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Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis
President Jimmy Carter offers a passionate defense of separation of church and state, warning that fundamentalists are deliberately blurring the lines between politics and religion.In Our Endangered Values, Jimmy Carter offers a personal consideration of "moral values" as they relate to the important issues of the day. He puts forward a passionate defense of separation of church and state, and a strong warning about where the country is heading as the lines between politics and rigid religious fundamentalism are blurred. Carter describes his reactions to recent disturbing societal trends that involve both religious and political worlds as they increasingly intertwine and include some of the most crucial and controversial issues of the day. Many of these matters are under fierce debate. They include preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, abortion, the death penalty, science and religion, environmental degradation, nuclear arsenals, America's global image, fundamentalism, and the melding of religion and politics. Sustained by his lifelong faith, Jimmy Carter assesses these issues in a balanced and courageous way.
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
157 people are currently reading
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About the author
Jimmy Carter
276 books641 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
James Earl Carter, Junior, known as Jimmy, the thirty-ninth president of the United States from 1977 to 1981, creditably established energy-conservation measures, concluded the treaties of Panama Canal in 1978, negotiated the accords of Camp David between Egypt and Israel in 1979, and won the Nobel Prize of 2002 for peace.
Ronald Wilson Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter, the incumbent, in the presidential election of 1980.
He served and received. Carter served two terms in the senate of Georgia and as the 76th governor from 1971 to 1975.
Carter created new Cabinet-level Department of education. A national policy included price decontrol and new technology. From 1977, people reduced foreign oil imports one-half to 1982. In foreign affairs, Carter pursued the second round of strategic arms limitation talks (SALT). Carter sought to put a stronger emphasis on human rights in 1979. People saw his return of the zone as a major concession of influence in Latin America, and Carter came under heavy criticism.
Iranian students in 1979 took over the American embassy and held hostages, and an attempt to rescue them failed; several additional major crises, including serious fuel shortages and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, marked the final year of his tenure. Edward Moore Kennedy challenged significantly higher disapproval ratings of Carter for nomination of the Democratic Party before the election of 1980. Carter defeated Kennedy for the nomination lost the election to Ronald Wilson Reagan, a Republican.
Carter left office and with Rosalynn Smith Carter, his wife, afterward founded the nongovernmental center and organization that works to advance human rights. He traveled extensively to conduct, to observe elections, and to advance disease prevention and eradication in developing nations. He, a key, also figured in the project of habitat for humanity. Carter particularly vocalized on the Palestinian conflict.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/jimmyc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 369 reviews
January 18, 2013
Makes me wish Carter had been given a second term. Perhaps the '80s wouldn't have been so disgusting.
Our Endangered Values is mostly a rant against fundamentalism. This is interesting considering Carter's well-publicized, strong religious faith. I must admit that was a bit of a problem for me reading-wise. I'm not a believer (unless we're talking about daydream believers!) so I tend to tune out when people start talking about their religious beliefs. However, I slogged through and was rewarded with some sensible reflections on the state of things in the U.S. during Bush #2's second term. (Yeah I know Bush #1 only had one term...I just wanted to call his son "Bush #2"). Let's just say Carter was not impressed by the then current president's performance, so if you're a dyed-(red)-in-the-wool Republican, perhaps give this a miss. It'll only anger up your blood.
Our Endangered Values is mostly a rant against fundamentalism. This is interesting considering Carter's well-publicized, strong religious faith. I must admit that was a bit of a problem for me reading-wise. I'm not a believer (unless we're talking about daydream believers!) so I tend to tune out when people start talking about their religious beliefs. However, I slogged through and was rewarded with some sensible reflections on the state of things in the U.S. during Bush #2's second term. (Yeah I know Bush #1 only had one term...I just wanted to call his son "Bush #2"). Let's just say Carter was not impressed by the then current president's performance, so if you're a dyed-(red)-in-the-wool Republican, perhaps give this a miss. It'll only anger up your blood.
December 11, 2008
This is the first Jimmy Carter book I have read. To read it while GW Bush was President made it all the more powerful. Carter writes with respect never pointing fingers directly at Bush, but he does an excellent job of explaining just how diplomacy became extinct in the White House. He gives a good history lesson on how the US was working well with other countries and beginning to make some headway in some very tough issues with N. Korea and Iran until 2000.
I will read more books by Jimmy Carter. I like his honesty and he speaks from the heart.
I will read more books by Jimmy Carter. I like his honesty and he speaks from the heart.
August 31, 2007
Jimmy Carter is an amazing humanitarian and I respected him already for his humanitarian efforts. I really liked how he explained why Christian's should value the separation of church and state. It's great to see a Christian politician not be an extremist. Towards the end of the book, it became a bit depressing as it feels like our country and our leaders are moving farther and farther away from what our forefathers intended towards a position that will not be good for our country and our children. I always appreciate a book that teaches me something though!
November 15, 2010
I like Jimmy Carter. Even more now.
I especially was interested in President Carter's discussions about fundamentalism, in religion and in politics. He defines fundamentalism in a way I'd not through of it before, but seemed dead on to me. He says that fundamentalism is the idea that we're right, and chosen and everyone else is wrong and therefor un-chosen and therefore disposable. Also that it gives power to leaders instead of to people, which leads to abuses of power. These are exactly the qualities of so many vocal religious groups that make me hostile to religion in general. Sometimes I forget that there are other kinds of religiosity. It's really rare to hear a public figure, especially a Christian public figure, standing up to the idea that some churches and church leaders have taken a selfish and corrupt path. I was preparing myself to really disagree with President Carter for the religious chapters, and I did disagree with him, especially when he talked about missionary work. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed what he had to say. He really shows that it is possible to separate religion and politics without being disloyal to your strongly held beliefs.
I was also so refreshed to hear him talk about religion in politics in a way that promotes peace, environmentalism and kindness, things that the most vocal religious political groups condemn. I want to give this book to all my Christian relatives who seem believe that Jesus wants them to starve the poor and bomb the middle east and all that other evilness.
I "read" this as an audio book, and I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have got through the book format. The second half or so got a big dull, but listening I could just tune out a bit without giving up entirely.
I especially was interested in President Carter's discussions about fundamentalism, in religion and in politics. He defines fundamentalism in a way I'd not through of it before, but seemed dead on to me. He says that fundamentalism is the idea that we're right, and chosen and everyone else is wrong and therefor un-chosen and therefore disposable. Also that it gives power to leaders instead of to people, which leads to abuses of power. These are exactly the qualities of so many vocal religious groups that make me hostile to religion in general. Sometimes I forget that there are other kinds of religiosity. It's really rare to hear a public figure, especially a Christian public figure, standing up to the idea that some churches and church leaders have taken a selfish and corrupt path. I was preparing myself to really disagree with President Carter for the religious chapters, and I did disagree with him, especially when he talked about missionary work. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed what he had to say. He really shows that it is possible to separate religion and politics without being disloyal to your strongly held beliefs.
I was also so refreshed to hear him talk about religion in politics in a way that promotes peace, environmentalism and kindness, things that the most vocal religious political groups condemn. I want to give this book to all my Christian relatives who seem believe that Jesus wants them to starve the poor and bomb the middle east and all that other evilness.
I "read" this as an audio book, and I have to admit that I probably wouldn't have got through the book format. The second half or so got a big dull, but listening I could just tune out a bit without giving up entirely.
August 18, 2023
Hmmmm. It turns out that extremism, in the defense of political & religious belief, is no virtue; and that moderation, in the pursuit of reason and civility, is no vice.
This book is a cohesive argument against religious extremism. Written by a President once overlooked and diminished while in the White House, this book keeps the message simple:
"Religious extremism is not in anyone's best interest."
This simple message was wise and prophetic at the time the book was published. And is is still true, now more than ever.
President Carter was (and is) motivated by the ideals of promoting the common human dignity of all people, and assuring basic human rights as the core of U.S. foreign policy. We should be grateful that the humane nature of this leader's character and his personal core beliefs have been recognized and celebrated during his lifetime. This much, at least, was a necessary final reward for a life well lived (even if he was denigrated while in office) -- a life guided by universally compassionate principles and a clear understanding between "right" and "wrong."
This book is a cohesive argument against religious extremism. Written by a President once overlooked and diminished while in the White House, this book keeps the message simple:
"Religious extremism is not in anyone's best interest."
This simple message was wise and prophetic at the time the book was published. And is is still true, now more than ever.
President Carter was (and is) motivated by the ideals of promoting the common human dignity of all people, and assuring basic human rights as the core of U.S. foreign policy. We should be grateful that the humane nature of this leader's character and his personal core beliefs have been recognized and celebrated during his lifetime. This much, at least, was a necessary final reward for a life well lived (even if he was denigrated while in office) -- a life guided by universally compassionate principles and a clear understanding between "right" and "wrong."
June 22, 2013
Former president Carter is often characterized as a devout Christian peanut farmer. While that is accurate he is much more than that. This book reveals that he is also a career Navy man and a nuclear physicist and of course, former POTUS who has a unique and invaluable perspective of world affairs as well as Christian beliefs. Although many may expect a narrow minded, Christian-centric diatribe against people who don't share his beliefs this book is a well thought out study of the endangered values of the US. After reading the book I have a new found respect for this amazing man. His revelation of many problems with the US government and the negative influence of fundamentalist thinking was not a total surprise. The insight into the details and extent of the problem was, at times, frightening. I recommend this book to anyone who gives a damn about our world and fellow humans regardless of personal beliefs.
September 2, 2009
A bit too Jesus-y for me, but that's sort of the point. This is about morals from a religious standpoint since Carter is a "man of faith," but he is not a conservative man & he believes in a true separation of church & state. He believes that fundamentalism in government has been detrimental to the health of our nation. My dad wanted me to read this book, which I admit made me a little panicky (is he finding Jesus all of a sudden?? I was raised with a complete lack of religion or spirituality, by people who regard organized religion as a problem not a solution & would refer to themselves as agnostic if not atheist), but I gave it a shot. I can't get on the Jesus train, but I can definitely get on board with many of the points Carter makes.
This is a quick, simple read for the masses.
This is a quick, simple read for the masses.
February 13, 2018
First of all, nobody reads these kinds of books except politicos (I love politics, but only very rarely read books like this. I have this as a Xmas gift from my dad). Secondly, only people who agree with the author ever read books like this. Nobody from the Right will ever pick up a book by somebody from the Left.
It's a shame as this book is really good It has a lot of points that my old roommate would make: or How Would Jesus Vote? He was big into social justice and is big into Catholicism. I think if the Left is to win elections, they will have to reach out to Christians, and this book makes a lot of good arguments that would get Mainstream and Bible Belt voters to vote Democrat. I don't know that Jimmy Carter is very a relevant mouthpiece, and you know I kind of expected John Kerry to take some of these arguments to the people in 2004. Anyway, we need to argue that Jesus wasn't Pro-Death Penalty, anti-welfare, wouldn't drill for oil in Nature reserves, and wouldn't have started a pre-emptive war in Iraq.
It's a shame as this book is really good It has a lot of points that my old roommate would make: or How Would Jesus Vote? He was big into social justice and is big into Catholicism. I think if the Left is to win elections, they will have to reach out to Christians, and this book makes a lot of good arguments that would get Mainstream and Bible Belt voters to vote Democrat. I don't know that Jimmy Carter is very a relevant mouthpiece, and you know I kind of expected John Kerry to take some of these arguments to the people in 2004. Anyway, we need to argue that Jesus wasn't Pro-Death Penalty, anti-welfare, wouldn't drill for oil in Nature reserves, and wouldn't have started a pre-emptive war in Iraq.
October 19, 2008
Goes right to the heart of what is wrong with American and Fundamental politics, their lost vision, their Bible without Jesus outlook. This is a must read book for all Americans written by a man who has followed Jesus even when it leads to splits with his own church. Here is a book that will relight the path we should be on as a great nation that has lost its way.
April 26, 2009
This book just came out in 11/05 and at the time was very up-to-date with current events, like Katrina, the Terri Schaivo case, the war in Iraq, and decisions made by this administration.
The book covers every moral topic from pre-emptive war to abortion and the death penalty, to the environment to our relationship with other countries and how we are eroding away our own respect with our own choices. It spent a lot of time talking about how prisons are just so huge now and that they are used as warehouses rather than places of rehabilitation. People don't want to rehabilitate criminals, we just want to store them somewhere and forget their own humanity. The book also spends a lot of time talking about fundamentalism and how that can be so damaging to someone trying to just live in a Christ-like way.
There were a lot of things discussed in this book that I really wasn't aware of, like how we (and other countries) treat prisioners and how the Geneva Convention is basically being ignored, and how our country could be helping poor people both in our own country and other countries, rather than making the rich richer.
I don't feel like this is a "Bush stinks" book - rather, it goes into the dangers of fundamentalism and the dangers we as a country are putting ourselves into in very recent times by letting our moral values decline.
This is an easy read. These days I differentiate between "salad reading" (good for you, yet requires work!) and "candy reading" (easy to grab, enjoyable especially when you're tired) - this is somewhere in the middle, leaning toward candy reading in terms of readability.
My mom and dad got this book and took turns reading it aloud to each other at night and really enjoyed it. They talked so much about it that I wanted to read it, and now I'm recommending it to you.
The book covers every moral topic from pre-emptive war to abortion and the death penalty, to the environment to our relationship with other countries and how we are eroding away our own respect with our own choices. It spent a lot of time talking about how prisons are just so huge now and that they are used as warehouses rather than places of rehabilitation. People don't want to rehabilitate criminals, we just want to store them somewhere and forget their own humanity. The book also spends a lot of time talking about fundamentalism and how that can be so damaging to someone trying to just live in a Christ-like way.
There were a lot of things discussed in this book that I really wasn't aware of, like how we (and other countries) treat prisioners and how the Geneva Convention is basically being ignored, and how our country could be helping poor people both in our own country and other countries, rather than making the rich richer.
I don't feel like this is a "Bush stinks" book - rather, it goes into the dangers of fundamentalism and the dangers we as a country are putting ourselves into in very recent times by letting our moral values decline.
This is an easy read. These days I differentiate between "salad reading" (good for you, yet requires work!) and "candy reading" (easy to grab, enjoyable especially when you're tired) - this is somewhere in the middle, leaning toward candy reading in terms of readability.
My mom and dad got this book and took turns reading it aloud to each other at night and really enjoyed it. They talked so much about it that I wanted to read it, and now I'm recommending it to you.
September 26, 2007
Like many Americans, former president Jimmy Carter is dismayed by the sharp right turn our government has taken in recent years, which has been largely fueled by the influence of the fundamentalist religious right.
Carter critically addresses the blurring of the lines between separation of church and state and covers such issues as preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, the death penalty, abortion, science and religion, the environment, nuclear weapons, America's global image, religious and political fundamentalism. He contrasts extreme fundamentalist views with that of his own moderate Christian perspective and as one who fervently believes in the separation of church and state.
I found myself in general agreement with his take on these matters, but I could not give it five stars because of Carter's spartan writing style. I thought certain things could have been addressed in more detail and some chapters ended rather abruptly, in my opinion.
Still well worth a read, however.
Carter critically addresses the blurring of the lines between separation of church and state and covers such issues as preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, the death penalty, abortion, science and religion, the environment, nuclear weapons, America's global image, religious and political fundamentalism. He contrasts extreme fundamentalist views with that of his own moderate Christian perspective and as one who fervently believes in the separation of church and state.
I found myself in general agreement with his take on these matters, but I could not give it five stars because of Carter's spartan writing style. I thought certain things could have been addressed in more detail and some chapters ended rather abruptly, in my opinion.
Still well worth a read, however.
February 13, 2018
Former President Jimmy Carter may not have been elected for a second term in 1980--instead, we got eight years of Ronald Reagan (lucky America)--but he certainly has shown himself as a man of wisdom and integrity in his post-presidential years. I loved every chapter in Our Endangered Values: America's Moral Crisis, because they all make a gentle, but impassioned plea, for greater integrity and more profound values in our individual lives, and especially in our government. I was appalled at Carter's straightforward description of how prisoners from the Iraq war in very recent years have been shamefully mistreated at Guantanamo Bay, a U.S. military base in Cuba. I hope this book did its job in changing that situation, but who knows? In any case, President Carter really shows some perception and sensitivity to some pressing issues in present-day America. This is a worthwhile read for absolutely everyone!
July 15, 2008
Jimmy Carter is a respectable guy, strong in his faith and convictions. You can tell that he really cares for the poor and less fortunate, has a desire for truth, justice, etc.
I found myself agreeing with about 95% of Carter's statements on the problems we face as a country today. I agree with his blame on the neo-conservative Republicans for misleading right-wing Americans. They've worked the masses of the "moral majority" into a fit over things like gay marriage...while nobody in that same group of people seems to care that we've killed thousands of innocent people in an undeclared Iraq war, are illegally holding and torturing people at Guantanomo, and are in jeopardy of losing countless liberties through scams like the Patriot Act.
Carter has a big problem with the Bush Administration, as do I. While I agree with his constant criticisms, I find it hard to believe the mess we're in is entirely due to a single group of people from a single party. I think it's a two-party mess. Illegal wiretapping was also implemented by the Clinton Administration, as were attacks in countries such as Iraq, Somalia, Yugoslavia, etc. The Clintons used the IRS to take down political opponents. The abuse of power has happened on both sides.
Also, in 2006 the Democrats won both the House and Senate on the premise that they would bring the troops home. All they would need to do is cut spending for the war. Well, the latest "supplemental" war bill was just approved last month, and the Democrats ADDED $40 billion on top of what the Republicans proposed. These two parties are becoming the same.
Another thing that really annoyed me was Carter's statement that a Christian president should be looking to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. That in itself is great, but Carter started using the term "Just War" to say there is a time and place for war. Is there really such a thing? If Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was attacked, would he fight back or would he allow Himself to be captured, tortured, and nailed to a cross?
So while I agree with 95% of the problems Carter sees, I think I agreed with about 50% of his proposed solutions. It sounds like he wants government to fix the problems and be a big wonderful great "do-it-all" type service for the American people. I personally would like to see government quit breaking everything and leave use all alone.
Interesting book though, and based on my lengthy review it obviously got me thinking. :-)
I found myself agreeing with about 95% of Carter's statements on the problems we face as a country today. I agree with his blame on the neo-conservative Republicans for misleading right-wing Americans. They've worked the masses of the "moral majority" into a fit over things like gay marriage...while nobody in that same group of people seems to care that we've killed thousands of innocent people in an undeclared Iraq war, are illegally holding and torturing people at Guantanomo, and are in jeopardy of losing countless liberties through scams like the Patriot Act.
Carter has a big problem with the Bush Administration, as do I. While I agree with his constant criticisms, I find it hard to believe the mess we're in is entirely due to a single group of people from a single party. I think it's a two-party mess. Illegal wiretapping was also implemented by the Clinton Administration, as were attacks in countries such as Iraq, Somalia, Yugoslavia, etc. The Clintons used the IRS to take down political opponents. The abuse of power has happened on both sides.
Also, in 2006 the Democrats won both the House and Senate on the premise that they would bring the troops home. All they would need to do is cut spending for the war. Well, the latest "supplemental" war bill was just approved last month, and the Democrats ADDED $40 billion on top of what the Republicans proposed. These two parties are becoming the same.
Another thing that really annoyed me was Carter's statement that a Christian president should be looking to Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. That in itself is great, but Carter started using the term "Just War" to say there is a time and place for war. Is there really such a thing? If Jesus, the Prince of Peace, was attacked, would he fight back or would he allow Himself to be captured, tortured, and nailed to a cross?
So while I agree with 95% of the problems Carter sees, I think I agreed with about 50% of his proposed solutions. It sounds like he wants government to fix the problems and be a big wonderful great "do-it-all" type service for the American people. I personally would like to see government quit breaking everything and leave use all alone.
Interesting book though, and based on my lengthy review it obviously got me thinking. :-)
February 22, 2008
Great man! Great insight! Great book!
March 24, 2014
An interesting, dated, look at recent events from Jimmy Carter's perspective. But, also, a good look into his morals. I need to read more by him because of the progressive Christian perspective.
April 13, 2020
I have long admired former President Carter, and I agree with most of his views in this book. Although it is not new, the points he makes are more relevant today than ever before. Our country and politicians are in a sorry state and moving further away from the Founding Fathers' intent. I learned a lot from his opinions.
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November 1, 2019Locked our keys in the car somewhere with a free books shelf
May 14, 2012
This is an excellent account on the values America has shared and fought for during most of Her history, but which have heavily degraded during the President "W" Bush years. Living through that period, I was young and didn't understand the repercussions of what we were doing or the horribleness of it. For several years, I've started realizing this degradation in our country's values, and this book helps me realize some of the specific reasons why. Though written in 2005, this book is still very current in terms of looking out for leaches on our freedom and and for spotting ways that America further ruins Her reputation and influence. Cherishing the separation of church and state, I worry about the influence of very loud neo-conservatives (neocons) that continually try to re-shape America's history and political future through the strict lens of a religious minority. The fact that most mainstream Christian churches do not agree with these fanatical people and their version of Christianity (which is very much opposite to the peaceful and loving values Jesus taught) should send warning flags to influential political figures and to the rest of America (unfortunately, neocons present themselves as "true Christians" and send the message to America that Christians and Christianity are exactly as they say it is).
Another interesting thing I learned about was the pre-neocon Southern Baptist Convention - something I didn't know existed. I was very impressed with Carter's sense of spirituality and values and hope to apply and share those in the world around me. His humanitarianism is of upmost importance and both reflects the works of Christ and also provides a source of inspiration for people like me who want to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.
Another interesting thing I learned about was the pre-neocon Southern Baptist Convention - something I didn't know existed. I was very impressed with Carter's sense of spirituality and values and hope to apply and share those in the world around me. His humanitarianism is of upmost importance and both reflects the works of Christ and also provides a source of inspiration for people like me who want to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.
August 7, 2011
In this book Jimmy Carter covers a wide range of topics, giving his analyses and speaking his concerns from the intersection of his religious faith experience and his experience as U.S. President. Probably the most alarming to me are (1) the rise of religious fundamentalism and the entwining of church and state pushed by some religious fundamentalists, and (2) the tragic redirection of U.S. policy by the George W. Bush administration--economic policies that favor the richest Americans, foot-dragging and refusal to address environmental issues, and waging war "preemptively." Carter, I think, comes across as a "Southern gentleman" in his criticism of the Bush administration--the book is published in 2005 just after Bush's 2nd term is underway. Make no mistake, Carter clearly takes issue with the administration and expresses his great concern that the Bush administration policies are tragically wrong and threatening to the U.S. and to the world, but he is not really nasty about it.
The book is very readable, meaning in part that the print layout seems rather spacious. There is an index but no footnotes. References are included in a conversational way within the text, such as "In a recent New York times article...." Consequently, I suspect the book will be received best by those who are open minded enough to listen to Jimmy Carter and to even consider that the country is going in the wrong direction.
The book is very readable, meaning in part that the print layout seems rather spacious. There is an index but no footnotes. References are included in a conversational way within the text, such as "In a recent New York times article...." Consequently, I suspect the book will be received best by those who are open minded enough to listen to Jimmy Carter and to even consider that the country is going in the wrong direction.
February 11, 2009
Jimmy Carter is great at clearly and concisely describing the direction the leadership of our country has taken in the past 8 years, and the ramifications of such direction. He sums up his points in a very no-nonsense manner, with an authority that doesn't allow for much argument. And lest one get the initial impression that he spends the entire work slamming the Republican party, forget it. While much of his ire is directed at the extreme right wing, the Democratic party does not entirely escape his criticism. Additionally he touts some Republicans as well for their particular actions of which he approves. A rather refreshing and straight forward bi-partisan analysis.
The rather interesting thing about this book is that despite its publication date of 2005, much of the information and impressions included in it were still relevant up to 1/20/09. A startling revelation of how little our country has change in the past 3-4 years.
My other major impression that I took away from this book was that Jimmy Carter seems to represent what it means to be a true Christian in the most traditional sense of the term. If we should all possess an ounce of such selflessness and acceptance and willingness to help the less fortunate and marginalized people of our society, our country and our world might be a very different place.
The rather interesting thing about this book is that despite its publication date of 2005, much of the information and impressions included in it were still relevant up to 1/20/09. A startling revelation of how little our country has change in the past 3-4 years.
My other major impression that I took away from this book was that Jimmy Carter seems to represent what it means to be a true Christian in the most traditional sense of the term. If we should all possess an ounce of such selflessness and acceptance and willingness to help the less fortunate and marginalized people of our society, our country and our world might be a very different place.
March 7, 2017
I don’t know why, but I wasn’t expecting too much out of this book (maybe because in my copy the pages weren’t cut correctly, which irritated me at first), but it blew me away. He talks about lots of things that have changed under this administration that he credits the rise of fundamentalism to, and although the list of things that have changed wasn’t terribly new (science vs. religion, separation of church and state, etc. – you can see the table of contents at amazon), he presents his case very well, and manages to maintain a sort of composure while still conveying a sense of urgency. He includes a few chapters on foreign policy and nuclear proliferation which had material that I wasn’t familiar with. Also, the writing style is very straightforward, and he often talks about what the Carter Center (nonprofit organization that he and his wife started) are doing to alleviate the problems he lists. Overall, I was highly impressed, and would definitely recommend it.
January 23, 2014
Though I don't believe everything Jimmy Carter does, it is amazing how similar our proposed compromises are. Everything he'd like to see accomplished, he makes gentle, world protecting, people protecting proposes for. I agree with all of his proposals... They won't accomplish perfection, but they would go a long way to improving things.
Overall, he approaches world problems with the Christian values of peace, love, and charity. Though he does not question the Christianity of those who don't (he thinks they are misguided), I certainly do. The miracle of this man's thinking is that seeing what is happening in the world clearly as he does with us as the instigator of much of it (the world sees us as an example, but they tend to do as we do, not as we say, which explains much of the recent genocide in primitive countries--wasn't that what we were trying to do when we invaded Iraq?), he continues to propose optimistic, loving, peaceful, and charitable solutions which just might work, if we could move ill-meaning and ridiculously judgmental "fundamentalists" out of DC.
Overall, he approaches world problems with the Christian values of peace, love, and charity. Though he does not question the Christianity of those who don't (he thinks they are misguided), I certainly do. The miracle of this man's thinking is that seeing what is happening in the world clearly as he does with us as the instigator of much of it (the world sees us as an example, but they tend to do as we do, not as we say, which explains much of the recent genocide in primitive countries--wasn't that what we were trying to do when we invaded Iraq?), he continues to propose optimistic, loving, peaceful, and charitable solutions which just might work, if we could move ill-meaning and ridiculously judgmental "fundamentalists" out of DC.
February 5, 2014
I had no strong opinions of Carter going in. I thought of him as a likeable, good-hearted leader who presided over a nation in a troubled time. (I'm only 30, so he's one president before my time). This book is a plea for Americans to avoid fundamentalism. While we fight it abroad with Islamist regimes, Christian fundamentalists here make America rigid and inflexible in the eyes of the global community.
I also admire Carter's humility. Many such memoirs serve as apologies or justifications for one's life, but Carter admits when his predictions and expectations failed.
Though I don't share his Christian faith, I wasn't bothered by his embrace of it. The focus of his narrative is that Americans ought to remember the best qualities of being American and return to them. Reasonability rather than stubbornness, worldliness rather than provincialism, and generosity rather than greed. It's hard not to admire his values, if not his efficacy, after this book.
I also admire Carter's humility. Many such memoirs serve as apologies or justifications for one's life, but Carter admits when his predictions and expectations failed.
Though I don't share his Christian faith, I wasn't bothered by his embrace of it. The focus of his narrative is that Americans ought to remember the best qualities of being American and return to them. Reasonability rather than stubbornness, worldliness rather than provincialism, and generosity rather than greed. It's hard not to admire his values, if not his efficacy, after this book.
March 1, 2016
Only read parts of the book. Appreciated the chapters on The Rise of Religious Fundamentalism and also "Sins of Divorce and Homosexuality".
One quote I really liked from "Rise of Religious Fundamentalism" (p. 30): There is a remarkable trend toward fundamentalism in all religions - including the different denomination of Christianity as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. Increasingly, true believers are inclined to begin a process of deciding: 'Since I am aligned with God, I am superior and my beliefs should prevail, and anyone who disagrees with me is inherently wrong,' and the next step is 'inherently inferior.' The ultimate step is 'subhuman,' and then their lives are not significant.
That tendency has created, throughout the world, intense religious conflicts."
One quote I really liked from "Rise of Religious Fundamentalism" (p. 30): There is a remarkable trend toward fundamentalism in all religions - including the different denomination of Christianity as well as Hinduism, Judaism and Islam. Increasingly, true believers are inclined to begin a process of deciding: 'Since I am aligned with God, I am superior and my beliefs should prevail, and anyone who disagrees with me is inherently wrong,' and the next step is 'inherently inferior.' The ultimate step is 'subhuman,' and then their lives are not significant.
That tendency has created, throughout the world, intense religious conflicts."
August 5, 2011
I was afraid this was going to be a tedious Christian testimonial, and was pleasantly surprised to find that Carter's idea of "moral crisis" matched mine well. Though Carter is much more diplomatic, this book got my adrenalin going almost as much as did Al Franken in The Truth (With Jokes). It was also interesting to hear Carter's assessment of recent history and current times in America and the world. Wouldn't I love to sit down for a long discussion with Carter and Bill Clinton!!! I learned of this book from its four-month stay on the New York Times best seller list in late 2005 and early 2006.
August 5, 2012
This book covers a few too many points; the message would have been stronger if more focused. I learned a lot about Baptists, and strongly agree with most of the sentiments here. What would have made this book better is "how do we get there from here", which worked very well in "Palestine Peace Not Apartheid".
September 29, 2019
I imagine this would have been a better read at the time it was published. This book is essentially a list of criticisms of Republican actions taken during the Presidency of George W. Bush. If you are a liberal you would agree with all of it, and if you are a conservative you would not. It was not an exciting read other than the fact it was interesting hearing from former President Carter.
May 21, 2017
I hope you live forever Mr. Carter.
March 17, 2020
Jimmy Carter is a good man. If every Evangelical behaved like him, our politics would be much better. Here are some random thoughts:
He characterizes fundamentalism in three words: rigidity, domination, and exclusion. Good choices.
His "faith" in God because some things on the planet are pretty amazing seems childish to me. But at least he accepts science. He is not a literalist Bible reader. He was also a great lover of Stephen Jay Gould's work, as I was. Carter concludes "there is no place for religion in the science classroom." Amen!
He is a strict believer in separation of church and state. His concerns expressed in this 2005 book are only much worse now. And show no signs of getting any better. Especially with the Betsy DeVos's of the world.
He does not believe in abortion. But at least he understands that the way to cut down on them is to make them legal and provide free birth control and services. Thank you, Planned Parenthood!
Our values now are more than endangered, they are disappearing.
He characterizes fundamentalism in three words: rigidity, domination, and exclusion. Good choices.
His "faith" in God because some things on the planet are pretty amazing seems childish to me. But at least he accepts science. He is not a literalist Bible reader. He was also a great lover of Stephen Jay Gould's work, as I was. Carter concludes "there is no place for religion in the science classroom." Amen!
He is a strict believer in separation of church and state. His concerns expressed in this 2005 book are only much worse now. And show no signs of getting any better. Especially with the Betsy DeVos's of the world.
He does not believe in abortion. But at least he understands that the way to cut down on them is to make them legal and provide free birth control and services. Thank you, Planned Parenthood!
Our values now are more than endangered, they are disappearing.
April 29, 2025
I thought I had a pretty good handle on President Carter's positions, but it was enlightening to hear him expand on how he made decisions during his presidency, how he chose to leave the Southern Baptist Convention, and his thoughts on the challenges facing democracy in the early 2000's. Given the publication date, a few sections are already dated, but many of Carter's concerns remain relevant, or perhaps even urgent, today. A reminder that there have been kinder, gentler presidents was welcome.
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