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Jesus Rode a Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ
see edition published June 1st, 2016 by Clovercroft
332 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2006
10 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Linda Seger
36 books104 followersDr. Linda Seger has a Th.D. in Drama and Theology, and created her script consulting business based on her dissertation project about the elements needed to make a script work. She explored the integration of Drama and Spirituality during her five years in seminary. She holds three M.A. degrees: Drama from Northwestern University, Religion and the Arts from Pacific School of Religion, and Feminist Theology from Immaculate Heart College Center.
She has a broad religious background. She grew up Lutheran and did several years of spiritual seeking in her 20s. She became a Born-Again Christian and then joined the Quakers (Society of Friends) and is a member of The Colorado Springs Friends Meeting. Throughout the years, she has meditated at a Zen Buddhist center, attended New Age conferences, has done the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignacious, and has read and taken classes in the religions of the world.
Dr. Seger's thoughts about how spirituality influences her work:
“Many readers are surprised and even confused when they see I’m the most prolific writer in the area of screenwriting, an international screenwriting consultant and a screenwriting teacher. Yet, I also do theology/spiritual books. Some of this comes from having an M.A. In Drama, 2 M.A.s in theology and a ThD in Theology and Drama. They seem to be separate, but they are actually integrated.
Drama shines a light on the human condition. It explores the conflicts, struggles, doubts, uncertainties, and possibilities for transformation and redemption. Even secular drama deals with hope and goodness and the struggle for authenticity and love.
When I consult on scripts, I am trying to help the writer reach deeper into the truth about who we are as humans and what are our possibilities. When I write books on spirituality, I am doing the same thing – digging deeply into our experiences and struggles, and then shining the light of Scripture and theology on making some sense out of what we see and feel. I am trying to get at The Truth and to dig deep into our experiences. So, I never look for easy answers, and I don’t try to pigeonhole either our stories or our spirituality.”
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 29, 2016
As the election draws near, voters can find lots of books, magazines and newspaper articles that give readers a lot to consider before casting their vote. I wanted to read and review this book because I like to read everything available before I cast my vote with confidence. Everyone has their own opinions , and I enjoy reading them . It gives me another way to look at things and perhaps make me see something differently that I would not have before.
It is so true that we are ready to fight when something negative is said about the candidate that we are thinking of voting for. But does it really accomplish anything? All it really does is cause bitterness and ends up being a nasty race where everyone looks bad. I loved when the author said, "Why are the Seven Deadly Sins so dangerous? Because they hook the basest part of our human nature and drag us into the pit of nastiness." That is such a true statement. Each party tries to find the nastiest or most embarrassing thing on the other candidate . All it really accomplishes is mistrust and hurt feelings.
We have been given the right to vote anyway we want. I want to make sure I don't throw my vote away, so reading this book helps me to see a point of view I may not have really studied before. When we were in school, we would study for a test . We wanted to gather all the information we needed so we could get a good grade. To me it just makes sense to keep an open mind, study the facts, then vote without any regrets. It is time for us to listen to each other and hear all sides to understand the platform of the candidates.
I really liked reading about democracy. The author gave great examples of questions we should ask to find the right solutions. I have always heard, "You won't know until you ask." Be informed, ask the questions and study the answers . That is what we need to do to truly make a decision. The author makes a great point about sensitive subjects like homosexuality. "Evidence shows that the presence of a gay person or relationship has no effect on someone else's relationship, in the same way that my neighbors' divorce has no effect on my marriage." To me is is simple. We are not to judge. What I really like about this book is that we each want to make the right choice in the upcoming election. I want to open minded and listen to everything , not be judgmental and remember that everyone has a right to their opinion. It does more harm to argue and criticize then to just be quiet and listen with a pure heart .
At the end of the book, the author has provided a study guide . I loved how it was written and really showed me I need to do some homework. Their are scriptures provided that go along with the questions being asked. I want to thank the author for writing a book that helps me see different viewpoints and does it with grace and compassion.
"If we learn to discern the log in our own eye, and are willing to admit that we might be wrong, certainly that ability can lead us also to to discerning where Truth and Light reside."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
It is so true that we are ready to fight when something negative is said about the candidate that we are thinking of voting for. But does it really accomplish anything? All it really does is cause bitterness and ends up being a nasty race where everyone looks bad. I loved when the author said, "Why are the Seven Deadly Sins so dangerous? Because they hook the basest part of our human nature and drag us into the pit of nastiness." That is such a true statement. Each party tries to find the nastiest or most embarrassing thing on the other candidate . All it really accomplishes is mistrust and hurt feelings.
We have been given the right to vote anyway we want. I want to make sure I don't throw my vote away, so reading this book helps me to see a point of view I may not have really studied before. When we were in school, we would study for a test . We wanted to gather all the information we needed so we could get a good grade. To me it just makes sense to keep an open mind, study the facts, then vote without any regrets. It is time for us to listen to each other and hear all sides to understand the platform of the candidates.
I really liked reading about democracy. The author gave great examples of questions we should ask to find the right solutions. I have always heard, "You won't know until you ask." Be informed, ask the questions and study the answers . That is what we need to do to truly make a decision. The author makes a great point about sensitive subjects like homosexuality. "Evidence shows that the presence of a gay person or relationship has no effect on someone else's relationship, in the same way that my neighbors' divorce has no effect on my marriage." To me is is simple. We are not to judge. What I really like about this book is that we each want to make the right choice in the upcoming election. I want to open minded and listen to everything , not be judgmental and remember that everyone has a right to their opinion. It does more harm to argue and criticize then to just be quiet and listen with a pure heart .
At the end of the book, the author has provided a study guide . I loved how it was written and really showed me I need to do some homework. Their are scriptures provided that go along with the questions being asked. I want to thank the author for writing a book that helps me see different viewpoints and does it with grace and compassion.
"If we learn to discern the log in our own eye, and are willing to admit that we might be wrong, certainly that ability can lead us also to to discerning where Truth and Light reside."
I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
I read this book(and several others) because I wanted to see both sides. I got very fed up with Replican extremism during COVID. The author makes some excellent arguments. However, use careful discernment while reading.
August 26, 2016
Seger says about one in five Christian evangelicals vote Democrat. If you find that surprising, this is a good book to help you understand why. The major issue, she says, is the role of government in helping its citizens. “This book is written as a kind of Christian Political Apologetic. It is meant to clarify what we, as Christian Democrats, believe and why we believe it.” (xix)
Seger shares her own experience and that of her sister of how the government helped them in their times of need. She found Democrats to be compassionate and tolerant.
She explores how we develop a social and global consciousness and how our Christian values inform our political decisions. She identifies the sort of Christian belief system and priorities that would lean one toward being a Democrat (e.g. an emphasis on social justice). She covers concepts like whether we see others as enemies or neighbors, whether we think the U.S. is a “Christian” nation, whether the government is to favor the wealthy or the poor, what we see as the Christian's responsibility to global issues, and more.
This is not an objective book. Seger is openly biased toward the Democrat political view and freely defends some of its more controversial issues. I don't agree with her views on homosexuality and abortion, nor do I agree with her defense of the Democratic positions on those issues. Conservative evangelical Christians may find this part of her book very irritating. I don't agree with her idea of a “Cosmic” Christ nor other areas of her Quaker spirituality that I feel stray from biblical truth.
Nonetheless, I recommend evangelical Christians read this book, especially if you want to understand why people vote differently than you do. Why would I recommend a book when I don't agree with many of the views presented? Paraphrasing Rosaria Butterfield, when everyone thinks the same, nobody thinks very deeply. It is good for us to read books with views different from our own. It makes us think about our own views and why we hold them. Seger's comments on our Christian responsibilities to the poor and strangers, her thoughts on war and fiscal responsibility, and the nature of politics were very thought provoking. There is an extensive Study Guide included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Seger shares her own experience and that of her sister of how the government helped them in their times of need. She found Democrats to be compassionate and tolerant.
She explores how we develop a social and global consciousness and how our Christian values inform our political decisions. She identifies the sort of Christian belief system and priorities that would lean one toward being a Democrat (e.g. an emphasis on social justice). She covers concepts like whether we see others as enemies or neighbors, whether we think the U.S. is a “Christian” nation, whether the government is to favor the wealthy or the poor, what we see as the Christian's responsibility to global issues, and more.
This is not an objective book. Seger is openly biased toward the Democrat political view and freely defends some of its more controversial issues. I don't agree with her views on homosexuality and abortion, nor do I agree with her defense of the Democratic positions on those issues. Conservative evangelical Christians may find this part of her book very irritating. I don't agree with her idea of a “Cosmic” Christ nor other areas of her Quaker spirituality that I feel stray from biblical truth.
Nonetheless, I recommend evangelical Christians read this book, especially if you want to understand why people vote differently than you do. Why would I recommend a book when I don't agree with many of the views presented? Paraphrasing Rosaria Butterfield, when everyone thinks the same, nobody thinks very deeply. It is good for us to read books with views different from our own. It makes us think about our own views and why we hold them. Seger's comments on our Christian responsibilities to the poor and strangers, her thoughts on war and fiscal responsibility, and the nature of politics were very thought provoking. There is an extensive Study Guide included.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
November 3, 2016
Jesus Rode a Donkey
Why Millions of Christians Are Democrats
By Linda Seger, Th.D.
Politics is something that can divide people and even the Church can be split when it comes to political allegiance. But with Jesus Rode a Donkey Linda Seger looks beyond the party platforms and looks at the heart of the issue.
When voting one needs to look at how an individual candidate has portrayed their beliefs in their life and action not just in their official platform. The election process is one fraught with decisions that weigh upon the soul. How do I vote? Should I focus on the party platform? The individual's spoken stand? Or the candidate's life as a whole?
Looking at the two major parties, the greatest difference is seemingly the role of religion in America. But looking at the founding of our nation one has to acknowledge that the foundations were liberal in nature - the very idea of freedom was an unheard of concept. A monarchy free government, freedom to worship without a state endorsed religion, and the promise of equality were ideas of change.
But equality's promise has not been enjoyed by all throughout America's history. And this is where our focus should be - WWJD (what would Jesus do?). Jesus came to those society looked down upon. He associated with the poor, the outcast, the ill. He showed neighborly love to all and didn't allow the dictates of society to determine whom should be His neighbor. How can we do any less?
Whether one agrees with the views of the author this is an interesting look at politics, Christianity, and America. Jesus rode a donkey when He entered Jerusalem and a donkey was symbolic with the lowly life He lived starting with His birth in a stable.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun with no expectation of a positive review and all opinions are my own.
Why Millions of Christians Are Democrats
By Linda Seger, Th.D.
Politics is something that can divide people and even the Church can be split when it comes to political allegiance. But with Jesus Rode a Donkey Linda Seger looks beyond the party platforms and looks at the heart of the issue.
When voting one needs to look at how an individual candidate has portrayed their beliefs in their life and action not just in their official platform. The election process is one fraught with decisions that weigh upon the soul. How do I vote? Should I focus on the party platform? The individual's spoken stand? Or the candidate's life as a whole?
Looking at the two major parties, the greatest difference is seemingly the role of religion in America. But looking at the founding of our nation one has to acknowledge that the foundations were liberal in nature - the very idea of freedom was an unheard of concept. A monarchy free government, freedom to worship without a state endorsed religion, and the promise of equality were ideas of change.
But equality's promise has not been enjoyed by all throughout America's history. And this is where our focus should be - WWJD (what would Jesus do?). Jesus came to those society looked down upon. He associated with the poor, the outcast, the ill. He showed neighborly love to all and didn't allow the dictates of society to determine whom should be His neighbor. How can we do any less?
Whether one agrees with the views of the author this is an interesting look at politics, Christianity, and America. Jesus rode a donkey when He entered Jerusalem and a donkey was symbolic with the lowly life He lived starting with His birth in a stable.
I was provided a copy of this book by the author through TBCN/BookFun with no expectation of a positive review and all opinions are my own.
July 9, 2014
Jesus Rode a Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ by Linda Seger, Th.D. is both slightly dated and startlingly poignant at the same time. The book was written in 2006, and specifically addressed the political culture of animosity, hypocrisy, and secrecy during the Bush administration. Unfortunately, those days look downright rosy given today's gridlock in Washington.
Dr. Seger is a Quaker and her doctorate is in women's liberation theology. While her problem solving approach isn't exactly novel, the perspective that she brings is not a common one in today's America, despite the major role the Quakers played in the abolition and women's rights movements.
The formal name of the Quakers is The Society of Friends. In Quaker churches, all decisions are made by consensus and this is one of the tools that Dr. Seger brings to bear in her Biblical analysis of political problems. The basic premise of the book is that, if we start with what we have in common as Christians, people on the right and the left can rapidly come to workable agreements.
Dr. Seger's structure is to tackle one big issue per chapter. In doing so, she starts with the length and breadth of biblical interpretation and whittles it down to the here and now. Again, as stated, she's adressing six year old issues so the chapter on homosexuality is a tad dated given the rapid shift in public opinion, but abortion and war are as hot button as ever.
When all is said and done, the book advocates simple sanity in political discourse. The idea that we are always going to agree on issues just because we're Christians is ludicrous. The fact of the matter is that we need to work hard to make democracy work properly, and that has been sorely lacking of late.
Dr. Seger is a Quaker and her doctorate is in women's liberation theology. While her problem solving approach isn't exactly novel, the perspective that she brings is not a common one in today's America, despite the major role the Quakers played in the abolition and women's rights movements.
The formal name of the Quakers is The Society of Friends. In Quaker churches, all decisions are made by consensus and this is one of the tools that Dr. Seger brings to bear in her Biblical analysis of political problems. The basic premise of the book is that, if we start with what we have in common as Christians, people on the right and the left can rapidly come to workable agreements.
Dr. Seger's structure is to tackle one big issue per chapter. In doing so, she starts with the length and breadth of biblical interpretation and whittles it down to the here and now. Again, as stated, she's adressing six year old issues so the chapter on homosexuality is a tad dated given the rapid shift in public opinion, but abortion and war are as hot button as ever.
When all is said and done, the book advocates simple sanity in political discourse. The idea that we are always going to agree on issues just because we're Christians is ludicrous. The fact of the matter is that we need to work hard to make democracy work properly, and that has been sorely lacking of late.
July 29, 2017
This book was excellent! While it was absolutely written from the point of view of a Democrat (just look at the title), Linda Seger did a very good job of being open minded throughout this book and still communicating her ideas with the reader. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who strangely enjoys reading political books!
May 21, 2013
I didn't read everything in this book because I'm out of time and have to return it to the library, but what I read was quite good. The chapter on War and Peace was well done. The author does not simply critize Republicans or conservatives but points out how presidents and other political leaders on both sides have been deceitful and dishonest. I will probably read more in it later.
January 23, 2013
A should read, short of a must read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews