Former United States senator and ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth offers a fascinating, thoughtful, and deeply personal look at the state of American politics today--and how religion can be a bridge over our bitter partisan divide. In an era of extreme partisanship, when running for office has become a zero-sum game in which candidates play exclusively to their ideological bases, Americans on both sides of the political aisle hunger for the return of a commitment to the common good. Too often, it seems, ...
Read More
Former United States senator and ambassador to the United Nations John Danforth offers a fascinating, thoughtful, and deeply personal look at the state of American politics today--and how religion can be a bridge over our bitter partisan divide. In an era of extreme partisanship, when running for office has become a zero-sum game in which candidates play exclusively to their ideological bases, Americans on both sides of the political aisle hunger for the return of a commitment to the common good. Too often, it seems, religion has been used as a wedge to divide us in these battles. But is it also the key to restoring our civic virtue? For more than a decade, John Danforth, who is also an ordained Episcopal priest, has written extensively on the negative use of religion as a divisive force in American politics. Now he turns to the positive, constructive impact faithful religious believers have and can have on our public life. The Relevance of Religion is the product of that period of reflection. In the calm and wise voice of the pastor he once aspired to be, Senator Danforth argues that our shared religious values can lead us out of the embittered, entrenched state of politics today. A lifelong Republican, he calls his own party to task for its part in creating a political system in which the loudest opinions and the most polarizing personalities hold sway. And he suggests that such a system is not only unsustainable but unfaithful to our essential nature. We are built to care about other people, and this inherent altruism--which science says we crave because of our neurobiological wiring, and the Bible says is part of our created nature--is a crucial aspect of good government. Our willingness to serve more than our self-interest is religion's gift to politics, John Danforth asserts. In an era when 75 percent of Americans say they cannot trust their elected leaders, The Relevance of Religion is a heartfelt plea for more compassionate government--and a rousing call to arms for those wishing to follow the better angels of our nature. Praise for The Relevance of Religion "Using well-supported arguments deriving from his ministerial as well as legal background, Danforth asserts that traditional religious values of sacrifice, selflessness and a commitment to the greater good can and should have prominent roles in America's politics. . . . Danforth's arguments are staunchly supported and clearly explained. . . . For anyone who is faithful as well as political, he provides much food for thought." -- St. Louis Post-Dispatch "John Danforth does his country another service after many. His book is both a serious critique of politicized religion and a strong defense of religion's indispensable role in our common life. He talks of faith as an antidote to egotism, as a force for reconciliation, and as a source of public virtue. His case is illustrated through autobiography, in an honest, winsome, and sometimes self-critical tone. Danforth speaks for civility, collegiality, and useful compromise--and is compelling because he has demonstrated all those commitments himself over the decades." --Michael Gerson, columnist, The Washington Post "In this wise and urgent book, John Danforth stands in the company of our great public theologians--Paul Tillich, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the brothers Niebuhr--as he envisions both religious and political practices that enable our better selves. Political participation, pursued well, cultivates generosity and patience, and is good for the soul. What better remedy for mending our broken politics?" --Charles Marsh, Commonwealth Professor of Religious Studies, University of Virginia
Read Less
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $1.39, good condition, Sold by Orion Tech rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Arlington, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $1.40, good condition, Sold by More Than Words rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Waltham, MA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $1.50, good condition, Sold by Bookmonger.Ltd rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillside, NJ, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $2.46, like new condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $2.46, very good condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Reno rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Reno, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $2.48, like new condition, Sold by Academic Book Solutions rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Medford, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $3.46, like new condition, Sold by 8trax Media rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Mansfield, MA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $3.98, very good condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very Good. Very Good condition. Very Good dust jacket. A copy that may have a few cosmetic defects. May also contain light spine creasing or a few markings such as an owner's name, short gifter's inscription or light stamp.
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $4.00, very good condition, Sold by HPB Inc. rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Relevance of Religion: How Faithful People Can to cart. $4.18, like new condition, Sold by Wonder Book - Member ABAA/ILAB rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Frederick, MD, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Random House.