Benjamin Rush

Rating:
Summary: This is not a biography
Review: After reading a number of good biographies of American founding fathers, I was really looking forward to learning more about Benjamin Rush. Though hardly known today, he was quite prominent in revolutionary times, and should be remembered if only because of his role in helping to restore the relationship between John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

Unfortunately, this book is not remotely what I was hoping for or expecting. In fact, I can't even call it a biography; it devotes only a few pages to an "overview" of the man's life. Thereafter, it turns into what I can only describe as Christian propaganda -- apparently, the author believes that Christianity should dominate every aspect of modern life, both public and private, and seeks to use the writings of Benjamin Rush to prove his position. Personally, I have a very big problem with this point of view (and I think anyone who respects religious freedom will agree), but I certainly respect the right of the author to hold and express it. I object strongly, however, to the fact that it is, in this case, disguised as what appears to be a biography; there's no way, from the description presented on Amazon.com, to tell that it's not. As a result, I feel that this book is misrepresented and that I was, in effect, deceived into buying it.

If you want a serious look at the life of Benjamin Rush, this is not the book to read.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Man's Life is Explored
Review: Benjamin Rush was a remarkable man. It is encouraging to think that this Founding Father will be studied by today's generation. The book is a bit dry, still, David Barton has done us a great service by reacquainting us with one of the outstanding figures in our Country's origin. This should be suggested or even required reading for any American History class.

Rating:
Summary: Not too good
Review: I tend to agree with the other negative review. If you're looking for a really thorough and readable biography of Rush, check out Alyn Brodsky's book.

Rating:
Summary: Strong Values Make for Secure Liberty!
Review: It's no wonder our modern education system ignores Dr. Benjamin Rush. Not only was he a highly principled man of integrity, but he was also a devote Christian who lived his life according to the dictates of scripture. In every endeavor of his life he remained strongly entrenched in his Christian values and defended the Bible as only source of true virtue for a free society.
Loyal to his beliefs he abhorred the institution of slavery and did everything within his power to have it abolished in his lifetime. Unlike many of his contemporaries who opposed the slave trade for political reasons, Rush believed that the slaves themselves deserved equal rights with rest of mankind! He proved his sincerity by using a section of his own land to erect the very first community in the American colonies for 'Free' men of color. Including building them homes and a church and supplying a black clergyman for their spiritual needs. Why isn't this taught in our public schools?
We live in a day when the foundations of our history have been twisted and distorted almost beyond recognition. The average high school student today could no more tell you why the American Revolution was fought or WHO it was fought against! As for the framers of our Constitution and Declaration of Independence, the only frame of reference our young people have is what comes out of the movie studios of Hollywood. The result is a darkened understanding of the legacy these men left behind and a 'warped' view of their outstanding accomplishments in a time when Liberty was unknown in the earth.
Men like Benjamin Rush are avoided like the pledge because they fail to meet the 'criteria' of the modern education system. Rather teach the students that our founding fathers were all bigots, slave-owners and rich white plantation holders. Condemn them all for the faults of a few. Don't focus on the accomplishments of men like Rush, Adams, Franklin and others, who dedicated their lives to struggle for human liberty. Instill into our youth the 'humanistic' spirit that destroys a respect for the dignity of mankind and discards Liberty as morally repugnant.
Those of a mind study the life of this man and see for yourself the heights from which we have fallen. If you have children trapped in our deteriorating public school system, consider the difference godly values would make in their continuing education. May this book then serve as a framework to rebuild the family unit and motivate our young parents to 'train up a child in the way he should go, so when he is old he won't depart from God!'