Rating: 
Summary: Parents, look before you leap. . .
Review: "The Light and the Glory" is a beautifully written, well-researched book -- which I cannot recommend, especially as a primary homeschooling text, without serious caveats.The positives: The authors, Peter Marshall and David Manuel have done enormous research. They have demonstrated that what is taught in the typical history book doesn't necessarily tell the entire story (witness the section on Anne Hutchinson). They have acknowledged the role of faith, and religion have played in our nation's early history. They have the gift of making characters "come alive" in a way that would interest a student -- even one who didn't care much for history. HOWEVER: The authors have a fixed thesis firmly in mind and head toward that thesis without swerving -- and that thesis is one with which even most persons of faith would struggle. The thesis? A staunch Calvinist view of the role of America in the mind of God. As a believer -- who is adamantly NOT a Calvinist -- I cannot accept the particular (and peculiar) methods of exegesis which somehow create America as the new "Promised Land". Neither can most other Christians. I fear that in their struggle to demonstrate their thesis, certain elements are glossed over; certain facts are whitewashed, etc. While it could certainly be argued that Calvinism played a major role in the establishment of the Colonies and in early America, it can also be argued that such did not have the salutory benefits which the authors suggest are there. My advice to homeschooling parents, especially those who are not Calvinists, is to use this book with care, as a secondary source -- or not at all. The presentation given is far too biased to be reliable. A very cautious three stars.
Rating: 
Summary: "The Light & the Glory" as touching upon American Indians
Review: (I'm an American Indian descendand as well as a Christian). I for the most part agree with
Reviewer: Gospeland from Carbondale IL. Let's see, I haven't read this book from 'cover to cover' as yet ... But what I have read of it ... it seems like a good read!! True there is a difference between religon and Christianity which many reviews seem to notice in reviewing this book, but as yet to come up with what is that difference... many seem to have divided ideals in differences not spelt out ... and who can always rightly say whether another was a Christian or not? Particularly, with the case of Christopher Columbus ... was it merely, he and/or his men that went amuck from having a Christian agenda to begin with? The book certainly has it's perspectives ... that's what books do ... they reflect the authors views in the crucible of what history sometimes unfortunately has turned out to be in many respects! As, to how many American Indians (indigenous peoples) were killed in the genocide ... I have heard other figures differ from what Marshall & Manuel's book, "The Light and the Glory" quote (their figures on the low side)?
Also, the long held historic idea about American Indians giving Europeans a -deadly- form of syphilis (as also noted in this book pg. 58) has in recent research been proven to be just the opposite as revealed in the TV documentary sersis "Secrets of the Dead," as well as in other resources now. (This documentary had a problem however ... they didn't appear to be showing American Indian people in their TV drama). Not altogether -touched upon- in detail in this book... that I can not find specifically referenced, is the Isaiah 40:2-22 verses that says that the earth is round (i.e. a circle) along with other similar verses found in that book which Columbus wrote (as referenced) on page 17, (possibly else where?). What is however quoted there from his book ... shows that Columbus believed the earth was round based on Isaiah passages and wanted to share the gospel ... and headed off to get to India (with this at least one of his purposes).
He however didn't find India this we know! And, yet returned twice more there. He as such, certainly came to know this wasn't India as this book & history shows! So, then for us to believe he was calling them "Indois" (Indians) seems far fetched (why continue to call someone/people something you know they are not)? As he had not reached India (Chiambra) pg 62 as he had first thought! A theory -not mentioned- in Marshall and Manuel's book is that the name of American "Indians" rather came from two Spanish words En Dios, "in with God," as found in Columbus writing, "gente que vive en dios" meaning (people who live with God). This theory seems to merit some creditbity considering the above as I have related. Remember there is nothing perfect in life, maybe that is why so many reviewers seem to give all the books they review bad reviews? If for no other reason, I believe you should consider this book "THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY" it is well written, captivating, and is a 'Good Reference Source' as well I found it stimulating and 'FOOD FOR THOUGHT'!!!! If you LIKE HISTORY, I think you will LIKE THIS BOOK TOO!!
Everyone has different views when it comes to Religion & Faith so that might be a deciding decision for some? (Note: If you know you are oppose to religion or 'faith' in general - then you probably will not want to add this book to your library collection. Okay).
Rating: 
Summary: The Grand Delusion
Review: A true example of misapplied scholarship: granted, the authors have done tremendous research and gone great lengths to make their work interesting and relevant.
But their writing betrays an incredible bias, not only religious but cultural. They fall into the same trap that has ensnared so much of modern, evangelical "Academia": in promulgating their agenda they present information from only one viewpoint. In doing this they overlook many practical explanations for things. For example, the European genocide of the indigenous peoples was accomplished by the proximate factors of superior weaponry, horses, and disease. Other factors like writing and ocean-going ships and draft-based agriculture also played a role. Yet the authors have the audacity to credit the settlement by the "Pilgrims" to the providence of God, an unverifiable opinion about a well-documented chapter of history. This is but one of many unprecedented conclusions that departs from the realm of fact to fancy; indeed, many of their hypotheses are presented from the perspective of God. To claim to know the mind of God is (from the perspective of conservative, evangelical Christians, anyway), a presupposition of arrogance.
The Light and the Glory claims to illustrate a more enlightened perspective than "revisionist" history books, but its biased approach condemns it as emotionalist hype. A soundly-deserved one star.
Rating: 
Summary: A Synopsis after reading some reviews
Review: After reading some of the reviews for this book I am wondering if the reviewers have thought through what they are saying. Every author is biased. Every author has a perspective. To say this book is a poor treatment of history because the authors start with a premise and sustain it throughout the book is ridiculous. Every author who has ever written a book does the same thing. You may disagree with Manuel and Marshall's opinions and give the book a poor rating, but do not ostracize for having a perspective and admitting it from the start. When you do this you not only betray your own bias, but you also do discredit to the Amazon.com reader looking for advice on buying the book. Having read this book, I give much credit to the authors for their extensive use of quotations. Many historians edit out "religious" themes attempting to show historical characters as the modern reader would want to see them. But the true student of history does not mind reading about the religious influences of the founding fathers. They understand that, even if they disagree with a historical figure's theology or belief system, these people did believe these things and they lived their lives based on those beliefs. One example of this from the book is the character of Christopher Columbus. The book quotes Columbus's journal where he states that God put it in his mind that he could sail to the West Indies. A modern historian may choose to leave this quote out of their history book because they don't believe that God put the idea in his mind, or they don't think their reader cares. But in both cases they have secularized historical facts. By showing us the religious slant in Columbus's thinking, Manuel and Marshall have broadened our understanding of Columbus, and shown themselves to be less biased than most modern historians. Accusations of whitewashing history are quickly erased in Columbus's case when the authors present the depressing facts of how the pursuit of gold in the new world became a greater influence on Columbus than did his original idea of God's calling him to discover America. This pursuit leads to the genocide of what is now Latin America in the 16th Century. So, read this book for what it is. The sub-title on the front cover gives the authors' hypothetical question: Did God have a plan for America? If you view the book from the perspective of Manuel and Marshall attempting to answer this question; you will have read the book form its intended viewpoint. And you will not be disappointed
Rating:
Summary: Part Sermon, Part History
Review: Authors Peter Marshall and David Manuel admit from the beginning that they are not really writing a history book exactly. They are giving what they perceive as historical examples of America being a Christian Nation guided by God to fulfill its destiny in God's plan as a Puritan City on A Hill or a New Israel. Millions of Americans both past and present have believed in such a destiny and these authors present this view well. Are they biased? Yes. But not anymore than Marxist, revisionist, feminist, or multi-cultural historians. My advice is read history from several viewpoints as you search for the truth. Try to avoid that inevitable destination to which we all finally find rest, comfort, and joy--self-righteous smugness and arrogant certainty. I think their book is targeted for a mostly teenage audience to impress impressionable minds, but adults can read it and not insulted intellectually. It just seems a bit simplistic at times when compared to other histories I've read. The authors begin with Christopher Columbus's voyage to America. They mention Columbus's belief that he was destined to find a land in which he would bring the light of Christianity to the heathen. (A more cynical interpretation would be that Columbus was merely a conquerer imposing his religious beliefs on the native subjects, but the authors are not taking that route.) Strange incidences are mentioned in which Columbus chose the lot among about 30 men to go on a pilgramage more than once during storms which threaten to sink the ship. This lot-choosing for taking a pilgramage to a shrine was seen as a way of appeasing the Lord. In fact, the authors use incidences in history as examples of God's providence or testing, or the devil's meddling or tempting the people of God to choose right or wrong. Storms such as natural events often don't happen by mere chance according to the authors, especially during some important historical event that is affected by that natural event. I thought the authors covered the Puritan leaders really well. John Winthop was a particularly important figure in American history because he was largely responsible for successfully starting and leading the Puritan colony and making it a success. He made everyone, gentlemen or not, roll up their sleeves and get to work on building the colony. This colony is contrasted with the struggling colony in Virginia which was harmed by bad leadership. Kudos to God and blame to sinners is given along the way. I got the impression that the Puritan Roger Williams was a character. He wanted to be really, really, really pure in eyes of God. So much so that he even became an annoyance even to the Puritans. When they tried to correct the error of his fanatical ways, he would always resort to the argument that they were violating his freedom of conscience. He could always brilliantly reason his way out of being reproved. Finally, he went off to Rhode Island to a colony of people who were dissidents bordering on crankdom like himself and they were a terrible annoyance to him--I found it an amusing account of folly of fanaticism. Anne Hutchison, was another Puritan character who became a heretic. She believed that whatever on her mind was the voice of God talking to her. She began preaching unbiblical ideas which got her banished from the colony. The authors take pains to present the Puritans as NOT the tired, old killjoys that some people, probably pleasure addicts, libertines and hedonists, have described them as. They give examples of Puritans partying and telling jokes, all within the limits of righteousness, of course. The authors give them a break from the relentless criticism--I think the Puritans deserve one. Religious leaders and great preachers are covered in the book. The evangelist George Whitefield during the Great Awakening was the era's greatest soul-winner. Sometimes he would have crowds up to 30,000 listening to him in nearly complete silence. It's remarkable to think about in era before microphones. His preaching helped God save the souls of whole towns on occassion. He would preach as many as four sermons a day and worked everyday. Though he kept an exhausting schedule on his tour of various towns, he never quit until he dropped dead. Some of the natural events do seem to more than just coincidences. The famous fog that gave cover to George Washington and his cornered troops during the Revolutinary War is one example. Although it had been clear and not rainy previously, a fog appeared in the early morning hours to help the American troops to escape from the British who had them right where they wanted them. The authors cover the beginnings of a culture war between secular rationalists such as Thomas Jefferson and fervent fundamentalist believers such as George Washington. Jefferson was a deist and a Unitarian that didn't believe in miracles or the divinity of Christ. He thought that Jesus was merely a great moral teacher. The authors cover the period from Columbus's arrival to America to the beginnings of the Constitutional Republic. I've just picked a few events and people of interest to me. This is a good book for anyone wanting to study the Christian roots of the United States.
Rating:
Summary: The Lord has revealed the truth for such a time as this
Review: Finally I see the real history of what happened to and with my country. My school gave biased one sided information with no God no bible at all and focused on surfacey facts not to go in depth at all at Christian influence as the bedstone for this country. I so glad to my King and Savior for burning His heart in mine for this country again to be one nation UNDER (not above) God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. To Jesus be praised now and forever in this place. Hail KING JESUS!
Rating:
Summary: You Will Re-Read This Several Times
Review: Marshall and Manuel have assembled a significant anount of material that has been written out of today's politically correct history. Starting with Columbus and working through to the Constitutional Convention of 1787, the authors take details from newspapers, books, diaries and other materials of the times and weave a story of Christianity and the founding of the United States. They show that the two were intertwined and not meant to be separated. A drawback to this kind of writing is that it can not be taken as a serious history text, but rather as a historical overview or treatise. In other words, there is a significant amount of personal comment from the authors. I found quite a few places where the authors imagined comments or scenes about people; what they thought or did. This is unfortunate and caused me to downgrade the book slightly. However, these parts are well written (as is the whole book) and do not detract. Well worth the purchase price.
Rating:
Summary: New Look at the Facts
Review: The writers do an admirable job of going back to original source documents and giving them an objective interpretation. The original text allows the reader to validate Marshall & Manuel's thesis. I was amazed at the clarity of the original documents. From these documents you'll be certain that America was founded by Christians, using a Christ-like pattern for society. The fictional scenes and dialogue make it a lively read ... and far more faithful to the facts than some of the made-for-TV history that's been produced. This is an enjoyable and informative read. Every Christian and every American will benefit from this book. The only faith requirement to reading (and enjoying) this book is to believe that "God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes." (Dan 5:21)
Thank you, Mr. Marshall and Manuel! I've benefited spiritually and intellectually by this book.
Rating:
Summary: A Christian History?
Review: There are many problems with this book, but the greatest one may be that Manuel and Marshall set out to find a "Christian" history of America. The problem with this is that when ideology comes first, facts must be shoehorned to fit a predetermined interpretation. This cannot but lead to intellectual dishonesty. Whether that ideology is religious (in any form) or secular, scholarship withers when it is asked to be put to the service of a greater good.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing Hubris
Review: This is the book, more than any other, that turned me from fundamentalism to a more loving form of Christianity. The thesis of the book, that God ordained the United States as special as Israel is special to Him, is abhorrent, and unbiblical. The United States is not mentioned in the Bible, and the actions of the United States are seeped in sin, not holiness. We committed genocide against the indigenous population.
We enslaved Africans for our agricultural labor.
We crushed the working class industrializing.
We are the only nation to explode an atom bomb on a civilian population.
We take food from the hungry every day by our selfish, domineering economic control through the World Bank, IMF, and the multinational corporations we've spawned.
We imprison more of our population than any society in history, outside those who imprison for political beliefs.
Our mass entertainment is sopping in immorality and violence. The blind absurdity of calling such a nation Christ-like! If you had the eyes of God looking at the United States, and the compassion of Christ looking at our conduct, your weeping would never cease and you would never get off your knees. But no, Marshall and Manuel say we are special in God's eyes. Yes we are, but not in a good way. Of course there are good people and wonderful acts of charity and grace going on all the time here. But our national character is more like latter-day Rome than the New Jerusalem. A dangerously deluded book.
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