The Compassionate Community: Ten Values to Unite America [Hardcover]

Jonathan Miller (Author), Al Gore (Afterword)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 19, 2006 | ISBN-10: 140397408X | ISBN-13: 978-1403974082 | Edition: First Edition

Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathan Miller shows the ten nonpartisan values--ranging from Opportunity to Security--that all Americans share, and uses Old Testament stories to highlight them. As an elected official in a "red" and largely Christian state, he has come to understand that although faith is often the source of divisiveness, the language of faith can bring Americans together. Inspiring stories from the Hebrew Bible illustrate Miller's plan to form a compassionate community. He shows that these lessons have the power to strengthen our country for future generations.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

For too long, we've seen the pitfalls of mixing religion and politics. Miller, state treasurer of Kentucky and an active leader of such groups as the Democratic Leadership Council and the United Jewish Communities, manages to gently merge the two into a less-than-gentle plea for American compassion in virtually all corners of our country. Each chapter begins with a concept highlighted by a Hebrew Bible hero and then quickly turns to politics. For example, through Moses and his representation of freedom, Miller lays out a 10-point plan for giving our military and their families the respect, help and benefits he believes they deserve. Jacob's story provides the backdrop for a particularly intriguing chapter on finance, covering everything from predatory credit card companies to identity theft and a call for national financial education. Tempered with anecdotes from his own experiences, political and otherwise, Miller provides extensive examples of successful state programs across the country that he thinks can and should be implemented at the national level. He takes care to consider not just the followers of the Abrahamic religions but Eastern faiths as well as no particular faith at all, making this a must-read for all Americans concerned about the future of their country. (Oct.)
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Review

"A must-read for all Americans concerned about the future of their country."--Publishers Weekly

 

"Jonathan Miller has proved to be a master storyteller in whose words we recognize our deepest struggles as a people and catch a glimpse of who we wish to become. In The Compassionate Community, he brings the virtues of biblical heroes and heroines to life in his account of people and programs contesting today's politics of self-interest. It's a story of the greater good that Americans yearn to hear, and we are indebted to Jonathan Miller for telling it so well."--Bob Edgar, National Council of Churches USA

"Jonathan Miller offers a compelling roadmap of how to ensure we leave our children a strong, safe, and just America. Through a frank discussion of the importance of policy girded by our moral values, Miller illustrates the kind of policy proposals that will be able to unite Americans and make sure that everyone who works hard and plays by the rules has the opportunity to share in the American Dream."--U. S. Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN)

"The Compassionate Community highlights stories from the Hebrew Bible that represent cherished ideals such as opportunity, freedom, and security that are so central to the future of our nation. Miller emerges as a leader in the debate over the proper role of faith and moral values in public life."--U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman (D-CT)

 

"Jonathan Miller's The Compassionate Community examines the unfortunate contrast between the current debate about 'values' and the universal values that are at the core of the Judeo-Christian ethic. Miller's vision of a Compassionate Community is one that should be embraced and implemented by policy makers on both sides of the political divide."--Donna L. Brazile, Chair of the Democratic National Committee Voting Rights Institute and former campaign manager for Gore for President 2000

"Jonathan Miller has gone to the Hebrew Bible to explore the values that are essential for Americans if we are to have a good society. This book should be read by Christians and Jews alike, in that it is truly an interfaith message that we all need to hear."--Tony Campolo, Founder of the Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education, Professor Emeritus, Eastern University, and author of several books including Speaking My Mind

"Jonathan Miller draws deeply from the Hebrew Scriptures to challenge contemporary Americans to build a truly compassionate community in the United States. This deeply felt work underscores the truth of the observation of Jesus in the New Testament that the good householder draws forth old things and new. From the ancient wisdom of Israel Jonathan Miller draws forth something fresh, urgent, pertinent, and wise in order to speak to our times. This book is obedient to the challenge of 'Tikkun Olam'--to repair the world--and, as such, deserves a wide readership."--Lawrence S. Cunningham, John A. O'Brien Professor of Theology, The University of Notre Dame

 

"Dedicated to the principle that the Judeo/Christian tradition can form a sound basis for modern public policy making, Jonathan Miller in The Compassionate Community offers some practical solutions to many of today's most vexing problems. By recognizing that we are a nation of faith, but not a particular faith, he shows how the philosophy of 'do unto others' can be found in all religions and should underlie public policy-making."--Christine Todd Whitman

 

"The Compassionate Community is an intriguing mix of biblical insights and policy analysis, reflecting the author's obvious faith, good sense, and experience as a state elected official. It builds from Hebrew scriptural stories to foundational values, and combines that moral analysis with practical knowledge of what does and can work to improve the lives of poor Americans. It's full of smart ideas, and full of hope. It's a great antidote to cynical and partisan 'faith wars' and is a good read as well. And it's a call to commitment and community that all those interested in the public good should read--and follow."--Mary Jo Bane, Thorton Bradshaw Professor of Public Policy and Managment, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University

 

"In The Compassionate Community Jonathan Miller gives us all a clarion call to a vision of compassion that seeks to reach beyond our political divides, our religious factions, and the myriad of forces that divide us, to a deeper unity underlying our humanity."--Paul M. Pearson, Director and Archivist, Thomas Merton Center, Bellarmine University

"Using universal teachings from the world's religious traditions as a framework, Jonathan Miller urges America's citizenry and elected officials to enact public policies that foster decency, integrity, and concern for others in all facets of our society. The Compassionate Community insists that we heed the call to tikkun olam--repair of our world--and is a must-read for those who seek to do right for our nation and its people."--Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President, Union for Reform Judaism

 

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (September 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 140397408X
• ISBN-13: 978-1403974082
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,004,164 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Miller shows a compassionate side in politics, September 30, 2006

By 

Daniel Solzman (KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Compassionate Community: Ten Values to Unite America (Hardcover)

Given today was Shabbas, I decided what better to do than read and relax. On Thursday, I recieved my copy of The Compassionate Community written by Kentucky State Treasurer Jonathan Miller.

Miller is a Jewish Democrat and a friend. The fact that proceeds are going to charity is another reason to buy this book. There were definitely some moments of comic relief especially when it came to his singing and his love of the Boston Red Sox. But that's not why the book was written. It was written about ten values to unite America.

Miller takes teaches from the Tanakh and applies them to modern day political ideas. He looks at Biblical heroes like Noach, Avraham, Ya'akov, Yosef, Moshe, Yehoshu'a, Yehonatan, Deborah, King David, and Queen Esther as he describes the values of opportunity, responsibility, work, family, freedom, faith, justice, peace, respect, and life.

We live through his father's final days, of whom the book is dedicated to. We get to see his daughter's grow up. We get a glance at the way he manages the youth softball team he coaches. We live through the trouble of his re-entering the United States after his wedding in Canada and how it almost started a war...okay, not a war but lots of family were calling Washington leadership.

He gives us his thoughts on the conflict in Israel.

We read as to why he had to give a speech at the last minute at the State Capitol. We read why he represented the Jewish Community at the counter-event to "Justice Sunday."

Most importantly, we see his thoughts on politics and what's wrong with the system right now. Just to think, he could have been a rock star or a Rabbi, not that there's anything wrong with that. I've been in the same boat before and I think I have ultimately decided on law and politics but that's a story for another post.

All in all, this book is a great read and details policies that should be in effect if they aren't already. I'm sensing a run for different office but that's just my hunch.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars The Compassionate Community, October 17, 2007

By 

Neva M. Sullivan "book addict" (Kenmore, WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Compassionate Community: Ten Values to Unite America (Paperback)

This is a thought-provoking read for everyone. Perhaps we would not be in the pickle this country is in if our leaders had read this book. It is not too late--Amazon please send a complimentary copy to one of our leaders who READS! Neva M. Sullivan

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Compelling Compassion, January 3, 2007

By 

Bobby G. Lacer Jr. (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Compassionate Community: Ten Values to Unite America (Hardcover)

Jonathan Miller was right on target with this insightful book. As a Jewish American who has studied both politics and religion, he has great ideas for helping both the public and private sectors come together to help build a better community and ultimately a better America. It is nice to know that we have politicians out there who understand and recognize the bigger picture. No wonder Mr. Miller and former Vice President Al Gore are friends.

Excellent book! A must read... no doubt about it!