizen, because that which significantly affects the most powerful country on the planet is liable to have repercussions elsewhere. But after its eye-opening, soberingcontent, the book ends with a more gracious tone, encouraging Americans to return to a renewed commitment towards their own best ideals in a way that is reflected in the country's dealings with the rest of the world. May this happen, else America's reputation could undergo irreversible damage. Hopefully this excellent book will exert a wide and good influence. Highly recommended.

An accurate, honest and true account of the state of our country.
Absolutely the best non-fiction book-on-dvd I've ever listened to. President Carter gives an accurate and honest account of the political, social and physical changes currently dividing the American society under this current administration. I remember as a young girl hearing a White House biographer say that it would be years after President Carter's administration that we would appreciate his intelligence and the contributions he made to peace and the strength of the nation. I think this book brings that prediction to fruition. What a shame that we don't have a leader who cares about the future of the country and the people's well being.
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Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Christianity and politics    3. Church And Social Problems    4. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    5. Government - U.S. Government    6. Philosophy    7. Political    8. Politics / Current Events    9. Presidents & Heads of State    10. Public Policy - General    11. Religion And Politics    12. Religion, Politics & State    13. Religious    14. Religious fundamentalism    15. Social values    16. Sociology    17. United States    18. 21st century    19. Christian social thought & activity    20. Political Science / General    21. Social issues    22. Social theory    23. USA   

Reviews (3)

BE AFRAID, BE VERY AFRAID
Reverend Lynn provides an iron-clad case for the defense of separation of church and state, which the Religious Right would like to see abolished. A core principal of our nation, church state separation is conceivably one of the most important of our American rights and one which makes us the envy of most of the world.
Understanding the attack on Church/State separation
In his new book, Piety and Politics, Rev. Barry Lynn explains the Religious Right's relentless attack on church/state separation and why separation is necessary.He gives examples of the Religious Right's attacks and explains why they are invalid.
Religious Freedom vs. Theocratic Tyranny: The Choice is Yours
"Piety & Politics" is Reverend Barry Lynn's effort to educate the public on the dangers of church and state partnerships and the threat they pose to religious freedom. Lynn is an ordained minister for the United Church of Christ and he devotes considerable time and effort to defending church state separation He is also the executive director for the activist organization Americans United for Separation of Church and State and he wrote this book to explain some of the methodology of the Religious Right in its efforts to take control of government. Beginning with a chapter on the definition of religious freedom, the book offers separate chapters on some of the favorite targets of the Religious Right, such as public education, religious symbols, government- funded charity, church politicking, personal decisions on sexual matters, and the desire to censor undesirable books, movies, etc. Lynn selected these hot- button topics probably because they are among the most broad- based and the most often cited as areas where the Religious Right and its members feel strongly; so strongly, in fact, that they are willing to rewrite the U.S. Constitution in order to make their view of religion and morality the law of the land.
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Subjects:  1. Christianity and politics    2. Freedom of religion    3. Political And Civil Rights    4. Political Freedom & Security - Civil Rights    5. Political Ideologies - Conservatism & Liberalism    6. Politics / Current Events    7. Religion    8. Religion And Politics    9. Religion, Politics & State    10. Religious right    11. United States    12. Political Science / Political Ideologies / Conservatism & Liberalism   

Reviews (23)

Thinkers Beware
If you have already concluded that a Christian Republican is an oxymoron, that conclusory statements supported only by anecdotal evidence constitutes a pursuasive argument, that debate is about who can shout and complain the loudest, then this book may be for you.Otherwise, do not waste your time with this book.