ACTIVE FAITH: How Christians are Changing the Face of American Politics [Hardcover]

Ralph Reed (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 1996

In controversial and uncompromising terms, Ralph Reed, director of the Christian Coalition--and the most eloquent and visible leader of the Christian Right--explains the organization's meteoric rise and forcefully articulates its agenda for transforming the nation. Addressing both religious and secular leaders, Reed explains the reasons for the movement's phenomenal success and charts its future, confidently predicting that it is here to stay.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The Religious Right's emergence as a powerful political force owes a large debt to Ralph Reed, executive director of the Christian Coalition. "Perhaps the finest political operative of his generation," is how the Wall Street Journal once referred to him. The Christian Coalition was formed in 1990 and has quickly become an important element in American politics. In Active Faith, Reed trumpets his cause and presents his views on how the movement can keep its clout. Much of his agenda focuses on adopting Christian values throughout society; even the religious right faces its critics.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 320 pages
• Publisher: Free Press; First edition (June 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684827581
• ISBN-13: 978-0684827582
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,670,501 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Persuasive defense of Conservative Activism, January 1, 2005

By 

joedriver252 "joedriver252" (Stuarts Draft, VA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: ACTIVE FAITH: How Christians are Changing the Face of American Politics (Hardcover)

Ralph Reed's "Active Faith" is effective in refuting the attacks against Christian Conservative "activism" (i.e. speaking out about issuses just as all other Americans have the right to do) that seem to be on the rise recently (especially after the re-election of President Bush). For that reason, the book is timely, even though it was written about a decade ago. Reed's critics may not like him any better after reading his book, but his fair minded critics would have to give him credit for being much more fair and thoughtful than those who demonize Reed and other "activist" Christian Conservatives would have us believe.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Would Christ be elected if he stood for election today?, January 16, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: ACTIVE FAITH: How Christians are Changing the Face of American Politics (Hardcover)

The rise of the Christian Coalition has been nothing short of astounding. In this book Ralph Reed clearly explains the mechanics and need for such a movement. I'm certain Reed is doing a radical rewrite since the release of the astounding and authoritative "The Autobiography of Jesus of Nazareth and the Missing Years" by Richard G. Patton. Where both these books agree on the need for social and moral guidlines, "The Autobiography..." is definitely anti-establishment and therefore at variance with Reed. At 300 pages, "Active Faith" contains much food for thought. If Reed weren't so strident, he might attract a more receptive readership. However if he weren't as strident, he also wouldn't be the leading light of the Coalition either. This is a very eloquent arguement for the moral right to govern politics. If this concept makes you nervous, then Patton's book is definitely the one to go for. If your views coincide with Reed's then this book will more than reward your purchase.

1.0 out of 5 stars Disorganized, February 9, 2010

By 

Mark LaPointe (Detroit) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: ACTIVE FAITH: How Christians are Changing the Face of American Politics (Hardcover)

I'm in his camp politically, but this book didn't meet my expectations. It would make a nice diary, but that's about it, useless for research or for quotation in other works. Further, I found it utterly disorganized.