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A Man of Faith: The Spiritual Journey of George W. Bush
An examination of the faith of George W. Bush charts his spiritual journey, from a man who cared only about good times, to one of the most faithful world leaders of modern times, a faith that has proved to be an important part of his presidency.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2004
13 people are currently reading
112 people want to read
About the author
David Aikman
24 books13 followersCOMPILED FROM HIS WEB PAGE AND BOOK JACKETS:
David Aikman, former Time magazine Beijing bureau chief, is an author, journalist, and foreign policy consultant. After more than two decades with Time magazine - reporting from more than fifty countries and interviewing world figures such as Boris Yeltson, Billy Graham, Magnuel Noriega, and Mother Teresa -- Aikman became a freelance writer and commentator. He has written for several magazines as well as publishing books.
With special expertise in China, Russia, the Middle East, Mongolia and religious freedom issues worldwide, Dr. Aikman is frequently invited to deliver expert testimony at Congressional hearings and is a popular speaker at conferences, seminars, panels and to academic, church and professional groups at events all over the world.
He lives in Virginia with his family.
David Aikman, former Time magazine Beijing bureau chief, is an author, journalist, and foreign policy consultant. After more than two decades with Time magazine - reporting from more than fifty countries and interviewing world figures such as Boris Yeltson, Billy Graham, Magnuel Noriega, and Mother Teresa -- Aikman became a freelance writer and commentator. He has written for several magazines as well as publishing books.
With special expertise in China, Russia, the Middle East, Mongolia and religious freedom issues worldwide, Dr. Aikman is frequently invited to deliver expert testimony at Congressional hearings and is a popular speaker at conferences, seminars, panels and to academic, church and professional groups at events all over the world.
He lives in Virginia with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 23, 2019
When I bought this book it was not because of the nuggets of wisdom I thought it presented but more so the irony between the title (A MAN of Faith) and the cover image (George W. Bush), the author managed to create a certain cognitive dissonance that just pulls you in. In Africa, where I come from, the media which primarily relies on the Western media, has managed to portray George W. as the prince of darkness if not the devil himself. No wonder the book’s title rose so many eyebrows when I was reading it at the office and even one of my colleagues remarked on how it must have been a good campaign gimmick.
Interestingly, contrary to my expectations, the author did not try to make a saint out George W. or sugarcoat his well-known weaknesses but clearly defined them from leaving with a bottle, having a penchant for chaos, untidiness, and disorderliness to his poor rhetoric and oratory skills. The only thing apparently he was good at was cramming people’s names. Going through the pages one can’t help but wonder what would have been of the small Bush or Shrub as some of his early political adversaries used to refer to him would it not have been for his illustrious family background. Strings had to be pulled for him almost at every level and a perfect example for this is during his admission to Yale. As Lord Baelish in Game of Thrones puts it, some people are fortunate enough to be born in the right family and others have to find their own way. George W. Bush’s case was clearly not the latter.
David Aikman does a good job of painting a man who is running from his demons and so desperate of curving his own destiny and getting out of the big shadows cast on him by his predecessors. Clearly not as brilliant as his father and his grandfather or even his great-grandfather, George W. cunningly maneuvers through the waters of Christianity and politics and in the process finds himself in the highest office in the world and objectively becoming the most famous Bush ever. I like how the author lays a premise on the Bushes and their family traditions and how they are very much embedded on matters of faith but what is even more interesting is how he approaches the conclusion by giving a brief history on a few notable America’s past presidents and their views on matters of religion and specifically Christianity.
Interestingly, contrary to my expectations, the author did not try to make a saint out George W. or sugarcoat his well-known weaknesses but clearly defined them from leaving with a bottle, having a penchant for chaos, untidiness, and disorderliness to his poor rhetoric and oratory skills. The only thing apparently he was good at was cramming people’s names. Going through the pages one can’t help but wonder what would have been of the small Bush or Shrub as some of his early political adversaries used to refer to him would it not have been for his illustrious family background. Strings had to be pulled for him almost at every level and a perfect example for this is during his admission to Yale. As Lord Baelish in Game of Thrones puts it, some people are fortunate enough to be born in the right family and others have to find their own way. George W. Bush’s case was clearly not the latter.
David Aikman does a good job of painting a man who is running from his demons and so desperate of curving his own destiny and getting out of the big shadows cast on him by his predecessors. Clearly not as brilliant as his father and his grandfather or even his great-grandfather, George W. cunningly maneuvers through the waters of Christianity and politics and in the process finds himself in the highest office in the world and objectively becoming the most famous Bush ever. I like how the author lays a premise on the Bushes and their family traditions and how they are very much embedded on matters of faith but what is even more interesting is how he approaches the conclusion by giving a brief history on a few notable America’s past presidents and their views on matters of religion and specifically Christianity.
September 25, 2019
The book is mostly about Pres. George W. Bush's journey in his Christian faith. It also includes his family's history in the faith going back a couple generations.
In addition, there is an overview of how the Christian faith has, to one degree or another, played an important role in the lives of nearly every man who has held the office of President of the United States.
I rate the book - 3.5 Stars.
In addition, there is an overview of how the Christian faith has, to one degree or another, played an important role in the lives of nearly every man who has held the office of President of the United States.
I rate the book - 3.5 Stars.
December 3, 2020
I love books that allow you to take a peak into the lesser known details in the lives of historic figures and especially books that give you a "behind the scenes" glimpse of life in the White House! I found Aikman's book so interesting and encouraging. Not only do you get to learn a bit about George W. Bush's spiritual journey, you also learn interesting things about how other presidents did or did not express their faith. This reads like a really well done documentary.
August 29, 2023
I have been looking for a strictly historical account of George W. Bush's presidency. A book that goes through the 2000 election and his two terms in office. Unfortunately, this doesn't quite match the criterion. For one, this book is a somewhat partisan/biased look at the former president; and secondly, this book was released in 2004. Even though it was only just a little closer to what I was looking for, it wasn't altogether a complete waste of time.
It's sometimes interesting to see family tree development. For example, GHWB's mother's name was Dorothy Walker, which - I can only assume - is where GWB got his middle name and where GHWB got his second middle name. To see that it went Samuel - Prescott - George H.W. - George W. was also interesting. The book talks of his governorship of Texas, as well as the majority of his first term as president.
Unlike the review for the book I linked above, this one actually -- for the most part -- correctly quoted the "bullhorn" moment at ground zero (9/11). It also didn't skip over the Iowa Debate, nor GWB's philosopher answer ("Christ. Because he changed my heart.") like James Mann did. Having grown up in a house with parents who had voted for Bush in the 2000 election, this was also somewhat nostalgic. Because of my parents, I saw so many news articles and stations talking about the 'Faith-based Initiatives,' and heard a lot about the former president's faith. Also, this book almost read like a DVD I saw a couple of times called "George W. Bush: Faith In The White House," which was 'an alternative to Fahrenheit 9/11.'
Random things: The 'Methodist' protestant faith is so-named because of the methods within (It's so simple, I should've known that.), and that the entire last chapter is about the faith of numerous presidents, or lack there-of.
Negative things that I can say about this book are:
1.) David Aikman's (The author) dependence on "A Charge To Keep"; GWB's campaign memoir that was released in 1999, which GWB didn't write.
2.) Within the first 63 pages, I read three times how the former president could memorize a lot of people's names, how he was a ladies' man, and how he had a political mind. The last one being obvious, I found its repetitive mention to be a bit unnecessary.
3.) I'm not 100% sure why Aikman felt it necessary to provide an in-depth chapter on the Methodist faith/Methodism. It becomes even more random when Aikman barely touches Presbyterian and Episcopalian when you compare it to the in-depth chapter on Methodism.
4.) Page 159. "Gays".
*sigh*
It should be obvious by 2018 what's wrong with pluralizing that word.
5.) On pg 166, the author references 'separation of church and state.' This debate has been talked about extensively for nearly 17 years, and by now, everyone should know the correct location of the phrase within the apostrophes, so I'm not gonna bother this time around.
6.) Part of GWB's 1999 sermon at a Baptist Church in Texas is potentially omitted (You see the '. . .' that signifies omission at one part).
So, six issues within 201 pages (the remaining pages are most of the sermon mentioned in number six. This book went through a variety of topics and issues, so six really isn't that bad. Again, it wasn't quite what I've been looking for, but compared to the critical commentary of James Mann in the book I linked above, it was really good. However, because of the random history on Methodism and the last chapter barely being about GWB, I'm going to give this 3 instead of 4 stars.
It's sometimes interesting to see family tree development. For example, GHWB's mother's name was Dorothy Walker, which - I can only assume - is where GWB got his middle name and where GHWB got his second middle name. To see that it went Samuel - Prescott - George H.W. - George W. was also interesting. The book talks of his governorship of Texas, as well as the majority of his first term as president.
Unlike the review for the book I linked above, this one actually -- for the most part -- correctly quoted the "bullhorn" moment at ground zero (9/11). It also didn't skip over the Iowa Debate, nor GWB's philosopher answer ("Christ. Because he changed my heart.") like James Mann did. Having grown up in a house with parents who had voted for Bush in the 2000 election, this was also somewhat nostalgic. Because of my parents, I saw so many news articles and stations talking about the 'Faith-based Initiatives,' and heard a lot about the former president's faith. Also, this book almost read like a DVD I saw a couple of times called "George W. Bush: Faith In The White House," which was 'an alternative to Fahrenheit 9/11.'
Random things: The 'Methodist' protestant faith is so-named because of the methods within (It's so simple, I should've known that.), and that the entire last chapter is about the faith of numerous presidents, or lack there-of.
Negative things that I can say about this book are:
1.) David Aikman's (The author) dependence on "A Charge To Keep"; GWB's campaign memoir that was released in 1999, which GWB didn't write.
2.) Within the first 63 pages, I read three times how the former president could memorize a lot of people's names, how he was a ladies' man, and how he had a political mind. The last one being obvious, I found its repetitive mention to be a bit unnecessary.
3.) I'm not 100% sure why Aikman felt it necessary to provide an in-depth chapter on the Methodist faith/Methodism. It becomes even more random when Aikman barely touches Presbyterian and Episcopalian when you compare it to the in-depth chapter on Methodism.
4.) Page 159. "Gays".
*sigh*
It should be obvious by 2018 what's wrong with pluralizing that word.
5.) On pg 166, the author references 'separation of church and state.' This debate has been talked about extensively for nearly 17 years, and by now, everyone should know the correct location of the phrase within the apostrophes, so I'm not gonna bother this time around.
6.) Part of GWB's 1999 sermon at a Baptist Church in Texas is potentially omitted (You see the '. . .' that signifies omission at one part).
So, six issues within 201 pages (the remaining pages are most of the sermon mentioned in number six. This book went through a variety of topics and issues, so six really isn't that bad. Again, it wasn't quite what I've been looking for, but compared to the critical commentary of James Mann in the book I linked above, it was really good. However, because of the random history on Methodism and the last chapter barely being about GWB, I'm going to give this 3 instead of 4 stars.
April 8, 2015
I think history will show kindly on President Bush. I have no problem with those who disagree with President Bush, however I have little time for the foolishness of those who feel he was the worse president ever, etc. The ridiculousness of those people cannot be changed no matter how much one pleads. At the age of 37 I have been alive for six presidents serving in office. I was only 2 when Carter lost the election but my parents didn't care for Carter because they felt he did more harm for farmers then good (they are farmers) Since I trust my parents judgment, I will also pass on Carter although I must admit I have read very little about him. President Reagan was at the height of the Moral Majority and my family were big supporters. President Reagan, is probably my favorite president not named Lincoln. Bush senior served in a very crucial time but most critics seem to feel he failed to show the people the hope of the future. President Clinton was a good speaker, charismatic, and knowledgeable but his moral failings and well documented relaxed White House made him an utter failure in my books. I don't care for President Obama's policies either.
President Bush was the president of the birth of my adulthood. Newly married, I proudly supported W. I didn't regret it then nor do I now. At the crucial events of 9-11, President Bush was the right man in office. He made mistakes in his presidency but overall he brought back honor to the White House. The media and Hollywood have made him a scape goat for some of the failures seen in the last several years but I don't believe they are warranted. On another note, it has been documented that WMD were found in Iraq, and I do believe that President Bush was correct in invading.
As far as this book, what is there to say? It is a great insight on the life of 43 and his strong faith. I thought the author did a great job and bringing us up close to see how faith played a part in President Bush in his early life as well as his presidency. It also gave some nice insight into the beliefs of other presidents as well. Read the book.
President Bush was the president of the birth of my adulthood. Newly married, I proudly supported W. I didn't regret it then nor do I now. At the crucial events of 9-11, President Bush was the right man in office. He made mistakes in his presidency but overall he brought back honor to the White House. The media and Hollywood have made him a scape goat for some of the failures seen in the last several years but I don't believe they are warranted. On another note, it has been documented that WMD were found in Iraq, and I do believe that President Bush was correct in invading.
As far as this book, what is there to say? It is a great insight on the life of 43 and his strong faith. I thought the author did a great job and bringing us up close to see how faith played a part in President Bush in his early life as well as his presidency. It also gave some nice insight into the beliefs of other presidents as well. Read the book.
April 22, 2012
It was a slow read but gave me a better understanding of who George W. was and the reasoning behind his actions. Like the saying goes..."You can't judge a book by it's cover" and that is certainly true of #43.
May 26, 2012
Very informative and enjoy reading how it is possible to take your faith to work with you. Not an easy read and a struggle to get through some parts.
September 21, 2012
I new he was a Christian man but this book makes me appreciate him even more.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews