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America's Choice: A Nation Under God or Without God
"BLESSED IS THE NATION WHOSE
GOD IS THE LORD"
(Psalms 33:12)
America-imperfect as it may be-is still the shining light on the hill to all the world. But it is now at a crossroad. Will we choose to be a nation under God or without God? America's Choice examines the overwhelming evidence of God's hand in the destiny of America-the divine calling of the Founding Fathers, their understanding that the Constitution is dependent upon a moral people, that morality requires religion, and that religion's purpose is to seek God's will.
Accordingly, America's Choice explores God's will on critical moral matters such as the role of religion in the public sector, abortion, zero population growth, and capitalism vs. socialism. It proposes the ultimate solution to our country's ills, namely, a return to faith and family. In so doing this book challenges those revisionist historians, judicial activists, and secularists who would transform us from a nation under God to a nation without God. In essence, this book gives us cause to reaffirm our faith in America.
"In the 20 years I have lived in the United States I have seen a shift in the way people think and talk about this country. My reading of the situation is this: nothing is more essential to the United States than asking: "Why does this country exist? To what end was it created: And then reading original sources of its founding to discover the breathtaking answers. Answers that are brilliantly illustrated by Tad Callister in America's Choice."
Greg McKeown, New York Times Bestselling Author of ESSENTIALISM and EFFORTLESS
GOD IS THE LORD"
(Psalms 33:12)
America-imperfect as it may be-is still the shining light on the hill to all the world. But it is now at a crossroad. Will we choose to be a nation under God or without God? America's Choice examines the overwhelming evidence of God's hand in the destiny of America-the divine calling of the Founding Fathers, their understanding that the Constitution is dependent upon a moral people, that morality requires religion, and that religion's purpose is to seek God's will.
Accordingly, America's Choice explores God's will on critical moral matters such as the role of religion in the public sector, abortion, zero population growth, and capitalism vs. socialism. It proposes the ultimate solution to our country's ills, namely, a return to faith and family. In so doing this book challenges those revisionist historians, judicial activists, and secularists who would transform us from a nation under God to a nation without God. In essence, this book gives us cause to reaffirm our faith in America.
"In the 20 years I have lived in the United States I have seen a shift in the way people think and talk about this country. My reading of the situation is this: nothing is more essential to the United States than asking: "Why does this country exist? To what end was it created: And then reading original sources of its founding to discover the breathtaking answers. Answers that are brilliantly illustrated by Tad Callister in America's Choice."
Greg McKeown, New York Times Bestselling Author of ESSENTIALISM and EFFORTLESS
346 pages, Hardcover
Published August 3, 2021
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About the author
Tad R. Callister
11 books130 followersTad R. Callister is an emeritus General Authority Seventy and was the 21st Sunday School General President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Presidency of the Seventy from 2011 until 2014 when he was called as Sunday School General President. Brother Callister received a BS in accounting from Brigham Young University, a JD from the University of California-Los Angeles, and an MS in tax law from New York University Law School. He spent most of his professional career practicing tax law. He is the author of the best-selling books The Infinite Atonement, A Case for the Book of Mormon, The Inevitable Apostasy, and The Blueprint of Christ's Church. He and his wife, Kathryn Louise Saporiti, are the parents of six children.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2022
The thesis of Tad Callister’s America’s Choice is that “God has expressed His will on critical moral issues facing our nation today” and we should choose to follow God’s will (312). Some of the issues addressed in the book include the founding of America, abortion, gay marriage, population decline, judicial philosophy (Originalism v. Living Document), religious liberty, socialism v. capitalism, and family. The author mentions other issues too: he documents the anti-free speech trend on college campuses (241), complains about the lack of respect that many give to the flag and to the national anthem (291-292), complains about “politically correct” rules about what someone can wear on Halloween (301), complains about how the Social Security office is poorly run (244-245), and documents poorly spent tax money (303). In every single issue covered in the book that I can think of, Tad Callister argues for the position currently associated with “conservative” politics in the U.S.
Sometimes I found his arguments compelling, and in other instances, I found his analysis lacking. My biggest issue with the book, though, was the tone.
In one of the last chapters of the book called Where are the Statesmen of Yesterday, Tad Callister approvingly quotes Benjamin Franklin,
I really like this quote! The author does not follow this advice. I felt that the author sometimes didn’t understand opposing viewpoints well and engaged in dismissive labeling. Members of the Church typically express (and are encouraged to express) certainty on many issues. I think that this culture of certainty can be an impediment to the kind of intellectual (or at least conversational) humility that Benjamin Franklin articulated. Members of the church do accept key commitments and beliefs, such as belief in God and willingness to follow Jesus Christ, but our certainty about these core ideas sometimes bleeds over into certainty about other, more tangential ideas. I fear that this tendency affects America’s Choice. Because of the author’s consistently certain tone, the line what the author believes to be God’s will and what the author’s argument is not always clear.
The church holds conservative stances on abortion, marriage, and gender issues. But the church is officially politically neutral, and church leaders do not articulate positions on most political issues. I have never heard a church leader articulate a view on Halloween costumes or respect to the flag or most of the issues discussed in America’s Choice. (Interestingly, this is a bit of a change, as it was more common back in the day for church leaders to articulate opinions on political issues).
Among current prominent church leaders, President Dallin Oaks has been most willing to comment on political happenings. While he is known for his conservative commentary, in the recent past, he has struck a more tone that is more moderated and more consistent with Benjamin Franklin’s quote than the author’s. For example, in the last few years, President Oaks has:
• Quoted J. Reuben Clark that the Constitution was not “a fully grown document” but rather “we believe it must grow and develop to meet the changing needs of advancing world”
• Encouraged members to “refrain from judging one another in political matters”
• Insisted “that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any . . . Church meetings”
• Acknowledged the need to change political parties occasionally
• Told members to “peacefully accept the results of elections” and not to “participate in violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome”
• Encouraged members to root out racism
• Counseled members to “be positive about this nation’s future”
• Told members that “On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify”
• Encouraged members to love our enemies, including political enemies
I prefer President Oaks’ tone.
Sometimes I found his arguments compelling, and in other instances, I found his analysis lacking. My biggest issue with the book, though, was the tone.
In one of the last chapters of the book called Where are the Statesmen of Yesterday, Tad Callister approvingly quotes Benjamin Franklin,
I made it a rule to forbear all direct contradiction to the sentiments of others, and all positive assertion of my own. I even forbid myself … the use of every work or expression in the language that imported a fixed opinion, such as certainly, undoubtedly, etc., and I adopted, instead of them, I conceive, I apprehend, or I imagine a thing to be so or so; or it so appears to me at present. When another asserted something that I thought an error, I denied myself the pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, and of showing immediately some absurdity in his proposition; and in answering I began by observing that in certain cases or circumstances his opinion would be right, but in the present case there appeared or seemed to me some difference, etc. (298).
I really like this quote! The author does not follow this advice. I felt that the author sometimes didn’t understand opposing viewpoints well and engaged in dismissive labeling. Members of the Church typically express (and are encouraged to express) certainty on many issues. I think that this culture of certainty can be an impediment to the kind of intellectual (or at least conversational) humility that Benjamin Franklin articulated. Members of the church do accept key commitments and beliefs, such as belief in God and willingness to follow Jesus Christ, but our certainty about these core ideas sometimes bleeds over into certainty about other, more tangential ideas. I fear that this tendency affects America’s Choice. Because of the author’s consistently certain tone, the line what the author believes to be God’s will and what the author’s argument is not always clear.
The church holds conservative stances on abortion, marriage, and gender issues. But the church is officially politically neutral, and church leaders do not articulate positions on most political issues. I have never heard a church leader articulate a view on Halloween costumes or respect to the flag or most of the issues discussed in America’s Choice. (Interestingly, this is a bit of a change, as it was more common back in the day for church leaders to articulate opinions on political issues).
Among current prominent church leaders, President Dallin Oaks has been most willing to comment on political happenings. While he is known for his conservative commentary, in the recent past, he has struck a more tone that is more moderated and more consistent with Benjamin Franklin’s quote than the author’s. For example, in the last few years, President Oaks has:
• Quoted J. Reuben Clark that the Constitution was not “a fully grown document” but rather “we believe it must grow and develop to meet the changing needs of advancing world”
• Encouraged members to “refrain from judging one another in political matters”
• Insisted “that political choices and affiliations not be the subject of teachings or advocacy in any . . . Church meetings”
• Acknowledged the need to change political parties occasionally
• Told members to “peacefully accept the results of elections” and not to “participate in violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome”
• Encouraged members to root out racism
• Counseled members to “be positive about this nation’s future”
• Told members that “On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify”
• Encouraged members to love our enemies, including political enemies
I prefer President Oaks’ tone.
August 22, 2021
This book is one of the most courageous books I have ever read. Will our nation choose faith and heal or choose the secular and fall? What are the arguments for God's way, are they there? They are. Brother Callister is a lawyer who writes like a lawyer and he builds a very convincing case for each of his points all of which lead to real liberty. I hope you'll read it.
October 16, 2022
I struggle to give this book more than 2 stars.
It’s a book with some great principles in it, and I appreciate them.
But I’m more concerned with the position of the book. It’s just a deep entrenchment of conservative principles. One could replace this book by simply rabbit-holing on YouTube clips through an algorithm producing Ben Shapiro and jordan peterson videos.
This book doesn’t acknowledge, much less does it offer an olive branch to those with different beliefs or backgrounds. Without that, it really doesn’t move the conversation forward but simply propagates more of what we’ve already seen.
It’s a book with some great principles in it, and I appreciate them.
But I’m more concerned with the position of the book. It’s just a deep entrenchment of conservative principles. One could replace this book by simply rabbit-holing on YouTube clips through an algorithm producing Ben Shapiro and jordan peterson videos.
This book doesn’t acknowledge, much less does it offer an olive branch to those with different beliefs or backgrounds. Without that, it really doesn’t move the conversation forward but simply propagates more of what we’ve already seen.
June 6, 2024
Big fan of Callister! Interesting look into the values that built America and what choices will help us to continue to be a strong nation.
October 30, 2021
A fabulous read. Thorough application of the word of God to many problems facing America and how to overcome them. Authoritative and insightful.
Why didn't Deseret Book publish this? A reputational blow for DB in my opinion. "Stand for Something!"
Why didn't Deseret Book publish this? A reputational blow for DB in my opinion. "Stand for Something!"
May 30, 2024
I took so many notes, I almost transcribed the entire book! Haha! After leading a Constitutional class* for high school students for several years, I learned so much, and was taught so much by the Spirit, about the Founding Fathers, the Constitution, some UN-revised honest history of America, the foundation of our nation, the truth of what has happened in America since 1776 and its Supreme Law of the Land, etc. that I am passionate about this subject, and about thisFederal Constitutional Republic.
If I had to cherry pick the highlights of the things I’ve learned about all of this from my years of leading that Constitution Class, this book would have been the result.
So for all who say: I don’t have time, I’m not that interested to put that much time in, I don’t understand, but what about all those thing we were taught in school/university?, etc.etc.etc. - READ THIS BOOK. It will clarify all the revisions, misinterpretations, out-of-context interpretations, and more. And it will leave you a true sense of what America really is, what is should be, and how it can be nothing but what it was intended to be (otherwise, it simply doesn’t work).
For all legal new-comers to America, READ THIS BOOK. You should have a desire to understand America the best you can, and a desire to incorporate America into your own self and your way of living, even while maintaining your own culture if you wish, but all should become “American.” This book is a great jumping-off point to begin understanding our foundation, our heritage and our future-as-it-should-be-and-can-be.
For all who wish to fix America, READ THIS BOOK. It will be your guidepost, showing you what it was created to be, and how we can get it back to that.
Great, great book! Cannot recommend it enough. I recommend it for anyone ages 12+ (only because the topic and history will likely fly over the head of those who are younger.)
*Side Note: In case anyone is interested, the greatest books on America, her Founders, and her Constitution, and who are willing to take a deep-dive into that study, I recommend the books we use in my Constitution Class:
1.) The 5ooo Year Leap
2.) The Making of America
Both are by W. Cleon Skousen and can be found on nccs.net.
If I had to cherry pick the highlights of the things I’ve learned about all of this from my years of leading that Constitution Class, this book would have been the result.
So for all who say: I don’t have time, I’m not that interested to put that much time in, I don’t understand, but what about all those thing we were taught in school/university?, etc.etc.etc. - READ THIS BOOK. It will clarify all the revisions, misinterpretations, out-of-context interpretations, and more. And it will leave you a true sense of what America really is, what is should be, and how it can be nothing but what it was intended to be (otherwise, it simply doesn’t work).
For all legal new-comers to America, READ THIS BOOK. You should have a desire to understand America the best you can, and a desire to incorporate America into your own self and your way of living, even while maintaining your own culture if you wish, but all should become “American.” This book is a great jumping-off point to begin understanding our foundation, our heritage and our future-as-it-should-be-and-can-be.
For all who wish to fix America, READ THIS BOOK. It will be your guidepost, showing you what it was created to be, and how we can get it back to that.
Great, great book! Cannot recommend it enough. I recommend it for anyone ages 12+ (only because the topic and history will likely fly over the head of those who are younger.)
*Side Note: In case anyone is interested, the greatest books on America, her Founders, and her Constitution, and who are willing to take a deep-dive into that study, I recommend the books we use in my Constitution Class:
1.) The 5ooo Year Leap
2.) The Making of America
Both are by W. Cleon Skousen and can be found on nccs.net.
September 20, 2021
This is a really rough book to clearly review.
The book proposes an over-arching idea but really seems like a series of essays relating to the topic, connected with vague sentences. I think Callister can do better. In fact, I know he can. He still brings in literature, history, research, etc., and winds them together around each idea, but the overarching sweep is missing. In some instances, I would have chosen different examples, in some instances I saw legitimate logical arguments that were not pointed out, and, in others, I see some holes that could have been filled with research that I know exists. Not to mention that one of his points was somewhat indirectly disproved by some of his examples.
I wish that he had addressed racism or had a guest author address it and expanded on his comments regarding the flag. I also somewhat disagree with his take on political correctness. I believe it is possible to be appreciative, kind, and honest---though it may take work.
And yet... I would give it 4 stars. Why? Well, the references to A Man For All Seasons don't hurt. I am a known sucker for that film.
As a lawyer, his take on courts and cases were fascinating. I also think that there are few that would disagree with his points regarding politicians.
But I just went through some of my reviews for a certain author's books that present some of the same arguments and research and destarred them. Because this author(not Callister) played on emotion and position to get his stars. Callister does not do this. Though it's not perfect, it is boldly so. Or, as Tolkien supposedly said:
And, here, Callister exhibits and exudes none of the fair appearance that the other author does. He is honest and creates no dark corners.
The book proposes an over-arching idea but really seems like a series of essays relating to the topic, connected with vague sentences. I think Callister can do better. In fact, I know he can. He still brings in literature, history, research, etc., and winds them together around each idea, but the overarching sweep is missing. In some instances, I would have chosen different examples, in some instances I saw legitimate logical arguments that were not pointed out, and, in others, I see some holes that could have been filled with research that I know exists. Not to mention that one of his points was somewhat indirectly disproved by some of his examples.
I wish that he had addressed racism or had a guest author address it and expanded on his comments regarding the flag. I also somewhat disagree with his take on political correctness. I believe it is possible to be appreciative, kind, and honest---though it may take work.
And yet... I would give it 4 stars. Why? Well, the references to A Man For All Seasons don't hurt. I am a known sucker for that film.
As a lawyer, his take on courts and cases were fascinating. I also think that there are few that would disagree with his points regarding politicians.
But I just went through some of my reviews for a certain author's books that present some of the same arguments and research and destarred them. Because this author(not Callister) played on emotion and position to get his stars. Callister does not do this. Though it's not perfect, it is boldly so. Or, as Tolkien supposedly said:
And, here, Callister exhibits and exudes none of the fair appearance that the other author does. He is honest and creates no dark corners.
September 6, 2021
I enjoy the straight-forward clarity of Tad Callister's writing. I have heard him speak in person and can vouch that his mind is as sharp when speaking extemporaneously as when he crafts his carefully worded prose. The appeal of this book is that he speaks as one with authority. He cites a variety of sources from disparate ends of the political spectrum to show that integrity and statesmanship are ideologies espoused regardless of political affiliation. He tackles the most divisive issues of the day up to 2021 without getting mired in tit for tat he said she said. He presents a solid case for the need of the American people to decide whether we will choose to be governed by internal discipline or external force and coercion. I appreciate that he does not paint the state of the world as doom and gloom but offers an optimistic view of a rising generation that will not be bullied by personal attacks and immature, shallow, short-term solution arguments. There is every reason to be hopeful that people with conviction stand up for their beliefs and most importantly have 250 years of history to show the success of tried and true principles.
April 23, 2023
10 years ago, I was able to meet and rub shoulders with Elder Callister for the best part of four days on an assignment he had. I left that experience holding him in the highest regard for both how personable and spiritual he was. He was with three other general authorities and he stood out to me even amongst them. Since then, I have paid closer attention to his talks and writings and find I am in sync with how he thinks and his ideals. That is certainly the case with this book. I already believed what Elder Callister espouses, but didn't always know why, which is why I loved this book so much.
Certainly, this book is bold in taking on what have become very controversial issues today, but I didn't find it to be overbearing at all. One thing I did feel though is that although Elder Callister utilizes a lot of support and quotes from others to back his positions, at times it felt that his arguments were overly simplistic and that those on the other side of the issue would say there was more to consider.
Immediately after finishing the book, I recommended it to several others and anticipate reading it again myself.
Thank you Elder Callister!
Certainly, this book is bold in taking on what have become very controversial issues today, but I didn't find it to be overbearing at all. One thing I did feel though is that although Elder Callister utilizes a lot of support and quotes from others to back his positions, at times it felt that his arguments were overly simplistic and that those on the other side of the issue would say there was more to consider.
Immediately after finishing the book, I recommended it to several others and anticipate reading it again myself.
Thank you Elder Callister!
February 20, 2024
A read for President's Day- I really enjoyed the first few chapters which used primary sources to identify the role God played in the discovery and formation of America and its government. I don't think history should be forgotten or rewritten and I do believe God inspired good (but imperfect) men to found America. The trend of moral relativism and secularism today are troubling to me so I appreciated Callister's perspective on it. He makes an excellent case that is thoroughly researched and articulate. The later chapters are pretty strongly worded - I agree with the conservative principles but I guess I am uncomfortable with how black and white it feels. What feels fair to one, feels unfair to another. I am not sure how to reconcile the differences. I am grateful for Callister's insights and I do think they helped me figure out where I stand on a lot of issues.
June 10, 2024
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his inheritance”- Psalm 33:12
“Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them”- Alma 46:20
We must not forget Who has blessed our nation so greatly, and instead of focusing on personal utilitarianism—a motivation too common in today’s society— we need to turn again to what is eternally important.
“Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them”- Alma 46:20
We must not forget Who has blessed our nation so greatly, and instead of focusing on personal utilitarianism—a motivation too common in today’s society— we need to turn again to what is eternally important.
February 24, 2022
Tad Callister really lays it on the line, regarding Americans straying from the right and good. He emphatically shows the need for a return to "old-fashioned" but true values.
This could be seen as preachy ---- but it is written by a religious man, stating his avowed witness, standing up on the side of right.
This could be seen as preachy ---- but it is written by a religious man, stating his avowed witness, standing up on the side of right.
July 4, 2022
Finished the last two chapters today, July 4th. This is a great book for people of all faiths as he doesn't specifically mention his own religion, rather a general belief in God. As a successful attorney by profession, Callister methodically supports his assertions using historical evidence, studies, and current events.
June 28, 2022
Gives a review of some America’s ailments from the perspective of an ecclesiastical leader. Without question Americans are lacking a sense of moral fulfillment that religion should be taking the place of.
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September 22, 2023I love the ideas in this book and the collection of stories and quotes. I do not like Tad Callister's style of writing. It feels so augmentative to me. I still would recommend reading the book. Especially if you love America. 🇺🇸
March 8, 2024
This was a well written book, talking about historical figures without the politicism that haunts them. It cites it's sources well. My favorite chapter was about the often maligned Columbus, who was not the evil person that modernity and presentism made him out to be.
July 20, 2022
The ideas were excellent, the writing was repetitive.
September 7, 2022
Everyone should read this book and strive to follow its precepts in their life. Unfortunately our world is the way it is because so many have turned away from God our Father.
July 5, 2024
DNF at 45%. I liked the beginning but it went down hill from there for me. I regret buying the book.
November 18, 2024
Amazing! Really puts into perspective the morals that hold this country together!
January 6, 2025
Referral from Opa
March 1, 2025
A Conservative Christian's view of the Constitution and American politics.
The legal and scriptural concepts are sound, but it was repetitive. I hear you and agree slavery, abortion, and socialism are bad. Perhaps if I were not in agreement with the concepts presented I would have needed the additional arguments.
Quotes: The perfect should not be the enemy of the good. Compromise is the oxygen of democracy. John Meacham
All that is necessary for evil to triumph over good is for enough good men and women to do nothing. Attributed to both Edmund Burke and John Stuart Mill
The legal and scriptural concepts are sound, but it was repetitive. I hear you and agree slavery, abortion, and socialism are bad. Perhaps if I were not in agreement with the concepts presented I would have needed the additional arguments.
Quotes: The perfect should not be the enemy of the good. Compromise is the oxygen of democracy. John Meacham
All that is necessary for evil to triumph over good is for enough good men and women to do nothing. Attributed to both Edmund Burke and John Stuart Mill
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews