The Faith of George W. Bush [Paperback]

Stephen Mansfield (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 12, 2004

In the first book to explore the religious ideals and background of the 43rd president of the United States, The Faith of George W. Bush discusses how Bush's spiritual beliefs shape his private life as well as drive his policies and politics. More than any other presidency in recent years, George W. Bush's presidency is "faith based." He has often said that faith saved his life, nurtured his family, established his political career, and helped form the destiny of the nation. Discover how Bush incorporates his faith and belief in God into every detail of life. From his devotional time alone each morning to his frequent use of Scripture in his speeches, the president relies upon his faith to direct his actions and goals. The Faith of George W. Bush recounts Bush's conversion to Christianity in 1986, when he overcame a growing dependence on alcohol by turning to the Bible to save his marriage and family. From the tragedy of September 11 to the conflict in Iraq, President Bush has learned to use his faith to help him live his public and private life. This revealing book will inspire others to do the same.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In this favorable look at the politics and faith of the nation's current president, Mansfield, who has penned several historical biographies with faith emphases, examines Bush's spiritual journey and discusses how it shapes his administration. Although he writes that Bush's faith has waxed and waned over the years, Bush "is among a small number of American presidents to have undergone a profound religious transformation as an adult... he came to the presidency, then, with the zeal of the newly converted." To understand the president's brand of faith, Mansfield traces his family legacy, his boyhood in Midland, Tex., his playboy years and his lifelong love affair with baseball. Bush's marriage to Laura helped stabilize him spiritually, and Mansfield details later encounters with evangelists Arthur Blessit and Billy Graham that he believes were pivotal in Bush's spiritual formation. He also shows the role of Bush's Christianity in running for various offices, implementing faith-based initiatives and responding to 9/11 and war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout the book, Mansfield offers his own interpretations about events in writing that is often rich and specific in detail. Noticeably absent is commentary on Bush's controversial environmental policies and how his faith has-or has not-informed them. But Mansfield is correct when he writes that "whatever else the presidency of George W. Bush imprints on American history, it will at the least have granted the nation an opportunity to rethink the role of religion in its public life."
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Stephen Mansfield is the author of numerous books on history and leadership, including The Faith of George W. Bush, a New York Times bestseller.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Tarcher (April 12, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585423785
• ISBN-13: 978-1585423781
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,318,475 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Church & State
  • #51 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Leaders & Notable People > Presidents & Heads of State

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 54 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about time!, October 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Faith of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

It seems there are a miriad of books that communicate either a passion or a dislike for President Bush. Finally, someone has written a book that walks the middle ground. Dr. Mansfield tells some wonderful, previously unheard stories of President Bush's path to salvation and personal clarity of purpose, as well as the human frailties that shaped his earlier years. What Dr. Mansfield paints is a picture of a man who truly believes in a divine purpose about his life, but a man who seriously seeks God's will with a humble and sincere heart. Very well written and inspirational!

38 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great insight into the foundation and heart of the man, October 30, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Faith of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

George W Bush may be one of the most misunderstood presidents in history, and certainly of our time. This book allowed me to understand the motives behind his decisions, and to understand the heart of a president serving at a critical juncture in America's life. I appreciate Mansfield's ability to articulate the path that the president has taken in his life, and to do it in a factual, balanced, and unbiased manner. Refreshing and insightful!

60 of 76 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Man For All Seasons, November 6, 2003

By 

D. Broadus "Rapid Reader" (Houston, TX USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Faith of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

This is a facinating look into the heart and soul of President George W Bush. Mansfield does not gloss over Bush's weaknesses or failures, but neither does he use those weaknesses to attack and villify Bush. Rather, he presents the facts as he found them, and leaves us with a portrait of a man with the human weaknesses we all share, but a man who found the faith to overcome and rise above his fallen human condition.
We see in George W Bush a man who has the total confidence of one who understands his purpose and who has total faith in his God, but who, at the same time, humbles himself before that God, knowing that all can and will be lost if he succumbs to the temptation of pride and forgets that he is only where he is by the grace of God.
This is a book that needed to be written, and should be read by all who truly want to understand what motivates this 43rd President of the United States.