A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush [Abridged] [Audio Cassette]

David Aikman (Author, Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2004

More than any other world leader in recent times, George W. Bush is a man of faith…a conservative Christian who has brought the power of prayer and the search for God's will into the Oval Office. His faith has proven to be a bedrock of strength and resolve during two of the most tumultuous years in our nation's history. According to Newsweek magazine, "This presidency is the most resolutely faith based in modern times. An enterprise founded, supported and guided by trust in the temporal and spiritual power of God." David Aikman, skilled journalist and former senior correspondent for TIME magazine, pens this dramatic and gripping account of Bush's journey to faith. Based on interviews and behind-the-scenes stories, you'll learn how…

• His life changed after a conversation with Billy Graham on the beach at Kennebunkport
• He walked away from alcoholism toward a new destiny
• The events following 9/11 caused many to view him as God's chosen man for this critical time in history
• His decision to go to war with Iraq became the ultimate test of his faith

A Man of Faith…an intimate look at how Bush's spiritual life has impacted his presidency, the nation, and the world.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In time for election fever is this favorable look at how George W. Bush's faith has influenced his life and politics. Aikman, a former senior correspondent for Time magazine and the author of several books, including Great Souls, opens with Bush's startling 1999 declaration that the philosopher he most identified with was "Christ-because he changed my heart." A seasoned journalist, Aikman proceeds to methodically unpack Bush's spiritual journey, documenting important touchstones along the way, much as Stephen Mansfield did in his book, The Faith of George W. Bush, but without Mansfield's colorful detail. Aikman offers some Bush family history, examines his wayward years and details Bush's transformation from churchgoer to a Christian who internalized his faith. The tone is solidly pro-Bush, with quick jabs at the likes of Maureen Dowd and generous flattery for the Texan. Some information offered for context borders on filler, including almost three pages of Methodist church history (related to the Bushes' affiliation with that denomination in 1989-1995) and the text of a sermon Bush preached in 1999. And, although he spends time summarizing Bush's positions on everything from Israel to 9/11, Aikman fails to address Bush's controversial environmental policies, something Mansfield also neglected. Still, in an election year when voters want to see if Bush's spiritual rhetoric is more than just surface chatter, there's plenty of evidence here that the man is sincere in his faith.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From AudioFile

Although Aikman, who is British, is an unexpected choice for narrating the story of an American president, this is a thorough Bush family biography. Aikan pleasantly, but somewhat flatly, shows President Bush's faith intertwined with his politics, family, and other endeavors. The book ploddingly covers the chronological material, beginning with the president's ancestors who were in politics in the 1800s. Aikman covers the president's rebirth as a Christian and recounts the trials he has faced, especially the 9/11 attacks. One of the discs provides information on the spiritual activities of past presidents so that listeners can compare and contrast them to President Bush's. A.G.H. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Oasis Audio; Abridged edition (April 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589266196
• ISBN-13: 978-1589266193
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.4 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,396,304 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. David Aikman is an award-winning print and broadcast journalist, a best-selling author, and a foreign affairs commentator based in the Washington, D.C. area. His wide-ranging professional achievements include a 23-year career at Time magazine, serving for several years as bureau chief in Eastern Europe, Beijing, and Jerusalem. His reporting has spanned the globe and he has covered all the major historical events of the time.

Dr. Aikman was educated at Oxford University and holds a PhD from the University of Washington in Russian and Chinese history. He is the author of many books, including Jesus in Beijing: How Christianity Is Transforming China and Changing the World Balance of Power; Billy Graham: His Life and Influence; Qi (Awaken the Dragon); and A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush. He is professor of history and writer in residence at Patrick Henry College. He is married and lives near Lincoln, Virginia

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 47 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Revealing, Well Researched, and Readable!, April 23, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

Finally! A book that treats the issue of President Bush's faith and how it affects his life and presidency with fairness, excellent research, and readability. Compared to Stephen Mansfield's book, which I also own, Aikman's coverage is journalistically superior, contains fresh stories not previously published, doesn't sugarcoat George W.'s weaknesses, and includes interviews with close friends and family members that are revealing and insightful. If you want to know the truth about George W.'s faith and its impact on his leadership, our country, and the world, read this book. You'll be glad you did.

38 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Who has actually read this book?, June 28, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

There are some reviews here that appear to be written by those who plainly dislike Pres. Bush but did not read this book. I feel sorry for them, as this is a wonderful book going into the life and development of Bush as our President. The reviewer from New York, the non-Christian, appears to have little grasp on what Christianity is. The other from Crawford must assume that all church services are on Sundays. As many Baptist will say, church is not merely a place to worship. It is the culmination of worship and study. Aikman shows how Mr. Bush changed from a rambunctious young man into a respectable, admirable leader. He has his faults and makes no qualms against them. Aikman, an outsider to the family, took anecdotes and lessons from Mr. Bush's life through colleagues, friends and family. What you have here is the embodiment of those interviews. No, Mr. Bush has not been faultless in his Presidency, as no President ever has been faultless. (Clinton was a far-cry from faultless...the sworn liar.) But he has shown time and time again that he has a sincere heart to love and a God-driven will to serve the people for the betterment of the world. He earned more respect from me through this book, after reading of the years where he was not the most well-mannered or appropriately behaving person. However, he had a need to save himelf from his own destruction, and he chose God as the one to lead him out of his perils. He has followed God and Christ since those days and become an example of a renewed Christian. What could be a better testament to his life and his family than this book? Read it, whether you do not agree with his politics or not. I don't claim that it will change your political opinion of him, but I know it will give you more insight on why he does certain things or speak in certain ways. Just have an open mind when you begin this book. If anything, you will learn how he could easily have been one of your friends from your hometown, college or workplace. Give this book a try. Don't discount it automatically and ignorantly. David Aikman does a wonderful job in telling a story you may enjoy.

29 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Advance Copy, April 14, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush (Hardcover)

I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of this new book. I have just started reading it, and I am surprised to find it so appealing a read. The author, David Aikman, is a seasoned writer of many years experience with TIME magazine. I have read many of his magazine articles, so I had high expectations to begin with.

It seems such a timely read in light of the upcoming elections, but also because of the interest in Christianity the "Passion" has stirred up. With people more focused on their faith, and less afraid to talk about it (or hear about it), this book will appeal to alot of people.

This is an insider's look at a president that people love to hate.

I was especially interested to learn about the president's faith since John Kerry's Catholicism seems so flimsy. As a Catholic, I have difficulty understanding how John Kerry can publicly proclaim his Catholicism and reject its beliefs all at the same time.

Anyway, I'm enjoying the book while pondering the upcoming election chaos!