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The Crooked Places Made Straight: Reflections on the Moral Meaning of America
From Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock, a sermon in the public square on the issues that plague us most
Sen. Rev. Raphael G. Warnock is a transformational voice in the congress and pastor of Martin Luther King’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, and for the semiquincentennial of America, he exhorts us to reach for the highest and noblest aspects of our national character. Sen. Rev. Warnock argues that we suffer not from a paucity of resources, but a poverty of moral imagination.
His sermon on the book of Isaiah draws from ideals resonant in his own faith and all of the great faiths and other moral traditions, offering a bold vision of how to live and relate to one another in the land. A moral topography, he calls it, a geo-politics that centers love and justice, or as Dr. King would so often say, the beloved community. The Crooked Places Made Straight examines six crises at the center of American voting rights and voter suppression, gun violence, mass incarceration, the persistence of poverty, dark money in politics, and the climate emergency.
This is not a naïve faith, either. As Sen. Rev. Warnock the prophet Isaiah knows well the perils of public corruption, sophisticated legalized bribery, and a political class more interested in preserving their own power than in serving the people. He’s fed up with political leaders who were focused on their own gain at the expense of the people. “Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves,” he says.
For Sen. Rev. Warnock, democracy is the political enactment of a spiritual idea. A vote is a kind of prayer. The Crooked Places Made Straight is his inspiring vision for a more just and equitable America where communities thrive with hope and possibility and every child has a chance.
Sen. Rev. Raphael G. Warnock is a transformational voice in the congress and pastor of Martin Luther King’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, and for the semiquincentennial of America, he exhorts us to reach for the highest and noblest aspects of our national character. Sen. Rev. Warnock argues that we suffer not from a paucity of resources, but a poverty of moral imagination.
His sermon on the book of Isaiah draws from ideals resonant in his own faith and all of the great faiths and other moral traditions, offering a bold vision of how to live and relate to one another in the land. A moral topography, he calls it, a geo-politics that centers love and justice, or as Dr. King would so often say, the beloved community. The Crooked Places Made Straight examines six crises at the center of American voting rights and voter suppression, gun violence, mass incarceration, the persistence of poverty, dark money in politics, and the climate emergency.
This is not a naïve faith, either. As Sen. Rev. Warnock the prophet Isaiah knows well the perils of public corruption, sophisticated legalized bribery, and a political class more interested in preserving their own power than in serving the people. He’s fed up with political leaders who were focused on their own gain at the expense of the people. “Your princes are rebels and companions of thieves,” he says.
For Sen. Rev. Warnock, democracy is the political enactment of a spiritual idea. A vote is a kind of prayer. The Crooked Places Made Straight is his inspiring vision for a more just and equitable America where communities thrive with hope and possibility and every child has a chance.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 5, 2026
“...a nation still reckoning with the complexity of its own self-understanding, conceived in liberty, expanded through genocide, built by slaves.”
Political non-fiction is not my normal reading choice, but when this hold came in the week America was celebrating the 250th anniversary of declaring independence, it felt right. Make no mistake, this is not unbiased journalism. Senator Warnock is clearly a Democrat and a Baptist Reverend, so there is a definite viewpoint which might be off-putting to some readers. For me though, his choice to frame this point in our country’s history through the lens of the Book of Isaiah was interesting and thought provoking.
"We all have a moral obligation to one another, and we share a tied destiny. This calls to mind Isaiah's principle of equity and the promise of a better future for us. In Isaiah's vision an equitable society is a place where we can see each other, and our shared future more clearly and fully in the preciousness of our humanity."
He tackles six issues that he thinks are most pressing to restore the promise of America and his vision for a more equitable future. And he pulls no punches in casting blame and calling out the issues we face. "I think the entire country now registers a kind of low-grade fever, a vague and inexpressible weariness brought on by the sheer trauma of the assault on our democracy. In the meantime, demagogues who trade in hate, fear, unbridled corruption and opportunism exploit our vulnerability by convincing us that we need to be afraid of each other."
I knew what I was getting into reading this book and I admire Senator Warnock a great deal, especially the idea that we have to pray with our hands and feet, and not just with our mouths - that’s a reminder that will stick with me. I do wish there had been less vitriol and political point scoring and more inspiration and practical ideas on what we can actually do.
July 17, 2026
An extremely eloquent sermonesque political manifesto by a man more wise and legitimate than this failure of a president and abomination of a man could ever be. This is an uplifting and ensouling book that breathed life into me. At times he genuinely channels Dr. King himself.
July 1, 2026
I admire Congressman Warnock and his ethical stance brought to politics, and I overwhelmingly agree with his points of view in each chapter about the state of our country. Where he lost me was the mini-stump speeches about what he had done in Congress to try to better each of these issues. I know he is fighting the good fight and making good trouble. His record is admirable.
I wish he would have focused on the issues instead of his own record of voting; however, I suppose that is the message of his book: We, the people. All of us are responsible for the state of our country, and he was putting forth what he had done as one person out of many. Personally, it interrupted the flow of the narrative, but it may not for other readers.
Overall, I find his message spot on in a world that seems adrift as of late.
I wish he would have focused on the issues instead of his own record of voting; however, I suppose that is the message of his book: We, the people. All of us are responsible for the state of our country, and he was putting forth what he had done as one person out of many. Personally, it interrupted the flow of the narrative, but it may not for other readers.
Overall, I find his message spot on in a world that seems adrift as of late.
June 24, 2026
This be my dude.
June 25, 2026
The notion of religion in politics can be make people apprehensive. Religion, after all, has been used to imprison and persecute outsiders and non-believers; to deny rights to women; and to justify the original sin of slavery.
Senator Warnock provides a counter-point to this in his book by presenting a different tradition—one in which faith serves as a moral compass to fight for freedom, protect human dignity, and serve those on the margins rather than oppress them.
What makes Crooked Places compelling is that Senator Warnock – who also serves as Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church – presents faith as the foundation for moral conviction and service, not as a tool for imposing doctrine or enforcing order. Whether or not a reader shares his religious beliefs or follows any faith tradition, one cannot doubt the sincerity with which he approaches public life as an extension of a commitment to love one’s neighbor.
At a time when religion continues to be used as a tool to sow division or provide cover for abandoning those on the margins, this testimony is a breath of fresh air. Crooked Places offers the story of true faith in action. It raises the questions of what we owe one another and what faith requires of those in public office. Senator Warnock addresses those questions with a book deeply personal, historically significant, spiritually uplifting, and urgently relevant all at once
While there are a lot of reasons these days to be anxious, frustrated and angry, Crooked Places has left me feeling hopeful there are still people with courage and conviction fighting to do what’s right.
Senator Warnock provides a counter-point to this in his book by presenting a different tradition—one in which faith serves as a moral compass to fight for freedom, protect human dignity, and serve those on the margins rather than oppress them.
What makes Crooked Places compelling is that Senator Warnock – who also serves as Pastor of the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church – presents faith as the foundation for moral conviction and service, not as a tool for imposing doctrine or enforcing order. Whether or not a reader shares his religious beliefs or follows any faith tradition, one cannot doubt the sincerity with which he approaches public life as an extension of a commitment to love one’s neighbor.
At a time when religion continues to be used as a tool to sow division or provide cover for abandoning those on the margins, this testimony is a breath of fresh air. Crooked Places offers the story of true faith in action. It raises the questions of what we owe one another and what faith requires of those in public office. Senator Warnock addresses those questions with a book deeply personal, historically significant, spiritually uplifting, and urgently relevant all at once
While there are a lot of reasons these days to be anxious, frustrated and angry, Crooked Places has left me feeling hopeful there are still people with courage and conviction fighting to do what’s right.
June 21, 2026
« I’m not running for president »
- MF who’s running for president
- MF who’s running for president
July 27, 2026
Beyond thankful for this book and for this brilliant and kind leader! A short book that packs a punch!!
August 1, 2026
As with Cory Booker’s Stand, this book is another call to those of us who care about our children and our planet and fairness to keep working for those who need help and to continue to have faith in the good of humanity when there are days that show us so much selfishness and greed. Thank you both for your kindness, vision, leadership, bravery, faith, and hope.
July 31, 2026
Excellent book. Raphael Warnock is the author and I listened to him read his own book on audiobooks. That was wonderful.
This is a short read with only 6 chapters, plus an introduction that could be considered another chapter and definitely read. Each chapter focuses on a different subject: campaign finances, poverty/wealth and the growing gap, environmental issues, gun violence, etc. A chapter on mass incarceration probably made me think the most. It’s not about letting people that committed crimes free from jail, but those with other circumstances be dealt with in other ways. I would only read one chapter a day because each chapter that I listen to gave me many points to ponder and questions to contemplate. I’d find myself during the day just having a thought or question pop in my head from what I read earlier. I needed that time to digest what I had heard.
Rafael Warnock presented himself from the beginning as a reverend/pastor, as well as a US senator and a civil rights activist. All of those roles were present in his writings for each chapter. He heavily relied on the Old Testament book of Isaiah in many of the chapters he wrote. There were other biblical verses from all over the Bible, but he kept focused on the theme of Isaiah. This was not a religious or pushing a Christian ideology at all, but just comparing what’s going on in our world today with things that were occurring thousands of years ago. It was an interesting connection. I highly recommend this book.
This is a short read with only 6 chapters, plus an introduction that could be considered another chapter and definitely read. Each chapter focuses on a different subject: campaign finances, poverty/wealth and the growing gap, environmental issues, gun violence, etc. A chapter on mass incarceration probably made me think the most. It’s not about letting people that committed crimes free from jail, but those with other circumstances be dealt with in other ways. I would only read one chapter a day because each chapter that I listen to gave me many points to ponder and questions to contemplate. I’d find myself during the day just having a thought or question pop in my head from what I read earlier. I needed that time to digest what I had heard.
Rafael Warnock presented himself from the beginning as a reverend/pastor, as well as a US senator and a civil rights activist. All of those roles were present in his writings for each chapter. He heavily relied on the Old Testament book of Isaiah in many of the chapters he wrote. There were other biblical verses from all over the Bible, but he kept focused on the theme of Isaiah. This was not a religious or pushing a Christian ideology at all, but just comparing what’s going on in our world today with things that were occurring thousands of years ago. It was an interesting connection. I highly recommend this book.
July 18, 2026
Senator Warnock (D-GA) shares his Christian vision for a better America, where "the crooked places are made straight." In my case, he's preaching to the choir. Like him, I desire a country that doesn't let the powerful crush the weak, and, like him, my desires are deeply shaped by my Christian faith. What I don't know is how this book will come across to the everyday Republican voter who is genuinely open but may be immersed in a different information environment. Warnock is sharply critical of Trump and Republicans (and sometimes Democrats too), though he does note common ground at times. (Indeed, if you remove partisan cues, most Americans can find a lot of common ground on policy issues.) I appreciate that he recognizes many of his political opponents as his Christian brothers, even if he doesn't understand their ethics.
July 18, 2026
Serendipitously, my library waitlist had this book ready right after finishing JD Vance's new book. The two had a surprisingly similar message: People are searching for safety and meaning in their lives and government can provide the answer. Raphael Warnock comes at these political problems through the lens of his vocation as a pastor; JD comes at faith from a political lens. Needless to say the former is wildly more logical. Raphael champions positions I have long thought the political right should take up: environmental protections, finding those who have fallen through the cracks and helping them to name a few. While it would have been entertaining to learn more about his personal life, this call to arms is moving.
July 18, 2026
Warnock is a senator & a pastor. He looks at our nation through the lens of the book of Isaiah. Excellent ideas about poverty, mass incarceration, housing, caring for the earth, gun violence & more. He likens our democracy to a cathedral. It takes decades or more to build a cathedral. Our democracy is a grand cathedral still being completed. The main theme is Isaiah 40:4-5. Lok it up. Excellent lens. And asks the question over & over. Is what we're doing caring for the children - all of them.
August 5, 2026
The Reverend/Senator Warnock uses the old testament verses from Isaiah for the premise of his book
"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight , and the rough places smooth; And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Isaiah 40 : 4-5 NKJV
At a time in our country's history when there is so much division and diversion, Raphael's words are much like the "Balm of Gilead".
This "short" book soothed my soul and centered my thoughts.
"Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill brought low; The crooked places shall be made straight , and the rough places smooth; And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together." Isaiah 40 : 4-5 NKJV
At a time in our country's history when there is so much division and diversion, Raphael's words are much like the "Balm of Gilead".
This "short" book soothed my soul and centered my thoughts.
July 8, 2026
This is a welcome book by a politician rooted in his faith. As a conservative Christian who feels like a person without a political home, his sentiments rooted in the book of Isaiah are compelling. He focuses on issues and gives tangible examples as well which I felt was honest.
I don’t agree with many of his policy conclusions, but I think it’s good to read people who have a different point of view than me.
I gained good perspective and a healthy respect for the author.
I don’t agree with many of his policy conclusions, but I think it’s good to read people who have a different point of view than me.
I gained good perspective and a healthy respect for the author.
July 11, 2026
Senator Raphael Warnock from Georgia holds office while holding the position as pastor at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta. In this short book of essays,Reverend Warnock speaks both of problems and solutions for such societal issues as poverty, incarceration, gun violence, and tge environment. As a man of faith, he emphasizes that faith in his writings.
July 26, 2026
Wonderful hearing Raphael Wornock narrate. I liked the connection to a specific passage of scripture as a guide to life as well. The themes were somewhat obvious to me. The way to “smooth the crooked parts” a bit less so in reality vs just theory. I think more a 3.5; but worth a read if this type of book appeals to you.
July 1, 2026
Rev. Warnock provides an optimistic and energetic message from the chaos within our country and the world today. His use of the Book of Isaiah’s guidance and hope for the future. This is a book we all should read.
July 4, 2026
What's right about our country....and what's not....and what we can do about it. (I read the hard cover edition which is not listed on Goodreads.) A really good piece of writing for reflection and discussion.
July 13, 2026
I really enjoyed this book and I’m really grateful for the perspective of Sen/Rev Warnock and he’s a great writer. I would have liked more auto-biographical content but it’s a great moral commentary on the state and policy of the U.S.
July 16, 2026
As a Christian with similar politics, I really enjoyed hearing Senator Warnock's take on what he views as our current biggest challenges. There was nothing groundbreaking in this book, but it was very well written by someone who I have grown to respect much more.
June 27, 2026
Fantastic read from our great GA Senator… the honorable Pastor Raphael G. Warnock. Gives me hope for our country and for the American church. Keep the faith!
July 3, 2026
I was disappointed by this book. I was looking for some original new ideas however this was simply Democratic talking points wrapped in Scripture.
July 10, 2026
5 stars (though, if I did 1/4 stars, it would be a 4.75)
I’m way too tired right now to write a real review.
I’m way too tired right now to write a real review.
July 24, 2026
I highly recommend the audiobook read by Sen. Dr. Rev. Warnock.
July 29, 2026
This is a great example of what is happening to our country
August 6, 2026
In this series of sermons Senator Warnock addresses issues from social to political we face and frames them within the teachings of Jesus. It’s a beautifully written? hopeful collection.
August 6, 2026
The Rev brings hope and character to the table when it feels like so many are walking away in despair. I needed his pep talk and perspective.
June 23, 2026
This begins a discussion series on the book as a basis for review...
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Introduction - https://gabixlerreviews-bookreadershe...
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This closes out the discussion
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews