Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction

by David Kuo

David Kuo came to Washington wanting to use his Christian faith to end abortion, strengthen marriage, and help the poor. He reached the heights of political power, ultimately serving in the White House under George W. Bush. It was a dream come the chance to fuse his politics and his faith, and an opportunity for Christians not just to gain a seat at the proverbial table but also to plan the entire meal. Yet his experience was deeply troubling. He had been seduced, just as so many evangelical conservatives had been seduced by politics. Tempting Faith is a wrenching personal journey and a heartfelt plea for a Christian reexamination of political and spiritual priorities.

Genres: Politics, Religion, Nonfiction, History, Christian, Christianity, Memoir

304 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Patrick Sprunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

David Kuo has two books here. One deals with the thesis. The other deals with his personal, Christian journey. Though the author would clearly feel otherwise,* the average reader may not feel like the two necessarily complement each other.

Just like the wall of separation that should divide church and rock, I prefer a separation of church and history.

I suppose a member of the (G.W.) Bush White House, writing a book about spiritual realizations, is entitled to assume his readers will be political conservatives. I nevertheless found an unnecessary amount of time given to confidential asides, meant to gain the readers' acceptance. As someone going into Tempting Faith fairly objectively, I do not particularly care about (or stand to be much won over by) the author's testimony.** I'm also a little confused by why Madonna's unshaven armpits are objectionable, but Michael Jackson's eccentric personal behavior isn't.*** I don't see what either has to do with the topic at hand.

If I could give Tempting Faith the lobectomy it deserves, I'd give the political half a solid four star rating, on the strength of its good logic. I'd either score the parts that flirt with speculating on President Clinton as the antichrist a generous two or throw them out altogether. I think the Christian testimony/narrative is compelling to a lot of people (witness the independent Christian bookstore to independent secular bookstore ratio in my city), but this field is more saturated than Bush White House memoirs. Generally speaking, there is greater need of the latter than the former. Tempting Faith is a good study in its way, but could have been much leaner.

........................................

*Tempting Faith is part memoir. Since this is literally the author's life and the events informed his policy advice, Kuo probably doesn't find a mingling of the two topics dissonant.

**"Testimony" is the term given to the story of an evangelical Christian's personal acceptance of Christ.

***This was written around 2005, around the time Jackson was acquitted of child sexual abuse allegations. It was written before his death.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have become more and more concerned at the increasing presence of religion and religious leaders in politics. Although I believe that every citizen should participate fully in our democracy, I also believe that mixing religion and politics is a sad and dangerous thing. I am more and more convinced that politicians are using religion to further their political gains while doing little or nothing to help citizens. David Kuo was an active member of Pres. George Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Comminity Initiatives and his experience was deeply troubling. He speaks about how his Christian values were being corrupted by politics.

This would be a good resource book for students writing about religion and politics. Kuo offers his own experience and his observations for why the two don't work well together. May be eye-opening for some students.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book by a former White House official is critical of the marriage of Christians and Republicans, the lack of compassion for the poor among both groups, and the lack of policy commitments in the Bush Administration. I have a few quibbles--his tone is sometimes whiny and self-important. But I think his critiques are just and his history chilling, particularly his account of the Bush tax cuts. Oh, for more Christians like Billy Graham, willing to minister to power without courting it or believing in its ultimate efficacy.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a friend (who did not read the book herself, but was forced to sit through my "blow-by-blow" account of it) who knows someone currently working in the Office of Faith Based Initiatives in Washington where David Kuo worked. When asked her take on his book, she said his characterization of the Evangelical leaders was not fair or accurate. I'm not sure if those were provided talking points or what, but if that's what anyone takes away from this book as Kuo's message, that only serves to bolster his claims.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

kuo worked in the bush administration's office for faith based initiatives. this is his account of the work and the politics to accomplish it.

i found the book to be humble and honest, written by a man who admits that he was part of the pandering machine of politics and their attempt to woo evangelicals in modern history.

this book inspired me to talk less politics in the 2008 election and DO more mercy and justice- like Jesus.

[Margot Friedman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful behind-the-scenes look at President Bush's faith based initiatives and how they were used for political purposes. Author David Kuo is also very honest about his own struggles with living by his faith. I wish more conservatives cared about the poor which, of course, is at the core of Jesus' teachings.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

A self-proclaimed compassionate conservative finds that his party doesn't exactly do what the Jesus would do (except for hating the gays and birth control, of course). Kuo essentially confirms that federal funds were sent to vulnerable Republican districts for purely political reasons. The lengths taken to exploit federal dollars makes Tammany Hall look like amateur hour.

[Seytin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though I widely disagree with the author's political views, I have a deep respect for his honesty and courage in writing this book. It takes a lot of conviction to realize when you are involved in something that is wrong. This book is a powerful account of how the Bush administration has corrupted and used people of faith for their own ends. Definitely worth reading.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I watched an interview with David Kuo and was instantly attracted to his sincerity. I treated the book a little like a textbook about the dance the Republican party has been playing with the Christian church in America. It was enlightening and, in a way, encouraging.

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great book for Christians considering politics, warning that simply because one is Christian does not protect them from being seduced by the power of politics. Also describes how the tenuous relationship between evangelicals and the Republican Party.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting look into money and power and their invasion of the clash of faith and politics on capitol hill.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

HAS ‘TRADING JESUS FOR POLITICS" WORKED?

Author David Kuo wrote in the Prologue to this 2006 book, “Ever since my college years, I have been in the middle of the contentious world where conservative Christian faith and politics collide… From 1989 until I joined the Bush White House in 2001, I longed for the day the right political leaders would arrive, govern morally, eloquently profess their Christian faith, and return America to greatness. Most of our problems could be solved politically, I believed. Now I know better. I have seen what happens when well-meaning Christians are seduced into thinking deliverance can come from the Oval Office, a Supreme Court chamber, or the floor of the United States Congress. They are easily manipulated by politicians who use them for their votes, seduced by trinkets of power… leaving the impression Jesus’ main goal was advancing a particular policy agenda. I know; I’ve seen it.” (Pg. xiii-xiv)

He continues, “When I arrived in Washington… the newest movement of religious conservatism was emerging… there was a brand-new organization called the Christian Coalition… the Family Research Council was eighteen months old… these groups would go from ‘wanting a seat at the table’ to sitting at the head of the table… I grew up, politically, as the movement matured… We celebrated the ‘Republican Revolution’… In the process, however, we were all tempted to lose our priorities… God was to be first, our families were to be second, and our work was to be third. I regularly got the order wrong… Many of us did… I have seen the tender seduction of well-meaning Christian leaders and their followers by politicians parched for votes but apathetic about these Christians’ faith… Has this trading Jesus for politics worked?... This book recounts my story as a way to explain how Jesus… became most heavily associated with a political agenda he certainly never embraced.” (Pg. xiv-xvi)

He notes, “Mixing religion and politics wasn’t unconstitutional; it was the basis of American civilization. The Declaration of Independence, the Ten Commandments on the wall of the Supreme Court, the prayers that open and close House and Senate sessions, the Constitution itself---these are all religion and they are all politics and they are all fundamentally American.” (Pg. 13)

He recounts, “The Democratic Party that I was raised in … fought against racial injustice. So, too, I figured they would fight against the ravages of divorce and the horrors of drugs. Yet they… attacked those who fought them. It is easy to say that I became a Republican … through a religious conversion, felt guilty about abortion, or just needed a job. Those things were all true. But if the Democratic Party had displayed a similar interest in addressing these cultural problems, I would have run to them.” (Pg. 52)

He observes, “I didn’t talk about these uncertainties. Politics wasn’t for purists, it was for pragmatists. I knew I would never find a party that agreed with everything I believed, so those were just differences I would have to accept. Besides, the money was getting to be quite nice.” (Pg. 74) He notes, “What occurred to me… was that the Republicans I was arguing against represented the majority of Republicans… Republican policies and laws still played to the pro-business, pro-rich stereotypes.” (Pg. 87)

He recounts that Ralph Reed proposed, “What if the Christian Coalition launched a pro-poor, pro-minority agenda?... Whether it was his unparalleled strategic vision to see that focusing on race and poverty would allow the Coalition to expand… I didn’t care. The Christian Coalition was at the height of its power and what it launched mattered… Yet it sputtered. Ralph resigned from the Christian Coalition in May 1997. His goal to raise $10 million from his two million members fell short by $9.5 million. Politically involved Christians just don’t want to give their money to minority-oriented poverty projects. Still, it could attract votes, even if it couldn’t feed the hungry. African-American church leaders were eager to embrace … Republicans who talked about the poor.” (Pg. 106)

He discovers, “I was put in charge of assisting ‘all’ of America’s charities and mobilizing ‘all’ of America’s religious groups… Our office developed a massive list of ideas and plans… Then we discovered the obvious. People were doing all of those things on their own. They didn’t need us to do it. America… rallied itself. The American soul wasn’t sick.” (Pg. 188)

But soon, “This was exciting… The $6 billion per year in charity credits was going to spur billions more in private giving, and the $2 billion in spending was going to provide powerful weapons to help the suffering. Unfortunately, the excitement was tempered by two realities. First, there wasn’t really any money available. The Iraq War was eating up countless billions, and the president’s tax cut, combined with a less than booming economy, meant that government revenues were through the floor.” (Pg. 225)

He explains, “for Christian moms who home-school their kids and Christian dads coaching soccer and everyone who follows the Dobsons and Robertsons and Falwells, George W. Bush can really do no wrong. They assume that since he professes Jesus that he won’t do the kinds of things other politicians have done---break promises, cover up mistakes… be a politician… They would be wrong on all fronts. George W. Bush… is a good man. But he is a politician… He wanted [the faith-based initiative] to look good. He cared less about it BEING good.” (Pg. 229)

He acknowledges, “Perhaps that is why I felt it was time to leave… Politics lost its claim on my life. I could finally say that. The only claim on my life belonged to God. Thank God.” (Pg. 232) Later, he adds, “For too long I’ve held this secret hope that just the right guy doing just the right thing would make America better… But those hopes were misplaced and unreasonable, and set the bar too high. Our political leaders, after all, are just that---political… They can’t save America… They can make changes at the margins by helping a bit here and there. But ultimately, the work of America is our work. And my ultimate hope is … not with politics, but with God.” (Pg. 258)

He suggests, “We Christians need a short fast from politics. We need… to focus more on practicing compassion. We need to spend more time studying Jesus and less time trying to get people elected… And we Christians should spend less time arguing with those on the other side and more time communing with them.” (Pg. 263) He concludes, “I’m not talking about a permanent fast…I’m not suggesting that current politicians leave office. I’m not suggesting that we stop voting. I’m just suggesting that voting be ALL we do… let’s spend our time in different ways. We can start from the things God has commanded us to do---pray, learn, listen to him, and serve a hurting world.” (Pg. 265)

This book will be of great interest to those studying the relation between Christians and politics.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's interesting to see someone struggle with reconciling extreme Republican politics with the core tenants of a life in Christ. I still find Kuo's viewpoints problematic, but it's interesting to see him attempting to work through it.

To be fair to him, I'm probably never going to see eye to eye with a devout religious person. Speaking as a former Christian, Christians (and really, so many religiously devoted persons) stand out as some of the least kind and most harsh people I've ever known. I abandoned Christianity long before I gave up on God and found peace in atheism.

[Isaac Pritchett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political memoirs of a religion advisor to Bush's campgain. Main thesis is that Bush (Rove, more specifically) somewhat cynically used religion as a selling point to evangelicals but highly undervalued it (using it as a token only) once governing. Made interesting points about contact media barrage and "on message" press releases used to keep media/public on their toes.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very illuminating. I highly recommend for the evangelical voter. The Author is very candid about his time working in the White House for GW’s compassion agenda. This book ends with a very good recommendation for Evangelicals going forward.

[Eric Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kuo describes in concrete modern terms why thoughtful western nation-builders have always insisted on the separation of church and state.

He describes his desire to use his Christian faith to end abortion, strenthen marriage and help the poor. He worked for John Ashcroft, Ralph Reed, Pat Robertson and Bob Dole. Ultimately he spent 3 years as second in command of President Bush's Office of Faith-Based and Commun ity Initiatives. He dreamed of fusing his faith and his politices. Bush, as a believer in Jesus, trumpeted compassionate conservatism. And yet the rhetoric never crystalized into action.

No matter how hard Kuo worked to help the Bush team get votes by scheduling conferences with faith leaders, the money never materialized.

Not only the Republicans but the Democrats promised much but delivered little or nothing. All was politics. Many of Bush's aids ever spoke of faith leaders with contempt, as pests. The attitude he discovered in Washington was totally political; blase, indifferent, inactive unless some political end could be served. He found Bush to be a believer in Jesus, a good man, but a very smart and shrewd politician concerned most about perception, less about doing good.

Disillusioned twice and faced with a terrible health crisis he left to take up bass fishing...then to write about his experiences. Sadly, nothing seems to change in Washington.

If you're a political junkie this book is for you. If you are a sincere Christian wanting to make a difference, this is also for you--a warning to avoid political involvement. The ultimate hope is not in politicians but in God...and as Christians we should serve him sincerely where we are. Power corrupts. The Christian faith is about humble service.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good and readable book from the inside, not just of the Bush administration, but the Christian right movement in Washington. Kuo writes compellingly of his becoming a born-again Christian, and of what that eventually did to his politics. Hearing Chuck Colson speak at Brown in the late 80s convinced him to shift to the Republican side, and put his faith in touch with his politics.

You get some nice portraits of various rightwingers, like Ralph Reed, Jerry Falwell (Kuo REALLY doesn't like him), James Dobson, William Bennett, Jack Kemp...

I have to say that there were some problems. For example, Kuo praises the intellectual abilities of certain people well beyond their demonstrated competences. Speechwriter Michael Gerson, who spews lame conventional wisdom in the Washington Post and has yet to really write a deep speech, is talked of as if he were the second coming of John Stuart Mill. He also gets some facts wrong--the Cedars in Arlington was not built by George Mason--it's not nearly that old. Probably several other things Kuo heard from the Christian group that runs it now aren't true, either. A few other factual errors do mar the book.

But the overall point is that Kuo feels that Christians were cynically manipulated by a White House that revolved entirely around politics. It's one thing when a liberal says this--they typically never sympathized with the Christian right agenda anyway. But when someone of Kuo's stature says it, with documentation and persuasion--hey, it's very convincing.

Both conservatives and liberals (those who don't limit themselves to propaganda, that is) will enjoy this book.

[Joshb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely the first book to recommend to hardcore social conservative relatives, this memoir is a intimate look at two 'insides' which can seem impenetrable to anyone in the outsider position - the policy-making chambers of the Bush White House, and the world of the organized religious right. A great look at the question - how did a Republican who spoke so relatively much about poverty as a candidate (i.e. 'compassionate conservatism') so utterly fail to turn that rhetoric into reality? And how did the press and some of the truly compassionate Christians let him get away with it?

You don't have to agree with everything Kuo says to find this fascinating - for instance, I find his complaints about anti-Christian bias in the mainstream media rather unconvincing. Kuo is very much not writing for a non-religious progressive audience - which makes the overlap of point of view with said audience all the more intriguing. Not to mention that he also manages to thoroughly discuss personal issues of faith without alienating the agnostic reader. Granted, he's no St. Augustine, but one can only imagine all the ways this could have gone wrong. By turns moving and infuriating (mostly intentionally so).

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kuo was an assistant in the Faith Based Initiatives office during the first three years of George W Bush's presidency. This book tells the story of the seductive power of politics, not only in Kuo's life but in the lives of evangelicals who Kuo helped lure to the party through his office, despite the lack of concrete funding or action to support faith-based social initiatives.

He brought this home to me in talking about the increase in the black vote for the Republican party in 2004, including in Ohio, that contributed to Bush's victory here. He argues that this was a result of an "under the radar" campaign consisting of conferences for pastors and ministry leaders attended by 1000 from Ohio alone, and countless thousands around the country.

I wonder when the church will learn that all you get when you mix faith and politics is politics. Kuo argues for neither more political involvement nor a complete withdrawal, but rather for a fast from political involvement for the church to seek the Lord and re-focus our efforts on the things that matter to Jesus.

A postscript: a friend of mine (mentioned in the book) told me that the author's brain tumor (which he describes at the beginning of the book) has returned in a more serious form and that he needs our prayers.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting but disturbing book. David Kuo tells of his experiences as a staffer and speech writer for conservatives like John Ashcroft, Bob Dole, and George W. Bush. As a Christian who entered politics to bring positive change in the country, he shares his disappointment and frustration at religious politics and at the cynical use of Christian organizations by the Republican political machine. Kuo includes many interesting anecdotes from the inside, including reflections on Karl Rove and one entertaining account of being taught fly fishing by supreme court justice Sandra Day O'Connor. He also weaves in his personal faith struggles and ends with some suggestions for politically-minded Christians. I really appreciated reading this book. There was nothing that completely surprised me, but I was enlightened by his vivid depiction of the atmosphere in the White House and his descriptions of George W. You probably don't need to own this book, but go check a copy out from the library if you're at all interested in George W. Bush's White House or Christian politics.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was depressing, though not that surprising. Kuo went into politics because he thought it was the best way to live out his faith and change the world for the better. What he found was pure politics. Conservative politicians who had no interest in faith wove subtle Biblical references into their speeches so the mainstream media wouldn't peg them as religious but Christian leaders would think they were one of them. Politicians, even President Bush, talked about compassion and serving the poor in their campaign speeches, but weren't willing to put any real funds behind them -- yet they were happy to spin existing programs to make it seem like more money was being given out when it was actually less. Again and again, faith was used as a political tool and pastors were spoken of as idiots behind their backs. If you thought that the marriage of Christianity and the Republican Party was a genuine effort to bring about God's kingdom in America, this book will wake you up quickly.

[Dayna · Rating 3 out of 5]

One thing I have never understood about fundamentalist Christians is why so many of them seem to be so gung-ho on lower taxes. I always thought Jesus was about sacrificing to help the poor, but perhaps my Christian education as a wee lass was remiss? Kuo attacks this presumption and more head on. He does come from the "we-should-help-the-poor-show-mercy-to-the-less-fortunate-be-humble" born again vein. But he details how that gets corrupted by politics. His conclusion seems to be that it is better to go about the Christian mission outside of politics. Politics and the teachings of Christ are difficult to mesh. Ultimately, this is yet another book about how power corrupts. It makes me glad I don't have any!

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kuo story takes the path of mixing politics with faith and the potential outcome of that concoction. He set out to make a difference for Christ by going to Washington, he wrote speeches for several politicians including W. Bush. He took over the Faith Based Initiatives program, where he provides incite to how specific politicians meant well or attempted to exploit religious ideals for votes. However, he discusses how he slowly crept out of church to watch political shows on Sunday morning. He also found joy and gained respect in the Republican party when he ridiculed the Clintons. He later felt convicted and struggled but eventually apologized to Hillary Clinton when there paths crossed. Kuo is now re-focused on fighting the cause of poverty.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very honest and thought provoking. David Kuo tells of his personal experience in the White House, including his witness of the failure of the "compassionate conservative" movement. This book serves as a reminder that our ultimate hope is in God, not in man or politics, and that our politics should be shaped by our faith, not the other way around. I appreciate that his aim was not to specifically bash the Bush administration, but rather to highlight how power can cause any man or woman to lose sight of their morals and virtuous aspirations. A good read for the politically interested, especially those of faith, and for any Christians starting to wonder how exactly the American church became married to the Right.

[Jon]

This insider account of how the second Bush administration pandered to Christian rightists by claiming to be promoting faith-based programs, while actually failing to do that, may make secularists and liberals happy. For someone who obviously thinks of himself as a head-in-the-clouds idealist, Kuo is strikingly good at describing the nuts and bolts of how the US government pretends to increase or decrease funding for one program or another, while in reality nothing's changed. Kuo chose to reject political action as a result of his experience working for W. If only everyone else on the Christian right would do the same....

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Kuo tells his story about his frustrations in the faith-based initiative office of the White House with a lot of honesty and humility. His faith seems genuine and he really does care about social justice issues. It was interesting to read about his "seduction" into politics and how he justified what he was doing as "God's calling." This book is important for any Christian who has struggled with the religious right's political power and influence. It's also important for left-wing critics who also believe in social justice. I think by reading this book, we can find common ground.

[Ell Bradshaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic story of personal faith, aggravation, and a real, revealing look at why faith and politics are a dangerous mix. Kuo details how the goals of faith and politics are diametrically opposed to each other, and the true corrupting power of politics on otherwise well-meaning and good-hearted people. A great read for every Christian aggravated with politics, and an absolute must-read for those that think it's going their way.

[Dennis Henn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kuo expressed so many of my frustrations over the current state of politics. How did the church allow itself to be co-opted by one party to sanctify that party's agenda? How come the best intentioned people become seduced by the proximity to power? Kuo suggests Christians fast from politics and spend the time praying over and reading the Bible, that we become aware of God's designs and Jesus' servant style leadership. All honor and glory and power belong to him and not the flag.

[The American Conservative]

'Tempting Faith is one of those rare Washington books that is worth reading —clearly written, disarmingly honest, thoughtfully introspective, and unusually substantive. We are enriched as we learn about Kuo the person as well as his involvement in Christian politics.'

Read the full review, "David Out of the Lions' Den," on our website:
http://www.theamericanconservative.co...

[Nick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Curious about what happened to compassionate conservatism? David Kuo's memoir explains. The best part of the book is his proposal that people of faith refrain from politics, except for voting, for two years, spending the energy they would use for politics on prayer, service and reflection on issues like poverty and climate change.