Customer Reviews

WE HOLD THESE TRUTHS

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We Hold These Truths does a remarkable job of giving us a panoramic tour of the edgiest, most decisive minutes in American history, and the forgotten narratives and letters that infused those moments with drama. Few books cover this broad sweep of history and the figures involved with such a forward, engaging momentum. For the latter alone, this would be a great read for anyone to put 200+ years in order. More importantly, the book deals with issues that will affect our success and survival as a nation in the foreseeable future.

Many readers will challenge the very title of the text before opening a page: What is truth? And, Who might presume to Hold it...whatever IT might be? Pilate's rhetorical shot at Jesus Christ has more relevance for readers today than anyone is willing to admit, and that poses the first challenge for discourse. The author posits that there are vital truths that derive from Judeo-Christian texts, underlying the most essential tenets of our national heritage and identity. These include, but are not limited to: 1.) God has granted humanity inalienable rights, and 2.) There is a providential God who presides over the affairs of the world. Unless we re-acquaint ourselves with these truths as they have influenced our Constitution, our judicial system, and our democratic consciousness, the author argues that we are truly in danger of losing them.

The subject matter of Randall DeSoto's debut often raises questions about the separation of church and state, and how much Judeo-Christian presence can be tolerated in the exercise of government. The author recognizes the shifting tide that would prefer to obliterate our theological legacy as a mere antiquity that bears little relevance to our twenty first century dilemmas. DeSoto exalts the conviction that this tide is severing our connection with the real principles that distinguishes our unique liberties, and once that cut is complete, we will be completely adrift as a nation, without purpose or direction.

One can make a compelling case from the Scriptures that ancient Israel was the only nation chartered by God. Furthermore, the New Testament writings of Peter and Paul dissuade Christians from putting undue confidence in any national entity, due to their inevitable transience. Authentic Christians are members of something more permanent and lasting than any country, including the United States. The Church, as described in the Scriptures, transcends the state, and will outlast all human institutions. To that end, this reviewer is more skeptical than the author about America's future for the providence of God, but we share a common mind to salvage what we can of this very secular and cherished home we call the United States.