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Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity from Our Presidential Candidates
For most of American history, the conventional wisdom was that religion was too private a matter to ask a political candidate about. But in a political landscape in which we will see Muslims, atheists, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christians of all stripes running for high office, we cannot afford to avoid religious questions. It's within American voters' rights to know what their candidates believe about God and religion, because those beliefs shape policy and thus action. In both small and significant ways, a candidate's religious views (or lack thereof) define political leadership. And the time for skirting the question or giving vague answers is over.
In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers
- what religion will mean in the 2016 presidential race
- how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong
- the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with both the electorate and even their own advisors
- how to ask the right questions to get honest answers
- what giving candidates a "religious pass" can cost the country
- how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world
- and more
Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guidebook to actively and intelligently participating in America's political system.
In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers
- what religion will mean in the 2016 presidential race
- how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong
- the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with both the electorate and even their own advisors
- how to ask the right questions to get honest answers
- what giving candidates a "religious pass" can cost the country
- how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world
- and more
Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guidebook to actively and intelligently participating in America's political system.
- GenresPoliticsNonfiction
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 2, 2016
2 people are currently reading
219 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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February 7, 2022
The question is that since candidates are influenced by their faith.. what should they tell the voters? Should the voters ask? What is the true meaning of "separation of church and state" and how does it apply to the candidacy of people running for public office?
It's a sticky problem. On one hand a person's faith certainly does influence a candidate. On the other hand is it "permissible" to ask what those influences are?
These are good questions but the author walks around the perimeter w/o giving a straight answer.
It's a sticky problem. On one hand a person's faith certainly does influence a candidate. On the other hand is it "permissible" to ask what those influences are?
These are good questions but the author walks around the perimeter w/o giving a straight answer.
July 18, 2016
Summary: Contends that an in-depth understanding of the faith of political candidates and the role of religion in their lives, as well as in the world, is an important right of citizens entrusted with important decisions in the voting booth.
Stephen Mansfield opens his book describing a White House Correspondents Association dinner and a notable absence among the three thousand in attendance. There were no religious correspondents, despite the fact that there were a number of qualified people who could have attended. Yet even this number is lessening as newspapers and other media are facing budget issues in an internet age. And among the many who cover the news, there is a combination of reticence and ignorance around religious issues that results in either an unwillingness to ask questions about religion or a lack of knowledge about what questions to ask. Mansfield, who has written books on the faith of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney contends that careful reporting of religious views and an understanding of the role of religion both in our society and globally is as vital as ever.
Mansfield attributes that lack of interest in religion to the influence of Auguste Comte's ideas on the academic and media elite. The idea was that the rise of science including the scientific study of society would lead to the eclipse of religion as people moved into the brave new scientific, secular world. Yet globally and nationally, this has been shown to be a mistaken conclusion. China may soon have the most Christians of any nation in the world. Pentecostalism, Mormonism, and Islam are rapidly spreading in the world, as well as in the U.S. which is becoming an increasingly religious, though pluralistic nation.
Similar to Randall Balmer's God in the White House (reviewed here), Mansfield explores the watershed moment of John Kennedy's 1960 speech in Houston about his faith arguing that he was the Democrat candidate for President, not the Catholic candidate and that he would not take orders from the Vatican. Essentially he made the case that no religious test should be applied to the presidency, even for Catholics. Yet candidates did talk about their faith, especially from Jimmy Carter on, and the votes of faith communities were sought by appealing in part to the religious views of candidates. Thus, when Mitt Romney was a candidate, he tried an approach similar to JFK, even speaking in Texas, except that it didn't work. Mansfield argues that it would have helped Romney to be forthcoming about the positive influences of his faith throughout his life, particularly given the significant leadership role and family heritage Romney has in Mormonism. Mansfield also has a chapter on the rise of the "nones", whose spirituality doesn't fit the standard religious classifications and often are an eclectic mix. He argues (and I think accurately) that Thomas Jefferson was a "none", even as he was aware of the importance of religion.
Perhaps his most interesting chapter is an in-depth exploration of the faith of Hilary Clinton, who he would suggest may be one of the most religious people on today's political scene. He traces her involvement in a Methodist youth group led by Don Jones who exposed her to radicals like Saul Alinsky, whose watchword was that "Christianity is either a faith that relieves the suffering of others or is dead." He points to the deepening of that faith in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky affair in which she spoke of God more often, and participated both in Capitol Hill prayer meetings and conferences of progressive Christian organizations like Sojourners. Yet the key word may be progressive, evident in her voting record on various social issues, and it may very well be her understanding of Christianity that, at least in part, helps shape her political commitments.
I found myself wishing he had profiled Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Perhaps when he was writing the book, he may not have believed them serious candidates. It would be fascinating to explore Sanders atheism and how his ideals fuel his candidacy. What reporting has there been about Trump's claimed Presbyterian affiliation? People have decried his positions as "un-Christian" but how many have explored what, if any religious or ideological commitments have shaped his ideas?
Mansfield concludes the book by returning to his basic premise--that faith narratives are important within life narratives, that presidents have often taken religious counsel in the White House, and knowing something about how one's ultimate commitments shape how they have thought about the political issues of the day is something Americans ought to have access to as they prepare to go to the ballot box.
I found myself heartily in agreement that religion is often badly reported and misunderstood in the press. Voices like Sarah Pulliam Bailey and Jonathan Merritt are showing the value of careful, investigative reporting done by religion reporters. I also think that reporting, like what Mansfield has done, that goes beyond sound bites, to biography and the connection of faith and a politician's political positions and practice is valuable. I did at the same time find myself wondering how one safeguards against turning such reporting into a "religious test".
I would advocate that "religious clarity" is only one factor to be weighed along with integrity of character, stated positions and actual voting records, and an assessment of competence to serve in the office. In 1976, for example, I voted for Gerald Ford rather than Jimmy Carter, even though Carter's faith was quite attractive to me. I thought Ford, who I saw as a man of quieter faith but principled, had demonstrated a competence over his career and grasp of the matters a president must contend with. I still think I was right, though we will never know. Yet Mansfield addresses an important "blind spot" in our political reporting, that will always have an important role in the decisions we make and the leadership we are given.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Stephen Mansfield opens his book describing a White House Correspondents Association dinner and a notable absence among the three thousand in attendance. There were no religious correspondents, despite the fact that there were a number of qualified people who could have attended. Yet even this number is lessening as newspapers and other media are facing budget issues in an internet age. And among the many who cover the news, there is a combination of reticence and ignorance around religious issues that results in either an unwillingness to ask questions about religion or a lack of knowledge about what questions to ask. Mansfield, who has written books on the faith of George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Mitt Romney contends that careful reporting of religious views and an understanding of the role of religion both in our society and globally is as vital as ever.
Mansfield attributes that lack of interest in religion to the influence of Auguste Comte's ideas on the academic and media elite. The idea was that the rise of science including the scientific study of society would lead to the eclipse of religion as people moved into the brave new scientific, secular world. Yet globally and nationally, this has been shown to be a mistaken conclusion. China may soon have the most Christians of any nation in the world. Pentecostalism, Mormonism, and Islam are rapidly spreading in the world, as well as in the U.S. which is becoming an increasingly religious, though pluralistic nation.
Similar to Randall Balmer's God in the White House (reviewed here), Mansfield explores the watershed moment of John Kennedy's 1960 speech in Houston about his faith arguing that he was the Democrat candidate for President, not the Catholic candidate and that he would not take orders from the Vatican. Essentially he made the case that no religious test should be applied to the presidency, even for Catholics. Yet candidates did talk about their faith, especially from Jimmy Carter on, and the votes of faith communities were sought by appealing in part to the religious views of candidates. Thus, when Mitt Romney was a candidate, he tried an approach similar to JFK, even speaking in Texas, except that it didn't work. Mansfield argues that it would have helped Romney to be forthcoming about the positive influences of his faith throughout his life, particularly given the significant leadership role and family heritage Romney has in Mormonism. Mansfield also has a chapter on the rise of the "nones", whose spirituality doesn't fit the standard religious classifications and often are an eclectic mix. He argues (and I think accurately) that Thomas Jefferson was a "none", even as he was aware of the importance of religion.
Perhaps his most interesting chapter is an in-depth exploration of the faith of Hilary Clinton, who he would suggest may be one of the most religious people on today's political scene. He traces her involvement in a Methodist youth group led by Don Jones who exposed her to radicals like Saul Alinsky, whose watchword was that "Christianity is either a faith that relieves the suffering of others or is dead." He points to the deepening of that faith in the wake of the Monica Lewinsky affair in which she spoke of God more often, and participated both in Capitol Hill prayer meetings and conferences of progressive Christian organizations like Sojourners. Yet the key word may be progressive, evident in her voting record on various social issues, and it may very well be her understanding of Christianity that, at least in part, helps shape her political commitments.
I found myself wishing he had profiled Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump. Perhaps when he was writing the book, he may not have believed them serious candidates. It would be fascinating to explore Sanders atheism and how his ideals fuel his candidacy. What reporting has there been about Trump's claimed Presbyterian affiliation? People have decried his positions as "un-Christian" but how many have explored what, if any religious or ideological commitments have shaped his ideas?
Mansfield concludes the book by returning to his basic premise--that faith narratives are important within life narratives, that presidents have often taken religious counsel in the White House, and knowing something about how one's ultimate commitments shape how they have thought about the political issues of the day is something Americans ought to have access to as they prepare to go to the ballot box.
I found myself heartily in agreement that religion is often badly reported and misunderstood in the press. Voices like Sarah Pulliam Bailey and Jonathan Merritt are showing the value of careful, investigative reporting done by religion reporters. I also think that reporting, like what Mansfield has done, that goes beyond sound bites, to biography and the connection of faith and a politician's political positions and practice is valuable. I did at the same time find myself wondering how one safeguards against turning such reporting into a "religious test".
I would advocate that "religious clarity" is only one factor to be weighed along with integrity of character, stated positions and actual voting records, and an assessment of competence to serve in the office. In 1976, for example, I voted for Gerald Ford rather than Jimmy Carter, even though Carter's faith was quite attractive to me. I thought Ford, who I saw as a man of quieter faith but principled, had demonstrated a competence over his career and grasp of the matters a president must contend with. I still think I was right, though we will never know. Yet Mansfield addresses an important "blind spot" in our political reporting, that will always have an important role in the decisions we make and the leadership we are given.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
November 9, 2021
This was one of the best political books I've read in awhile. Its thesis is that it does NOT violate the separation of church and state for citizens to ask a political candidate, especially for the office of President of the United States, about his or her religious convictions. On the contrary, that it is our responsibility to do so.
As with any book like this, your first question is, "Well, what's the author's bias?" And in this case, it is hard to find one. His previous books include both "The Faith of George W. Bush" and "The Faith of Barack Obama." The appendix provides the text of three political speeches which Mansfield presents as the best modern examples of the intersection between religious faith and the presidency. One is from John F. Kennedy, one from Ronald Reagan, and one from Obama. It's hard to see any bias other than the fact that religious convictions matter. They matter in determining how a president will govern. And I have to be honest, even though its hard to admit as a conservative evangelical: Mansfield makes a compelling case for why Mitt Romney would have been a great President, not in spite of his Mormon faith, but because of it. His chapter on Mormonism as a uniquely American religion convinced me that Mormon values would make a positive contribution to the character of a President, regardless of whether or not I believe Mormons are going to heaven.
The book was published in 2016, and has nothing to say about Donald Trump. It seems to anticipate Hillary's candidacy, because it devotes an entire chapter to how she was shaped by her religious convictions. I wonder what he would have to say about Trump's acceptance by the religious right, despite the fact that he is utterly unable to articulate any religious worldview whatsoever. Or maybe I don't have to wonder. A quick search told me that he has written about Trump. I'll have to check that out.
What was most interesting to me was the argument that a President doesn't just need to articulate a religious viewpoint; he or she needs to have a grasp on what other religions believe, and how those beliefs shape geopolitics. Because no matter how much Trump tried to make it so, it is impossible for America to be isolationist. And because religion matters even more to our enemies than it does to our allies, it is crucial that American voters "Ask the question" to any aspirants to the highest office: What do you believe, and how will that impact how you lead?
As with any book like this, your first question is, "Well, what's the author's bias?" And in this case, it is hard to find one. His previous books include both "The Faith of George W. Bush" and "The Faith of Barack Obama." The appendix provides the text of three political speeches which Mansfield presents as the best modern examples of the intersection between religious faith and the presidency. One is from John F. Kennedy, one from Ronald Reagan, and one from Obama. It's hard to see any bias other than the fact that religious convictions matter. They matter in determining how a president will govern. And I have to be honest, even though its hard to admit as a conservative evangelical: Mansfield makes a compelling case for why Mitt Romney would have been a great President, not in spite of his Mormon faith, but because of it. His chapter on Mormonism as a uniquely American religion convinced me that Mormon values would make a positive contribution to the character of a President, regardless of whether or not I believe Mormons are going to heaven.
The book was published in 2016, and has nothing to say about Donald Trump. It seems to anticipate Hillary's candidacy, because it devotes an entire chapter to how she was shaped by her religious convictions. I wonder what he would have to say about Trump's acceptance by the religious right, despite the fact that he is utterly unable to articulate any religious worldview whatsoever. Or maybe I don't have to wonder. A quick search told me that he has written about Trump. I'll have to check that out.
What was most interesting to me was the argument that a President doesn't just need to articulate a religious viewpoint; he or she needs to have a grasp on what other religions believe, and how those beliefs shape geopolitics. Because no matter how much Trump tried to make it so, it is impossible for America to be isolationist. And because religion matters even more to our enemies than it does to our allies, it is crucial that American voters "Ask the question" to any aspirants to the highest office: What do you believe, and how will that impact how you lead?
April 2, 2020
The first half of the book did a great job of setting up how religion interacts with politics. The statistics on religion in America were interesting and informative. The second half of the book uses Jefferson, Lincoln, George W. Bush, Hillary Clinton and Obama as case studies in presidential faith. My only issue with the author’s approach is how he glosses over the political expediency of certain changes in “beliefs.”
May 30, 2016
This review first appeared on my blog, Jacob's Café (jacobscafe.blogspot.com).
As a psychologist with a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies who works in the public sector and did an internship in the California State Assembly during college, I have a particular interest in the role of faith as a motivator and driver of behavior and decision-making, especially during election season. The 2016 election season has already had some interesting intersections with faith and candidates' appearances of commitment (or lack thereof) to traditions.
Stephen Mansfield argues that the populace should ask every candidate, especially Presidential candidates, detailed questions about their faith in his latest book, Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity From Our Presidential Candidates. I was initially concerned that this text would ultimately argue asking these questions in order to have a religious litmus test for the Oval Office. While I'm sure Mansfield has strong personal faith (which can be guessed by how some things are framed) and political convictions, he stays largely objective, providing a descriptive assessment of both the history of faith and politics in the United States as well as the role of faith in the lives of many Presidents and candidates.
Mansfield observes the religious political history of the United States, noting the ways religion and politics have intersected differently over the decades. He knows his religious and political history well and will probably shock some readers in detailing the more agnostic faith of many of most respected historical leaders. I particularly appreciate that he does not present these facts with any judgment, as might be expected from texts published by Christian companies, rather acknowledges reality, including the historical motivators and benefits of restrained faith.
In exploring the faith of Presidents and Presidential candidates, both historical and current, Mansfield describes the honest depth of people across the political spectrum. He has written religious biographies on several political celebrities of both parties. Sadly, he explained how he received death threats after writing his text on Obama, acknowledging the President's deep Christian faith. But Mansfield drives on, continuing to raise descriptive, objective awareness of how politicians' faith histories impact their current public policy. This is truly a gift.
There are a few times when Mansfield's personal opinions appear to subtly show up. He occasionally makes evaluative comments about some leaders' faiths, stating that their faith hasn't imbued them fully since they still take a particular stance on some topic. With his religious history background and knowledge, he should be well aware that people can honestly come to vastly different conclusions of biblical and theological application. This doesn't mean their faith isn't driving them; it just drives them and has transformed their lives differently than for others. Despite this, Mansfield's descriptions of the role of faith in the lives of many Presidents and candidates left me with a deeper respect and appreciation of these people.
Ultimately, I'm not sure I 100% agree with Mansfield argument that we must ask explicit questions for religious clarity. Mansfield's thesis for asking these questions relates to the fact that religious labels mean less and less over time and individual's unique theological framework needs to be addressed. I agree with the fact that worldview and values clearly drive behavior, decisions, and policy making, although this piece could have been clearer in the book. However, increasingly, worldview and values are not necessarily framed in clearly religious terms even though academically, I would argue that all worldview is religious in a broad sense. Emphasizing religious clarity may actually restrict these conversations, as many people (candidates included) may not be getting the underlying question. We need to ask questions about candidates' values, moral frameworks, worldviews, and the like. Religious language will arise out of that naturally, where applicable for the candidate.
This is one of the most engaging nonfiction books I have read/listened to in quite some time. Granted, I am a nerd when it comes to religious history, but this is a book I'd be quite tempted to listen to a second time. Bob Souer's narration is clear and engaging. However, especially when reading Presidential speeches, there's nothing that could compare to the original intonation, expression, etc.
I highly recommend this book as a thoughtful exploration of the role of faith/religion in the American Presidency. Hopefully it helps reduce assumptions across ideological lines, helping us recognizing the ability of many people to improve our public policy and the honest, if different, faith some people come to public service through.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
As a psychologist with a bachelor's degree in Religious Studies who works in the public sector and did an internship in the California State Assembly during college, I have a particular interest in the role of faith as a motivator and driver of behavior and decision-making, especially during election season. The 2016 election season has already had some interesting intersections with faith and candidates' appearances of commitment (or lack thereof) to traditions.
Stephen Mansfield argues that the populace should ask every candidate, especially Presidential candidates, detailed questions about their faith in his latest book, Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity From Our Presidential Candidates. I was initially concerned that this text would ultimately argue asking these questions in order to have a religious litmus test for the Oval Office. While I'm sure Mansfield has strong personal faith (which can be guessed by how some things are framed) and political convictions, he stays largely objective, providing a descriptive assessment of both the history of faith and politics in the United States as well as the role of faith in the lives of many Presidents and candidates.
Mansfield observes the religious political history of the United States, noting the ways religion and politics have intersected differently over the decades. He knows his religious and political history well and will probably shock some readers in detailing the more agnostic faith of many of most respected historical leaders. I particularly appreciate that he does not present these facts with any judgment, as might be expected from texts published by Christian companies, rather acknowledges reality, including the historical motivators and benefits of restrained faith.
In exploring the faith of Presidents and Presidential candidates, both historical and current, Mansfield describes the honest depth of people across the political spectrum. He has written religious biographies on several political celebrities of both parties. Sadly, he explained how he received death threats after writing his text on Obama, acknowledging the President's deep Christian faith. But Mansfield drives on, continuing to raise descriptive, objective awareness of how politicians' faith histories impact their current public policy. This is truly a gift.
There are a few times when Mansfield's personal opinions appear to subtly show up. He occasionally makes evaluative comments about some leaders' faiths, stating that their faith hasn't imbued them fully since they still take a particular stance on some topic. With his religious history background and knowledge, he should be well aware that people can honestly come to vastly different conclusions of biblical and theological application. This doesn't mean their faith isn't driving them; it just drives them and has transformed their lives differently than for others. Despite this, Mansfield's descriptions of the role of faith in the lives of many Presidents and candidates left me with a deeper respect and appreciation of these people.
Ultimately, I'm not sure I 100% agree with Mansfield argument that we must ask explicit questions for religious clarity. Mansfield's thesis for asking these questions relates to the fact that religious labels mean less and less over time and individual's unique theological framework needs to be addressed. I agree with the fact that worldview and values clearly drive behavior, decisions, and policy making, although this piece could have been clearer in the book. However, increasingly, worldview and values are not necessarily framed in clearly religious terms even though academically, I would argue that all worldview is religious in a broad sense. Emphasizing religious clarity may actually restrict these conversations, as many people (candidates included) may not be getting the underlying question. We need to ask questions about candidates' values, moral frameworks, worldviews, and the like. Religious language will arise out of that naturally, where applicable for the candidate.
This is one of the most engaging nonfiction books I have read/listened to in quite some time. Granted, I am a nerd when it comes to religious history, but this is a book I'd be quite tempted to listen to a second time. Bob Souer's narration is clear and engaging. However, especially when reading Presidential speeches, there's nothing that could compare to the original intonation, expression, etc.
I highly recommend this book as a thoughtful exploration of the role of faith/religion in the American Presidency. Hopefully it helps reduce assumptions across ideological lines, helping us recognizing the ability of many people to improve our public policy and the honest, if different, faith some people come to public service through.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
January 12, 2019
Deep thoughts about religion and politics; having to read parts 2-3 times and highlight to really understand.
May 7, 2024
A really thoughtful book. Excellent review of history. Worth the read.
March 5, 2016
Ask the Question by Stephen Mansfield is quite a compelling book and question. He uses history to support his premise that we-the-people have a moral obligation to investigate any political candidate's faith, or lack thereof, in regards to how they will govern while in office.
Germans in the 1940s probably wish they had investigated Hitler's statement in "Mein Kampf" when he wrote, "I believe today that my conduct is in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator." Bet they believed he believed in God and acted accordingly. Mansfield lets us in on "the rest of the story". Hitler continued in his "Mein Kampf" writings, "...By defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord".
Hmmm. Did you know that Hilary Clinton grew up a devout Methodist? Does she still believe the teachings from her youth? You need to know before you cast your vote for her. What she believes now is the filter she uses to make important decisions, whether in her personal life or political life.
Mitt Romney failed to gain the presidency because he refused to help Americans understand how his Mormon faith would effect his leadership. If you believe when Donald Trump's lips are moving, that he's lying; what kind of president will he be? If Ted Cruz is using dirty tactics in his bid for the White House, will he continue these actions while acting as president of the United States? Do you know what Marco Rubio believes beyond his statements that he believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior? We all need to ask these questions and more.
Our founding fathers fled an empire in which church and state were one. They didn't want that for their new nation. In the 1960s, Americans were afraid that if JFK became president that the Pope would be in the White House also. Our Constitutional framers didn't want religion to rule politics, but they also believed that the American people were to be trusted to "vet" their candidates and determine if the candidate's faith could lead the nation into war, upend economies or transform culture.
I end my review with a statement with which Mansfield begins, "We, too, must ask the questions of faith that need to be asked. It is time for the mysteries, the uncertainties, and the gambling with the nation's future to end."
Germans in the 1940s probably wish they had investigated Hitler's statement in "Mein Kampf" when he wrote, "I believe today that my conduct is in accordance with the will of the Almighty Creator." Bet they believed he believed in God and acted accordingly. Mansfield lets us in on "the rest of the story". Hitler continued in his "Mein Kampf" writings, "...By defending myself against the Jew, I am fighting for the work of the Lord".
Hmmm. Did you know that Hilary Clinton grew up a devout Methodist? Does she still believe the teachings from her youth? You need to know before you cast your vote for her. What she believes now is the filter she uses to make important decisions, whether in her personal life or political life.
Mitt Romney failed to gain the presidency because he refused to help Americans understand how his Mormon faith would effect his leadership. If you believe when Donald Trump's lips are moving, that he's lying; what kind of president will he be? If Ted Cruz is using dirty tactics in his bid for the White House, will he continue these actions while acting as president of the United States? Do you know what Marco Rubio believes beyond his statements that he believes in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior? We all need to ask these questions and more.
Our founding fathers fled an empire in which church and state were one. They didn't want that for their new nation. In the 1960s, Americans were afraid that if JFK became president that the Pope would be in the White House also. Our Constitutional framers didn't want religion to rule politics, but they also believed that the American people were to be trusted to "vet" their candidates and determine if the candidate's faith could lead the nation into war, upend economies or transform culture.
I end my review with a statement with which Mansfield begins, "We, too, must ask the questions of faith that need to be asked. It is time for the mysteries, the uncertainties, and the gambling with the nation's future to end."
July 17, 2016
Steven Mansfield presents us with a challenge that we know inherently that we should pursue but most often do not because of the effort involved. The challenge is to ascertain the spiritual personality of those who ask for our votes for political office.
For those of us who place moral and spiritual values high on our list as we evaluate candidates for office, it is very, very difficult to peer deep into the inner workings of our candidates. Every candidate (as well all do) places his or her best foot forward, acting and speaking differently depending upon the audience that they are addressing. It is maddening at best and downright deceptive to the voters at worse.
In this book, Mansfield attempts to explore the individual religious backgrounds of various candidates in order to explain their subsequent public lives and the reasoning behind their decisions.
While very interesting and likely accurate in the backgrounds, Mansfield withholds his view of the rightness or wrongness of the attitudes and actions of the candidates that he reviews leaving this judgement to the reader. It was hard to figure out where Mansfield fits on the political spectrum which was refreshing but sometimes frustrating.
The only problem that I had with the book was that it was not current to the current election cycle and therefore did not provide information about the candidates during the primary and upcoming election. Only Hillary Clinton is mentioned in the book giving us some insight into her background and the basis for her political leanings but we are left without any information about the other candidates.
Regardless, the book gives us a challenge to evaluate all candidates by examining their religious backgrounds. This evaluation can give us some insight into what their possible decisions may be should they be elected.
I was given a free audio version of this book for my agreement to review it but this has not influenced my personal impressions of the book.
For those of us who place moral and spiritual values high on our list as we evaluate candidates for office, it is very, very difficult to peer deep into the inner workings of our candidates. Every candidate (as well all do) places his or her best foot forward, acting and speaking differently depending upon the audience that they are addressing. It is maddening at best and downright deceptive to the voters at worse.
In this book, Mansfield attempts to explore the individual religious backgrounds of various candidates in order to explain their subsequent public lives and the reasoning behind their decisions.
While very interesting and likely accurate in the backgrounds, Mansfield withholds his view of the rightness or wrongness of the attitudes and actions of the candidates that he reviews leaving this judgement to the reader. It was hard to figure out where Mansfield fits on the political spectrum which was refreshing but sometimes frustrating.
The only problem that I had with the book was that it was not current to the current election cycle and therefore did not provide information about the candidates during the primary and upcoming election. Only Hillary Clinton is mentioned in the book giving us some insight into her background and the basis for her political leanings but we are left without any information about the other candidates.
Regardless, the book gives us a challenge to evaluate all candidates by examining their religious backgrounds. This evaluation can give us some insight into what their possible decisions may be should they be elected.
I was given a free audio version of this book for my agreement to review it but this has not influenced my personal impressions of the book.
February 26, 2019
I had other thoughts stirred by this book not really related to a review, so I hope you'll bear with me as I just wish to get them written. Was it a great book? It is unique to Stephen Mansfield like his other works.
I do not believe this work will be much remembered in a short time, though it may be worthy of remembrance. I don't believe much audience remains of the thought necessary to make use of Mr. Mansfield's labor.
Something I'm not sure may contribute to that, at least in what you might label a conservative audience is that, at least for myself, it greatly challenged my belief system. No, not as you might think, but in the views I know are so deeply ingrained regarding people whom I count, or counted, as mortal enemies of those I love and my country. It has left me very unsettled having to rethink and question myself because, if I don't make these things right, I will be interacting with others using a weapon of harm towards them rather than a virtue of how I might help heal or bridge the rift that exists between us. Politics IS people.
I listened and heard information I never knew before, and particularly about Abraham Lincoln, felt no small amount of grief for the suffering of famous leaders who wouldn't know me if they fell over me.
Abraham Lincoln's relationship with his father, who the book left as cruel, in this case brought back thoughts of my own dad. But I know my dad loved me even if it wasn't said.
It struck me how, though we relish welcomed memories, the ones we would not recall seem to always come in the form a surprise. Some unexpected thing triggers them, and there you go, deal with it anew or not.
It seems a sort of rule that great people, for good or ill, have borne the greatest suffering or challenges, as if the Hand of God crushes the flower to obtain the essence.
Maybe it's to reveal the essence. Not all that's revealed could be considered good, but all are in the plan of God.
I do not believe this work will be much remembered in a short time, though it may be worthy of remembrance. I don't believe much audience remains of the thought necessary to make use of Mr. Mansfield's labor.
Something I'm not sure may contribute to that, at least in what you might label a conservative audience is that, at least for myself, it greatly challenged my belief system. No, not as you might think, but in the views I know are so deeply ingrained regarding people whom I count, or counted, as mortal enemies of those I love and my country. It has left me very unsettled having to rethink and question myself because, if I don't make these things right, I will be interacting with others using a weapon of harm towards them rather than a virtue of how I might help heal or bridge the rift that exists between us. Politics IS people.
I listened and heard information I never knew before, and particularly about Abraham Lincoln, felt no small amount of grief for the suffering of famous leaders who wouldn't know me if they fell over me.
Abraham Lincoln's relationship with his father, who the book left as cruel, in this case brought back thoughts of my own dad. But I know my dad loved me even if it wasn't said.
It struck me how, though we relish welcomed memories, the ones we would not recall seem to always come in the form a surprise. Some unexpected thing triggers them, and there you go, deal with it anew or not.
It seems a sort of rule that great people, for good or ill, have borne the greatest suffering or challenges, as if the Hand of God crushes the flower to obtain the essence.
Maybe it's to reveal the essence. Not all that's revealed could be considered good, but all are in the plan of God.
May 25, 2016
I was initially unsure of how helpful or interesting this book would be, given that I already agreed with its premise: that knowing the religious beliefs of presidential candidates is invaluable to understanding how they will govern. By the time I finished, I was glad I had read it. Mansfield’s major premise is that we must ask candidates about their faith because Americans are a people who have always rather individualistically pieced together our religious beliefs, rather than simply accepting the teachings of a particular church or denomination. Drawing from historical examples, Mansfield describes such presidents as Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln (both of whom would be designated “Nones” by 21st century demographers) and explains how their personal views of God shaped their understanding of their country and how they led it. He recounts the story behind JFK’s 1960 speech explaining his Catholicism, comparing and contrasting it with Mitt Romney’s 2007 speech defending his Mormonism. Other stories and anecdotes further reveal the essential and complex relationship between politics and faith in America. Overall, this book’s greatest value lies in the way it gathers historical insights (particularly appreciated by me, a history teacher) to show that in a nation with pluralistic and individualistic religious tendencies such as ours, simple, abbreviated, half-accurate reporting on candidates’ faith is utterly insufficient. This has always been the case, and always will.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/wa....
December 31, 2016
Unfortunately, I’m behind the eight-ball on this review as the 2016 elections are now in the bag, but it is never too late to learn. Time flies by and the next presidential election will be here before you know it. Ask the Question is a valuable read for all American citizens and one that I recommend. It is our civil right to vote and as believers, who to vote for isn’t always a black and white decision. Stephen Mansfield provides clear and understandable information to help a voter know what the right questions are and how to ask them of a candidate.
Ask the Question is not a Christian text. I do not know what Stephen Mansfield's religion is, but that's not the point. He doesn't ask us to follow any specific religion but to understand each specific religion. Mansfield is not asking us to become religious. He is asking that Americans choose to educate themselves on the major world religions. He is asking that Americans be taught about the world’s religions in our schools. Understanding world religions and their impact upon events both small and large can provide a greater understanding of the values and priorities held by a candidate. Understanding the answers given by a candidate in regards to religion is paramount to understanding how our country will be affected by their leadership. This knowledge will inform our decisions at the election booth.
I encourage you to invest seriously in your right to vote. Ask the Question is a valuable tool that you can use in order to inform your understanding of a candidate's values and beliefs and how those will affect their leadership in the highest seat of our government.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
Ask the Question is not a Christian text. I do not know what Stephen Mansfield's religion is, but that's not the point. He doesn't ask us to follow any specific religion but to understand each specific religion. Mansfield is not asking us to become religious. He is asking that Americans choose to educate themselves on the major world religions. He is asking that Americans be taught about the world’s religions in our schools. Understanding world religions and their impact upon events both small and large can provide a greater understanding of the values and priorities held by a candidate. Understanding the answers given by a candidate in regards to religion is paramount to understanding how our country will be affected by their leadership. This knowledge will inform our decisions at the election booth.
I encourage you to invest seriously in your right to vote. Ask the Question is a valuable tool that you can use in order to inform your understanding of a candidate's values and beliefs and how those will affect their leadership in the highest seat of our government.
I received a review copy in exchange for my honest and unbiased review. My thanks to the author and publisher.
For all of my reviews visit Blessed and Bewildered
July 2, 2016
Great read. Not that we will know all the answers for this or any election but we need to search for their reaction. Yes, Earl and Susan, I have a "litmus test" for how I vote but it isn't the same for every candidate.
"Knowing only in bits and pieces blinds us to the whole. We must learn the stories of faith before we grant power to candidates for high office. What is vague in a campaign may become pronounced once the candidate is in power. Our goal is to limit unpleasant surprises"
This is what Mansfield is telling us. We must be diligent in exercising our power to elect. To elect someone because they "are the first ..." whatever, or "it's their time" will destroy our great nation!
"Knowing only in bits and pieces blinds us to the whole. We must learn the stories of faith before we grant power to candidates for high office. What is vague in a campaign may become pronounced once the candidate is in power. Our goal is to limit unpleasant surprises"
This is what Mansfield is telling us. We must be diligent in exercising our power to elect. To elect someone because they "are the first ..." whatever, or "it's their time" will destroy our great nation!
April 17, 2016
Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity from Our Presidential Candidates by Stephen Mansfield is well written. It has facts and examples of how religion has impact different Presidents and a few world leaders. Stephen Mansfield makes a strong case that religion affects how one considers making decisions. It is very relevant as this is an election year.
I received a copy thru the Goodreads Giveaway program.
I received a copy thru the Goodreads Giveaway program.
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