Book Reviews

How the Republicans Stole Christmas by Bill Press and Our Endangered Values by Jimmy Carter

Along with God’s Politics by Jim Wallis, which I reviewed on May 5, these books form a sort of "Holy Trinity" if you will, describing how conservatism and Christianity are not the same. They are must-reads for Christian conservatives. Please tell any that you know that they must read at least one of these books. Liberals can also read the books and use the talking points.

While all three books deal with theology and politics, I would say that Wallis’s is slightly more theological and Press’s is slightly more political. Carter covers religious issues in the first part of his book, but the last part is mostly policy-oriented.

Both Press and Carter have interesting explanations of the separation of Church and State and the concept of just war. Thomas Jefferson actually used the phrase "wall of separation between Church and State" in 1802, and Saints Augustine and Aquinas outlined the criteria for "just war" centuries ago.

Both books also identify the Southern Baptist Convention as the main problem in achieving Christian goals such as ending poverty, not killing, and protecting the environment. They also sort out sensitive issues like abortion, the death penalty, gay marriage, and evolution.

As you gather around your holiday tree, don’t forget the reason for the season. Do what Jesus would do and spread this liberal message!