The Faith of George W. Bush
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4.1 • 24 Ratings
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- $13.99
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- $13.99
Publisher Description
In the first book to explore the religious ideals and background of the 43rd president of the United States, The Faith of George W. Bush discusses how Bush's spiritual beliefs shape his private life as well as drive his policies and politics. More than any other presidency in recent years, George W. Bush's presidency is "faith based." He has often said that faith saved his life, nurtured his family, established his political career, and helped form the destiny of the nation. Discover how Bush incorporates his faith and belief in God into every detail of life. From his devotional time alone each morning to his frequent use of Scripture in his speeches, the president relies upon his faith to direct his actions and goals. The Faith of George W. Bush recounts Bush's conversion to Christianity in 1986, when he overcame a growing dependence on alcohol by turning to the Bible to save his marriage and family. From the tragedy of September 11 to the conflict in Iraq, President Bush has learned to use his faith to help him live his public and private life. This revealing book will inspire others to do the same.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this favorable look at the politics and faith of the nation's current president, Mansfield, who has penned several historical biographies with faith emphases, examines Bush's spiritual journey and discusses how it shapes his administration. Although he writes that Bush's faith has waxed and waned over the years, Bush "is among a small number of American presidents to have undergone a profound religious transformation as an adult... he came to the presidency, then, with the zeal of the newly converted." To understand the president's brand of faith, Mansfield traces his family legacy, his boyhood in Midland, Tex., his playboy years and his lifelong love affair with baseball. Bush's marriage to Laura helped stabilize him spiritually, and Mansfield details later encounters with evangelists Arthur Blessit and Billy Graham that he believes were pivotal in Bush's spiritual formation. He also shows the role of Bush's Christianity in running for various offices, implementing faith-based initiatives and responding to 9/11 and war in Afghanistan and Iraq. Throughout the book, Mansfield offers his own interpretations about events in writing that is often rich and specific in detail. Noticeably absent is commentary on Bush's controversial environmental policies and how his faith has or has not informed them. But Mansfield is correct when he writes that "whatever else the presidency of George W. Bush imprints on American history, it will at the least have granted the nation an opportunity to rethink the role of religion in its public life."
