Rating: 
Summary: entertaining at least
Review: George Bush feels hes been "called" to run for a higher office, does he? Ah the things people will believe. I have been waiting ever since December of 2000 for a book like this to come out. When I finally got the chance to read one, it was exactly what I expected (unfortunately). It is extremely clear that Bush's semi-success (I wont even go there) in the 2000 election was dependent largely on the "Religious Right". This is one of the most powerful political forces in America, and has a certain tendency to desire to diminish the distinction between church and state. This group is who this book is written for. Bush has made some pretty bad decisions in the last 3 years, and the Religious Right needs this book to comfort themselves. The "hidden" point in this book seems to be that a vote against Bush is a vote against God. I wonder if Bush was "called" by God or Jesus or whoever to go to war with Iraq? We all know Jesus's teachings on how the poor are to be dealt with. I guess the democratic-leaning economic tendencies of Jesus (giving to the poor, "blessed are the poor", etc.) are cancelled out by the abortion issue, which Jesus never talked about, but apparently has very strong feelings about. Or the commandment and Jesus's teaching "thou shalt not kill" (death penalty issue) or that divorce is adultery and is therefore punishable by death? Jesus never talked about homosexuality but I suppose it is somehow very clear that he himself had very strong feelings on the issue as well, possibly strong enough to balance out the divorce and death penalty issue. These are some of the many problems I have with associating Christianity and political conservatism hand in hand.
This book is just a political tool for the Religious Right. Despite Bush's alcoholism, buisness failures, and family problems, he is a good God-fearing Christian man and therefore you should vote for him. Give me a break! (I gave this a 3 because even though I read the book, I didn't focus so much on the content as the problems I have with it so as not to lower the overall score by too much)
Rating: 
Summary: A great insight into the foundation and heart of the man
Review: George W Bush may be one of the most misunderstood presidents in history, and certainly of our time. This book allowed me to understand the motives behind his decisions, and to understand the heart of a president serving at a critical juncture in America's life. I appreciate Mansfield's ability to articulate the path that the president has taken in his life, and to do it in a factual, balanced, and unbiased manner. Refreshing and insightful!
Rating:
Summary: The memoir of a good man's Faith.
Review: George W. Bush has been the respected president of this country. How he's running this country makes me smile. Bush is much better than John Carry. I must warn you, that if you vote for John Carry who is the devil himself, You will have very serious consequences. If he is president, then this country will have choirs singing "Ave Satani", and we won't want that. I urge all of you people to stand and fight against John Carry.
Rating: 
Summary: Assurance of Christian leadership
Review: George W. Bush was an unlikely candidate for the U.S. presidency in his early days. Overshadowed by his high-achieving father and without a coherant plan for his life, he floundered until his Christian conversion led to lofty goals and plans. This book details the gradual awakening of Bush's spiritual side, with influence from his wife Laura, Billy Graham and other Christian leaders. From a carefree playboy, he became a devout, religious man who was not afraid to express his beliefs in a sometimes unfriendly political arena. Since becoming President, he has seen issues through the filter of his Christianity and he has responded accordingly. This book is profoundly comforting in its portrayal of our highest leader as a man of God. It gives me great hope for the future of our country.
Rating: 
Summary: Hilarious tale of George Jr.'s "Faith" - fiction for fools.
Review: Hilarious conclusions are made in this ridiculous tale of George Jr.'s "faith". As any thinking person knows George has God on his lips and something all together different in his heart. Words are not the real man. Our president talks a good game but his criminal actions speak much louder than his rehearsed words. As this book shows George will say and do absolutely anything to retain the support of his followers...the most ignorant members of American society. Only a brain dead imbecile would fall for the empty "Jesus" rhetoric of this fool. George Bush is not the good Christian he would have people believe. Hell is waiting for you George.
Rating:
Summary: Not hard-hitting, but definitely uplifting
Review: I am tempted to say that this book is really two books rolled into one, but that's not really true. To look at the faith of President George W. Bush, author and historian Stephen Mansfield had to look at his life. He follows George W. from his initial christening in the Episcopal Church, through his dissolute and aimless youth, and on to his spiritual awakening in his middle years, finally ending up in his application of his faith to his role as President of the United States. Now, in many ways it is fair to say that this is a sympathetic book to Bush. The author does not delve deeply into Bush's drinking problems or his relationship with his family. But, that said, he does weave a fascinating story that shows the spiritual evolution of George Bush. Like many Christians, George Bush was born into a Christian home. And, his relationship with God was not one of a sudden and profound conversion, but was one of losing and refinding it, of stepping away from simple family-religion, and into a personal walk with God. So, if you are looking for a hard-hitting, no-holds-barred investigation of George W. Bush's faith, then this book is not for you. But, if you are interested in a straightforward and uplifting look at a man's faith, then you will enjoy this book - as I did. I highly recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: The Author is Blinded by Faith
Review: I heard a radio interview with the author - he came across as ridiculous. He is the type of person who would look at dinosaur bones and claim "THESE WERE PUT HERE BY SATAN TO SHAKE MY FAITH IN GOD AND THE BOOK OF GENESIS!" If you are this type of christian, then go buy this book and live in a cave...if not, do something better with your time.
Rating:
Summary: A Book Sure to Ignite Controversy!!
Review: I just finished reading this book and found it fascinating. No matter which end of the political spectrum a reader might be on, this book will be very informative. The author has attempted to cast a light on WHAT George Bush believes and HOW that influences his thought process and actions. The author's task was difficult, but my impression is that he has succeeded in providing a neutral insight to the President. I say neutral as opposed to balanced, because he is neither excessively critical or complimentary. George Bush's failures and successes are detailed for the reader - his critics will find sufficient ammunition for their purposes and his supporters will find the book enlightening of his motives. What is most fascinating in the book is to see how George Bush's beliefs have affected his leadership development and style. The information about the Bush family history provides insight into the Bush family structure and belief systems and what motivates them in general, and George W. Bush in particular. I came away from reading the book with some lessons in leadership, spirituality and courage. I think that one can learn from every person who has achieved something, no matter whether I agree with their politics or religion. I highly recommend the book to all with an open mind.
Rating:
Summary: I wish every biographer wrote the way Mansfield does!
Review: I loved Mansfield's style in telling us the story of our president's faith. Many writers fall in love with their own style and ability to write and they just do way too much of it - bogging the reader down. This book, however, recounts Bush's journey through life without any holes, but at a very rapid rate. So it has a very sweeping effect on the reader. Every paragraph sucks you right into the next one. Mansfield has gone into very intimate areas of our president's past that obviously required tremendous research. Thus, we have a story that is heart-warming and heroic, but what makes it so heroic, as with any story, is that we also get an honest look at the not so flattering times of Bush's past. So we see just how far he had fallen and what he had to overcome to be who he is today. I loved this book!!
Rating:
Summary: On Faith by a Fan
Review: I LOVED this book. Although a big fan of GW, I wasn't that familiar with his background. This book doesn't just explain President Bush's philosophy on religion, this book explains the man. Now I am even a bigger fan...
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