Jesus Rode A Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ [Hardcover]

Linda Seger (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2006

If Jesus were alive today, would he:

Feed the poor-or cut free school lunch programs?

Comfort the old and infirm-or eliminate Social Security?

Turn the other cheek-or invade Iraq?
In this groundbreaking book, noted author and theologian Linda Seger, Th.D., explores what it means to be a Christian and a Democrat-and shows how the two are not mutually exclusive (as many Republicans claim), but rather inclusive. She reveals the close relationship between Democratic policy and Jesus's teachings-and the many ways in which the values Jesus espouses in the Bible correspond to the values Democrats call their own.
The idea that America's real Christians are all Republicans is just that-an idea, and an indefensible, divisive one at that. Jesus Rode a Donkey is a call to Christians everywhere to remember that Jesus was a liberal, who rode a donkey through the streets of Jerusalem-not an elephant.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Despite the provocative title, Linda Seger, a theologian and commentator who has appeared on CNN, NPR and The O'Reilly Factor, disappointingly fails to deliver the "accounting of how Christian values are expressed through the Democratic Party" that she calls for in her introduction. Rather than juxtaposing Democratic Party platform ideas against her analysis of biblical references and Jesus' stand on topics ranging from abortion to the environment, health care, homosexuality and war, she instead defies her own battle cry to "stop the rhetoric." Much of the book is taken up with criticism of the current Republican administration, as well as conservative Christians and their actions, policies and hypocrisy. James Dobson and Focus on the Family figure more prominently in her debate than one might expect in a national overview of Christian Democrats. Sadly, Seger squanders the opportunity to provide Christian Democrats with a plan to showcase their religious values, much less bring new members to their party. The included study guide may serve for both personal and group reflection, and in the end, prove more useful than the uneven book that precedes it. (Aug.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From the Back Cover

In Praise of Dr. Linda Seger and Jesus Rode a Donkey :

"This is a work of immense depth, wisdom, and subtlety. Everyone, regardless of religious or political persuasion, will be inspired by the riches offered here. Rarely does one find a book that opens up new arenas for discourse in Biblical studies." —Jean Houston, philosopher, social artist, teacher, and author of The Search for the Beloved and The Possible Human

"A magnificent piece of work. This is one of the best evidences of scholarship, thoughtfulness, clarity, and strength. It’s a winner!" —The Right Reverend Bennett J. Sims, Bishop Emeritus, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and author of Servanthood: Leadership for the Third Millennium

"Jesus Rode a Donkey gives us an alternative to the current culture war that divides America and its faith communities. I can’t think of a better Election Day gift for my Republican—and Democratic—friends. —William McKinney, Ph.D., President, Pacific School of Religion

"Beyond today’s polarization, Seger has written a book of lasting scholarship. The political debate about values—and whose values—may never be the same. A reference source for truth-seekers across the political spectrum." —Hazel Henderson, futurist, economist, and author of Building a Win-Win World and Planetary Citizenship

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media; First Edition edition (July 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593376197
• ISBN-13: 978-1593376192
• Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 5.8 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,591,959 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I have an unusual background - since my degrees are in both drama and theology. I've combined the two through my work in the film industry since 1981, writing books on screenwriting, but have also been giving speeches about theology for the last ten years. My most recent book is called JESUS RODE A DONKEY, and is about Christian values from the perspective of the Democratic Party. That will be published in August, 2006.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Non Christian Applauds True Christian Values, October 13, 2006

By 

Judith Claire - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus Rode A Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ (Hardcover)

I found Dr. Seger's book to be very enlightening. Not being Christian, I was appalled and insulted by the Christian Right's stated goal to turn our democracy into their theocracy. History has been riddled with various churches' deadly attacks on personal freedoms and civil liberties, all in the name of Christ. JESUS RODE A DONKEY exposed me to a truly spiritual Christian agenda that, by understanding the compassion of the Old and New Testaments, leads to tolerance, care of the needy, environmental responsibility and respect for the religious beliefs of others. As I was reading, I kept thinking: "these are my values." Now I'm much more aware of, and grateful for, the valuable contributions that compassionate Christians make to the political process and our world

7 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Changed my life, June 17, 2007

By 

Jon M. Wilson (Stafford Springs, CT USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Jesus Rode A Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ (Hardcover)

I read this book at the request of my wife, who has always had a more liberal bent than me. And as I read it, I found that almost every page had me agreeing with the beliefs and seeing those belief lead to a different conclusion than I had always championed. This book helped revolutionize my socio-political views, just as "The Bible Is History" by Ian Wilson helped revolutionize my approach to Scripture.



Let it be said over and over by all liberal Christians everywhere: It is NOT the Church's role to tell others how to live. It is the Church's role to be a light and force for improvement and change in the lives of others. One can not expect others to change their morals until they embrace the same God we do. And even then, it is primarily God's job, not ours, to work the changes in lives that He desires. The Church should be about pacifism and charity and never about nationalism, war, or any condemning flavor of evangelism.



I will admit to disagreeing with the author's stance on homosexuality, and finding her arguments a bit convoluted. Even if you extract every single verse that expressly forbids it, the entire Bible as a whole simply recognizes male-female relationships as the intended mode. But you see, this doesn't matter. Because I would rather stand with 5000 gays who love Christ and practice charity and peace, than 5 "good Christian boys" who vote for war and speak out condemningly against abortionists or whomever you choose.



And if homosexuality is wrong, that's between the homosexual and God. And it's none of my business.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Reminder to Sort Out The Rhetoric, August 8, 2006

By 

Talk Story Gal (Pasadena, California United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jesus Rode A Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ (Hardcover)

No book can provide us with all the answers to the political turmoil in this world, but I found this book to be extremely helpful in sorting out all the rhetoric that the political spin-masters so easily toss at us on a daily basis. Dr. Seger reminds us that our spiritual or faith-based beliefs should never be "elistist" nor should it be a "one-size-fits-all" as some politicians would have us believe.