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The Faith of George W. Bush
A New York Times BestsellerA CBA BestsellerA Selection of Crossings Book ClubMore than any other president in recent years, George W. Bush's presidency is "faith based." Discover how the 43rd president of the United States interjects his faith and belief in God into every detail of his life. From 9/11 to the present-day conflict in Iraq, learn how President Bush uses his faith to help him live his life - both in office and in private.
224 pages, Paperback
First published October 13, 2003
21 people are currently reading
355 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Mansfield
96 books158 followersStephen Mansfield is a New York Times bestselling author and a popular speaker who is becoming one of the nation’s most respected voices on religion and American culture. He is also an activist in a variety of social causes.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
Stephen was born in Georgia but grew up largely in Europe due to his father’s career as an officer in the United States Army. After a youth filled with sports, travel, and mischief, he was recruited to play college football but turned down the opportunity when a Christian conversion moved him to attend a leading Christian college.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and philosophy and then moved to Texas where he pastored a church, completed two Master’s degrees, hosted a radio show and began acquiring a reputation as a popular speaker of both depth and humor. He moved to Tennessee in 1991 where he again pastored a church, did relief work among the Kurds in Northern Iraq, served as a political consultant, and completed a doctorate.
It was during this time that he also launched the writing career for which he has become internationally known. His first book on Winston Churchill was a Gold Medallion Award Finalist. He also wrote widely-acclaimed biographies of Booker T. Washington and George Whitefield as well as a number of other books on history and leadership. In 1997, the Governor of Tennessee commissioned Mansfield to write the official history of religion in Tennessee for that state’s bicentennial.
In 2002, Stephen left the pastorate after twenty fruitful years to write and lecture full-time. Not long afterward he wrote The Faith of George W. Bush, which spent many weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and won numerous national awards. The book also became a source for Oliver Stone’s internationally acclaimed film W, which chronicled Bush’s rise to the presidency.
This international bestseller led to a string of influential books over the following eight years. Stephen wrote The Faith of the American Soldier after being embedded with U.S. troops in Iraq. He also wrote about the new Pope in Benedict XVI: His Life and Mission. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller and was often a topic in major media during the presidential campaign of 2008. To answer the crumbling values of portions of corporate America, he wrote The Search for God and Guinness and soon found himself speaking to corporate gatherings around the world.
Stephen continues to write books about faith and culture—recently on topics like Sarah Palin, Oprah Winfrey and America’s generals—but beyond his writing career he has founded The Mansfield Group, a successful consulting and communications firm, as well as Chartwell Literary Group, a firm that creates and manages literary projects. Together with his wife, Beverly, Mansfield has created The Global Leadership Development Fund, a foundation that sponsors leadership training and networking around the world.
In recent years, Stephen’s popularity as a speaker has nearly eclipsed his reputation as a bestselling author. He is often to be found addressing a university gathering, a corporate retreat or a fundraising banquet and stirring his audience with the humor and storytelling that have become his trademark.
Mansfield lives primarily in Nashville, Tennessee, with his beloved wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer. For more information, log onto MansfieldGroup.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
July 12, 2018
What an interesting read! The author did a great job staying focused on his goal of describing the faith of former President George W Bush and not getting lost in the various other events surrounding the man and his family. Like many, his journey to deep convictions wasn't straight or easy, but the path led him to a steadfastness that was quite evident in the days after 9/11/01. He is a complex man, far more than some want to give him credit for, and Stephen Mansfield points this out well. This is the book to read if you want to gain insight into what George W Bush believes and why, but not so much a strict biography of the man's life.
March 8, 2011
Not a bad book. It's a "semi-biographical work, dropping back and looking a bit at earlier generations of the Bush family, the effect on Mr. Bush and his faith.
The book was written while Mr. Bush was still in office and attempted to lay out how the President could live with God as the center of his life while still not violating the freedom of religion of this country.
The most interesting thing for me here is the fact that no one seems to be able to shake their "preconceived ideas" of Mr. Bush even when reading a book like this. The press was so anti-Bush while he was in office not even pretending to be unbiased in the end that it bleeds over into the views I've seen of this book. Overall, it's not a bad read and falls on the middle as a biography, doing a fair job of relating The former president's story of faith.
The book was written while Mr. Bush was still in office and attempted to lay out how the President could live with God as the center of his life while still not violating the freedom of religion of this country.
The most interesting thing for me here is the fact that no one seems to be able to shake their "preconceived ideas" of Mr. Bush even when reading a book like this. The press was so anti-Bush while he was in office not even pretending to be unbiased in the end that it bleeds over into the views I've seen of this book. Overall, it's not a bad read and falls on the middle as a biography, doing a fair job of relating The former president's story of faith.
April 12, 2016
Though I have nothing against Bush--I consider myself a Republican, after all--this book was long, rambling, and boring. Too many unnecessary details, and not enough meaty content. President Bush's autobiography Decision Points is much better reading.
July 16, 2017
A very loose exploration of the faith of the former president. It was more shallow reading then it was deep reading. A few good tidbits but overall not what I was expecting.
November 18, 2020
Uma história de despertar espiritual
George W. Bush se mostra um exemplo vivo de que não há momento, tempo ou idade certa para acharmos ou traçarmos o nosso propósito de vida. Bush filho, foi aclamado aos 40 anos de idade com o despertar de sua fé, tendo o grandioso desafio político sob o governo do estado do Texas e posteriormente em criar sua imagem, saindo da sombra de seu pai para poder tornar-se a figura pública e emblemática mais poderosa do mundo, o presidente dos Estados Unidos.
Munido de vários exemplos, a obra mostra liderança de Bush e seu formato de governo em que busca manter religião e política lado a lado, mesmo com duras críticas de todos os lados, principalmente da mídia.
Decisões, mudanças, família, religião e política regem esta leitura que traz como pano de fundo a mensagem clara e exemplificada por uma poderosa figura mundial que propósito é algo a ser buscado e que a fé é o caminho mais claro e honesto para alcança-lo.
Leitura recomendada!
George W. Bush se mostra um exemplo vivo de que não há momento, tempo ou idade certa para acharmos ou traçarmos o nosso propósito de vida. Bush filho, foi aclamado aos 40 anos de idade com o despertar de sua fé, tendo o grandioso desafio político sob o governo do estado do Texas e posteriormente em criar sua imagem, saindo da sombra de seu pai para poder tornar-se a figura pública e emblemática mais poderosa do mundo, o presidente dos Estados Unidos.
Munido de vários exemplos, a obra mostra liderança de Bush e seu formato de governo em que busca manter religião e política lado a lado, mesmo com duras críticas de todos os lados, principalmente da mídia.
Decisões, mudanças, família, religião e política regem esta leitura que traz como pano de fundo a mensagem clara e exemplificada por uma poderosa figura mundial que propósito é algo a ser buscado e que a fé é o caminho mais claro e honesto para alcança-lo.
Leitura recomendada!
July 16, 2017
I enjoyed the book. It was a vacation read. An easy read. An insightful read. I recently watched a documentary on "Faith in the White House" and learned of the book and my wife bought it for me to read while we were on vacation. I remember well the chaos surrounding him winning the presidency and I believe wholeheartedly that he was the man for the times surrounding 9/11. I'll always be grateful for a president that fears God and loves his country. I really believe President Bush is guilty of both. It was insightful to learn about his journey to faith in Christ and the presidential road he traveled as he served our nation with Christian principles and deep-seated personal convictions.
June 5, 2017
Wonderful book and he was a great president
January 2, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I admire his great faith.
June 25, 2020
Did a book report on in college - enjoyed the easy read and liked surprising professor with a unique book review!
October 29, 2020
Loved it. Learned a lot about GWB that I didn’t know.
July 16, 2022
A fair book, more biography than anything.
May 11, 2023
I love books that give you so much insight into a persons background. I really enjoyed this book. Would recommend
November 18, 2024
Quite interesting anecdotes here and there, but overall not super interesting. I was glad it was short.
September 4, 2025
A sympathetic portrait of the former President by @MansfieldWrites in The Faith of George W. Bush, though might have hoped for more on Iraq.
August 29, 2023
People who wrote about George W. Bush are all guilty of one thing: turning their work into a hagiography. This one, however, doesn't exactly borderline on idol worship like a lot of the others. Mansfield even included some minor criticisms. It reduced the awe factor that emanated from the pages. It did not, however, reduce the nostalgia vibe.
'The Faith of George W. Bush' is the second book I've read about this former President's faith. To Mansfields credit, he made it a bit more worth it by adding in things I've never read about before. It kind of made up for the partial inaccuracies throughout the book.
I have never read about W's baptism before, at least not in such detail. This book also goes into greater detail about his faith walk than David Aikman, author of "A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush," did. Where this book got it right about W's faith walk, it got it wrong when it came to why he quit drinking. He felt faint on the morning of his last hangover and had to stop running. By the time he returned home, his sobriety had basically begun. Not much else really seemed false. Unlike Aikman, Mansfield got the Iowa Philospher answer correct.
I have now read 6 books about this Bush. As I've said before, Bush became the President-Elect when I was 12 years old (hence the nostalgia vibe), and I have vivid memories about those years. Admittedly, some of what I know about Bush comes from the 6 books I've read, but I knew enough just by living through it.
I will end my review by saying that one of my favorite parts of this book is where Mansfield talks of how W changed his views a lot on gay people by hiring two openly gay men to serve in his administration. That is proof that this president didn't/doesn't hate the lgbt.
'The Faith of George W. Bush' is the second book I've read about this former President's faith. To Mansfields credit, he made it a bit more worth it by adding in things I've never read about before. It kind of made up for the partial inaccuracies throughout the book.
I have never read about W's baptism before, at least not in such detail. This book also goes into greater detail about his faith walk than David Aikman, author of "A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush," did. Where this book got it right about W's faith walk, it got it wrong when it came to why he quit drinking. He felt faint on the morning of his last hangover and had to stop running. By the time he returned home, his sobriety had basically begun. Not much else really seemed false. Unlike Aikman, Mansfield got the Iowa Philospher answer correct.
I have now read 6 books about this Bush. As I've said before, Bush became the President-Elect when I was 12 years old (hence the nostalgia vibe), and I have vivid memories about those years. Admittedly, some of what I know about Bush comes from the 6 books I've read, but I knew enough just by living through it.
I will end my review by saying that one of my favorite parts of this book is where Mansfield talks of how W changed his views a lot on gay people by hiring two openly gay men to serve in his administration. That is proof that this president didn't/doesn't hate the lgbt.
April 29, 2016
I got this book at a library book sale. I thought it was an interesting concept of a book; looking at the faith of a president. At the time of the writing, Bush was still in office, so at times the author makes a few comments about whether his faith would help set the course of the country.
This was not a long book, and was pretty easy to read, however, I feel it started out a little slow but picked up. It does not shy away from Bush's past where he was considered a party guy, but if you believe in the Christian faith, everyone has a past.
There was one story that I really liked when coming into the White House, Bush had a painting hung in the office that had symbolism to it (I won't give out spoilers), and also thought there were a few touching stories, especially when he turned 40 years old and was still considered a failure among people, not knowing where he was going in life (this was before politics), but a few years later, he ends up in the White House. You do not need to be a Bush supporter to like some of the stories in this, but I'm sure those that hated him as President would not pick up the book anyway, but it was a decent book, especially for the price I paid at a sale.
This was not a long book, and was pretty easy to read, however, I feel it started out a little slow but picked up. It does not shy away from Bush's past where he was considered a party guy, but if you believe in the Christian faith, everyone has a past.
There was one story that I really liked when coming into the White House, Bush had a painting hung in the office that had symbolism to it (I won't give out spoilers), and also thought there were a few touching stories, especially when he turned 40 years old and was still considered a failure among people, not knowing where he was going in life (this was before politics), but a few years later, he ends up in the White House. You do not need to be a Bush supporter to like some of the stories in this, but I'm sure those that hated him as President would not pick up the book anyway, but it was a decent book, especially for the price I paid at a sale.
June 14, 2017
I read this book because so many people have expressed so much hatred for this man, I wanted to know why! This book did not explain that, but it did tell me a little more about President George W. Bush. What I liked about this book was Dr. Mansfield took the middle of the road in talking about George Bush. So many books have been written in dislike, anger, and passion, it was nice to read about who he is, about his faith and how that played a role in the White House. I know it is hard at times to understand how his faith helped him make decisions, but after reading this book, I did have a better understanding. As President, was called stupid and yet he received a bachelor's degree in history from Yale University in 1968, received a Master from Harvard Business School, and had millions before he came to office. Many think but are wrong, that he made his millions from oil in fact he lost money. What I have always liked about this man is that he does not hate anyone nor does he say bad things about people. I have disagreed with him on many things, but it does not make me hate him or call him names. It is difficult to play that game with someone who refuses to come down to that level.
April 8, 2012
This audiobook gives a short biography of George W. Bush, in order to point the reader toward the events leading to Bush's faith and how it affected his Presidency. It told of his childhood, his growing up years, and how he earned his fortune.
Mansfield did a lot of research to get the details here, including the way that Bush melds faith and acceptance of all peoples into a public and private man that was part of the reason he was able to accept the damage done to the nation on 9/11. Bush used his faith not as a crutch but as a support, and this book details not only that, but that his political career, and how his refusal to accept people based on some preconceived notion gave him a support group that was exceedingly diverse.
This book is an inspiration!
As a final note - I was amused by the revelation of some of the names used by the Secret Service to refer to the Commander in Chief: Reagan was Rawhide, Carter was Rabbit, Clinton was Elvis, and GW Bush was Trailblazer.
Mansfield did a lot of research to get the details here, including the way that Bush melds faith and acceptance of all peoples into a public and private man that was part of the reason he was able to accept the damage done to the nation on 9/11. Bush used his faith not as a crutch but as a support, and this book details not only that, but that his political career, and how his refusal to accept people based on some preconceived notion gave him a support group that was exceedingly diverse.
This book is an inspiration!
As a final note - I was amused by the revelation of some of the names used by the Secret Service to refer to the Commander in Chief: Reagan was Rawhide, Carter was Rabbit, Clinton was Elvis, and GW Bush was Trailblazer.
November 23, 2014
This is a book that I wish I had known about and read when it was first published in 2004. Not that it would have changed my mind about George W. Bush - I am a conservative Republican - but it would have helped me better understand him. First, I did not know about his conversion experience; and what a changed man he was, per the book, afterwards - as he should have been! Also, a conversation he had with Evangelist Billy Graham more than likely had a profound effect on how he discussed the various religions, Christian or not, after said conversation. Former President George W. Bush may not ever be recognized on this earth as a great leader nor as a man who tried his best to answer to his God after he was saved, but the Bible teaches us that we Christians will be ostracized, criticized, and basically have a difficult time throughout our lives, especially when we stand up for Christ. Thus, George W. Bush may not be recognized here on earth, but he will be in heaven, IMO.
May 25, 2009
I read this book when I was obsessed with President George W. Bush, so my perspective of it's impact is probably different than those who are not that fond of him. Coming from a faith-based background, I truly enjoyed learning more about our President's past, and how he found God. He was rebellious in his younger years, but GW found what was important in life and went with it. The Faith of GWB really impacted my view of him in a more positive way, it allowed me to respect him even more for his values, beyond just governing our country.
GW was someone I looked up to because of his faith. This was one of those "good books" about George. Despite not liking politics as much [if at all:] anymore, I still truly enjoyed this look at the heart of our President. I believe GW believed that with his faith in God, he could do all things.
GW was someone I looked up to because of his faith. This was one of those "good books" about George. Despite not liking politics as much [if at all:] anymore, I still truly enjoyed this look at the heart of our President. I believe GW believed that with his faith in God, he could do all things.
April 26, 2009
I put this on my to-read list way back in the day, when the author came and spoke at chapel at my undergrad. This would have been right after the book was published, in 2003 or 2004, so obviously this has not been a super-high priority for me. But I'm glad I've finally read it; it is very simple, straightforward and to the point, very like the subject of the book. It was a quick and easy, enjoyable read, that is neither condemning nor overly laudatory. It portrays the journey of a man who was flawed trying to apply this faith to transcend those flaws. I think it's unfortunate that this book was written and published before the somewhat more--controversial--second term began; I would have been curious to see what the author would have made of some of those events.
June 17, 2014
I was totally astonished of the Bush Mansfield portrayed. He was prolific in his sources of details of Bush's life, public and private. According to this biography, Bush has a much richer spiritual life and stronger foundation in the Christian faith than I would ever imagined. His precise decisions in the wake of the 9/11 was amazingly empowering to the nation. I can feel the pride of the Americans in his words and actions. It is a well-written book and an eye-opener to Bush's inner life.
March 24, 2009
Agree or disagree with our last President this book provided a glimplse into the deep impact faith had on his life, family, and ultimately his job. At his core, George Bush is a family man first who happened to become the President. He stood for the deeply rooted Faith based values of our Founding fathers. Perfect - no, Admirable -yes.
August 19, 2015
This is a book about Pres. Bush mostly before his days as President. He was drinking too much and his life was not going as he liked, he was too wild. Then he quit drinking and found God. This faith now carries him through his life and he used this faith to guide him as President to make good Christian decisions but still be pragmatic.
July 25, 2016
Picked it up at the cottage.
The best line was at the last chapter, the author discussed labels and how we in our data-base culture like to label and categorize people. He doesn't fit that model of understanding very well. Also how he has great relational intelligence, but not other kinds that we would expect of a president.
The best line was at the last chapter, the author discussed labels and how we in our data-base culture like to label and categorize people. He doesn't fit that model of understanding very well. Also how he has great relational intelligence, but not other kinds that we would expect of a president.
April 17, 2008
Regardless of whether I care for Bush's decision or not, I enjoyed this look into his life. I love hearing about people's journeys with faith, it was interesting that someone wrote one about the President.
November 13, 2010
A look at the faith of George W. Bush and the effects on his presidency and his life. As a woman of faith; I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Especially liked Stephen Mansfield's writing style. Will definitely read his other books ~ look forward to them.
October 14, 2011
So glad that I read this book . . . it gave lots of wonderful knowledge into what made President Bush the man he is.
I'm not crazy political books . . . but I liked this one. I want to read "A Charge to Keep" too.
I'm not crazy political books . . . but I liked this one. I want to read "A Charge to Keep" too.
December 2, 2014
I like Bush. I just didn't love this book. It seemed scattered at times. However, I listen to books; I rarely read them, so maybe it was scattered because of the method of "reading." It was interesting to hear about his coming of age as a Christian.
January 3, 2008
Very talented author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews