From AudioFile
Evangelical Christians don't have to vote Republican, force prayer in public arenas, and condemn the type of liberalism that has initiated almost every social reform we've seen in the last 100 years. A historian of American religion, the author makes his argument within a deep cultural, political, and theological context. Jeff Woodman seems to admire these ideas, reflecting the educated indignation in the writing, which shows how we have come to condemn people who support the First Amendment, embrace a diverse society, and believe in government's responsibility to help the least among us. Strengthened by the clarity and urgency of Woodman's reading, the lesson will please at many levels and open minds to a less barbaric form of political discourse. T.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine--
Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine
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From Booklist
Describing himself as "a jilted lover" whose evangelical faith "has been hijacked by right-wing zealots," Balmer accuses those zealots of distorting the Gospel, ignoring the legacy of nineteenth-century evangelical activism, and failing to appreciate "the genius" of the First Amendment. They quote the Bible out of context while offering literalistic interpretations, in the process poisoning attempts at meaningful conversation and diminishing faith itself. As a political liberal and an evangelical Christian, Balmer doesn't find the two terms mutually exclusive. Yet the voices of his brand of quieter evangelicals are drowned in the din of the vocal Religious Right, for unlike the Pat Robertsons of the world, "we don't have radio or television programs, let alone entire media networks." Balmer insists that evangelicalism is a diverse movement--indeed, the most important social and religious movement in American history, "America's folk religion." In the measured tones befitting that diversity, he discusses abortion, homosexuality, school vouchers, and creationism. If he changes no minds, he still offers a welcome alternative to Religious Right railing.
June SawyersCopyright © Am