Toxic Faith - Liberal Cure

By Daniel C. Bruch, Thomas W. Strieter, Daniel C. Bruch & Thomas W. Strieter

Toxic Faith: Liberal Cure is an answer to those who claim that liberalism is immoral and is somehow destroying the values of this country. It also seeks to provide a careful and rational response, in a specifically Judeo-Christian context, to many of the most vocalized and divisive current issues: patriotism, war, abortion, homosexuality, poverty, and the environment.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Alston B. Ramsey, National Review Online, February 15, 2006
"Liberal" is not a four-letter word. We are living in a time where "moral values" receive much play in the popular press. Rarely, if ever, however, do the discussions about "moral values" (meaning primarily Judeo-Christian values in our culture) include any serious discussion of what the Jewish and Christian Scriptures actually say about the primary conflicted issues of this day. The authors address if and how Judeo-Christian moral values may be related to liberal values within the context of selected social issues. This book is an answer to those who claim that liberalism is immoral and is somehow destroying the values of this country. It also seeks to provide a careful and rational response, in a specifically Judeo-Christian context, to many of the most vocalized and divisive current issues: patriotism, war, abortion, homosexuality, poverty, and the environment. Using quiet, confident scholarship and reason, the authors seek to restore and energize a more informed Christian faith. It is designed to be read by everyone who is alarmed about the political encroachments of the religious right: liberals who are Christians, liberals who aren't Christians, secularists, and moderates who are concerned about religious freedom and the separation of church and state. "..a reasoned, serious analysis of some of society's most contentious issues. Again, conservatives may not buy (the) arguments in the end, but at least (they're) speaking in a language conservatives will understand."
-Alston B. Ramsey

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1425722288
• ISBN13: 9781425722289
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Xlibris
• Length: 152 Pages
• Weight: 0.62 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Toxic Faith - Liberal Cure

This book is great and timely. It offers valid perspectives on crucial issues that are dividing our country. I love that each chapter concludes with suggestions for positive action and discussion points. Very worthwhile!

Challenge Yourself -- Be Rewarded

In our sound byte-addicted world of attack-journalism, I'm amazed that a book can find its way into publication that thoughtfully addresses the most difficult moral issues of our time without name-calling and political posturing. Don't let the title fool you - this is not an outlet for liberals to counter-attack the extreme-right. This book addresses the most contentious issues of our time from a background of faith that helps the reader look at their own beliefs and gain empathy for others' beliefs. It's time for gaining understanding, not reloading for another attack - READ THIS BOOK!

Thought-provoking and important

After having read and discussed several books of this type, I picked up this one on the recommendation of a friend. This book is the only one that directly and concisely addresses some of the most difficult religious issues that are discussed in the public arena these days. It includes obvious choices such as abortion and homosexuality, but it also gives thoughtful consideration to poverty, the environment and the war. In language that is understandable by almost everyone, the authors present significant research from the Judeo-Christian Scriptures and the historical record that set straight many of the misconceptions of the religious right. It also provides very helpful "talking points" and suggestions for personal actions related to the topics.

A Must-Read

Having trouble coming up with responses to the "religious right" on critical issues of the day? This book is a scholarly, yet down-to-earth discussion of topics such as patriotism, war, poverty, abortion, homosexuality and the environment. Each chapter includes "talking points" that can raise your comfort level in responding to the uninformed or biased rhetoric of the right.

You need to read this book!

Freedom of religion means EVERY religion. America was not founded to be a Christian nation. Got your attention? I hope so. "Toxic Faith: Liberal Cure" is an outstanding, must-read book for every American. With calm, intelligent, and composed words, authors Daniel C. Bruch, D.Min., Ph.D., Sc.D. and Thomas W. Strieter, M.Div., STM, Ph.D. make a reasoned response to the alarming assertions of the Religious Right. I applaud them every step of the way. With scholarly attention to detail and fact, the authors touch on many of the hot topics of American life today...patriotism, abortion, homosexuality, poverty, war, and the environment. Issues of name calling to gain power, infiltrating political parties, using money and political offices to further religious agendas, making moral decisions, examining what it means to be patriotic and many more, are discussed in great detail and with passionate persuasion to see the truth of what is happening all around us. This is a book written to answer those who claim that liberalism is immoral and somehow destroying the values of this country (though I personally feel that the author's liberalism is more of a democratic stance - and that part of the problem America currently has is people feeling compelled to lump everything that is Democratic under the title of Liberal, like it is a dirty word.) and to carefully and rationally deal with many of today's current issues in a specifically Judeo-Christian liberal context. That isn't to say one has to be Liberal or Christian to agree with the things the authors say. I absolutely concur with their points and reasoning. The point of the book is to show how very much of our government, our society, our world, is under the threat of being run by Fundamentalist Christians. This is not what our founding fathers had in mind at all. Anyone who has an inkling of patriotism needs to read this book and take action. The authors bring across their points with understanding, obvious intelligence and experience, and clearly, much research. I would love to sit for hours with either or both of them and discuss every issue in the book in great detail. It is my hope, and surely theirs, that "Toxic Faith: Liberal Cure" will become a much talked about work. If you've ever felt that something wasn't quite right in our country, from the reasons for the Iraq War, to the attacks on the Separation of Church and State, or if you're of the mindset that this country WAS based on Christian beliefs, you need to read this book. Review by Heather Froeschl.