Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

Ralph Reed expertly makes the case that political and civic activism among Christians to combat the great social evils of our day is an unalienable component of being a believer in Jesus Christ. From slavery, to segregation, to abortion, Mr. Reed explains how Christians have been the moral foundation of stubborn opposition to these great evils of history and present times.

Furthermore, he unmasks how the bigoted modern left has tried to create a culture of intimidation against people of faith who dare speak out against the politically correct sacred cows of sexual license and the barbaric killing of unborn babies. He also skillfully reveals how classical liberalism, which was once a champion for the rights of the little guy, has been perverted in modern times into being an oppressor of the littlest guy, the unborn child.

Those of you who want the government to stay out of your "bedrooms" (while you have abortions, I suppose - now that's kinky!) will want to take a pass on this one.

Funny thing - Reed seems to forget Jesus comand to "love on another as I have loved you."

Of course, he can let this comand get in the way of his politcal agenda which has a such a narrow definition of morality so he can conviently use it to judge those who don't vote a straight Republican ticket.

I seem to recall Jesus clearly standing with the poor and outcasts of society, and warning that the nations of the world will be judged on how they treat the poor and least among us. Meanwhile Reed and his puppets in the Republican party would rather demonize these Christs in disguise and poke their noses into our bedrooms. That the media has annointed Reed and others like him as spokesmen for Christianly is an outrage.

If you're an ultra right wing evangelical then you will probably love this. If you aren't, you'll see this as the goofy political history revisionism that it is.

Ralph Reed seems to spend half the book acting suprised and indignant that people consider the christian coalition to be full of extreme right wing politics. Hey Ralph, maybe people just saw through your populist rhetoric and saw you and the christian coalition for what you are.

That Reed and his followers still claim that the "Christian" Coalition is a non-partisian organization, remains on of the biggest jokes in American politics in the second half of the 20th century.

Reed's agenda bears little if any resemblance towards the message of Jesus Christ whose commitment to the poor and outcasts was a threat to the Pharasee's (the Reed's of Jesus' time). How anyone can read the Gospel's and subscribe to this mean spirited agenda is one of the great mysteries of the 1990's.

I see nothing in this book that has any connection to the unconditional love Christ preached about, and even less that resembles the life which he led.

How can Reed ignore that Jesus stood with the poor and against the social structures that keep them that way - the same social structres Reed and his followers work night and day to keep?

I have read this wonderfully Republican and Christian novel!! I recommend it to anyone who thinks that morality is falling in America. The Christian Coalition has been the greatest thing that happened since Reagon was in office!

I truly believe that this novel correctly addresses all of the problems that America is suffering, and I trully believe that with the help of the Christian Coalition and the Republican Party all of our problems will be fixed! If you love Pat Robertson, then this novel is for you!