Blinded by Might

Rating:
Summary: A true reflection of the sate of political nature!
Review: Blinded By Might gives a poignant insight into the world of Church/State politics and what is presented is not the most uplifting view. Quite unintentionally, the authors provide a Nietzschean framework in which (every) man's desire for power (i.e., the will to power) is all-consuming and forces political actors to behave in ways that can only be viewed as self-serving.

During the 1960's and 1970's `fundamentalist' Christians were feeling continually disenfranchised as our country continued its downward spiral. This malaise was evidenced by waved after wave of Supreme Court rulings that legalized abortion, removed prayer from schools, and began to remove all-things-religious from civic life-the Supreme Court and the federal bureaucracy was becoming the de jure enforcement arm for the concept of the separation of Church and State. Into this moral breech several people began to tread, including Cal Thomas, Jerry Falwell, James Kennedy, etc. In 1980 the Moral Majority began to assert its political authority, helping to usher in the Reagan presidency through its successful grassroots motivation. What Thomas and Dobson seek to portray is an inside glimpse into the political as well as ideological shortcomings inherent in the involvement of Christians in the political realm. Trouble did not arise, when the religious right began to wane in political power...it is when the Moral Majority was at the height of its power that problems become obvious; the primary problem being a lack of results in policy formation.

How did this problem occur? The Moral Majority and Christians became married to the Republican Party. Marriage forces people to overlook flaws in their partner and Jerry Falwell and his group did just that. A major problem for Christians is the false assertion that politics is all about ideals. Unfortunately, once you are thrown into the lion's den, often you are forced to behave pragmatically in order to survive. "The subordination of conviction to the pragmatic was also evident in politics-which is one of the dangers of too close an association by the church in affairs of state." All-too-often the leaders of the religious right end up "casting their pearls before swine." The religious right movement thought it could change hearts and morality from a top down approach, when in fact it is only at the one-to-one level that people change.

As it relates to previous works, Blinded By Might is not theoretically far removed from the Wallis or Colson pieces. Ideologically all three books vary greatly in their approaches and prescriptions, but all seek to analyze the nature of Christians in the political realm. Faith Works, admonishes Christians for not doing enough, and Kingdoms In Conflict shows the power of Christians operating within and outside of the political sphere, whereas Blinded By Might serves as a warning about the perils of blurring the church/state line. Furthermore, anyone who desires to serve in positions of church leadership should be especially reticent to enter politics because the joys are fleeting and the will-to- power is intense.

Rating:
Summary: A true reflection of the sate of political nature!
Review: Blinded By Might gives a poignant insight into the world of Church/State politics and what is presented is not the most uplifting view. Quite unintentionally, the authors provide a Nietzschean framework in which (every) man's desire for power (i.e., the will to power) is all-consuming and forces political actors to behave in ways that can only be viewed as self-serving.

During the 1960's and 1970's 'fundamentalist' Christians were feeling continually disenfranchised as our country continued its downward spiral. This malaise was evidenced by waved after wave of Supreme Court rulings that legalized abortion, removed prayer from schools, and began to remove all-things-religious from civic life-the Supreme Court and the federal bureaucracy was becoming the de jure enforcement arm for the concept of the separation of Church and State. Into this moral breech several people began to tread, including Cal Thomas, Jerry Falwell, James Kennedy, etc. In 1980 the Moral Majority began to assert its political authority, helping to usher in the Reagan presidency through its successful grassroots motivation. What Thomas and Dobson seek to portray is an inside glimpse into the political as well as ideological shortcomings inherent in the involvement of Christians in the political realm. Trouble did not arise, when the religious right began to wane in political power...it is when the Moral Majority was at the height of its power that problems become obvious; the primary problem being a lack of results in policy formation.

How did this problem occur? The Moral Majority and Christians became married to the Republican Party. Marriage forces people to overlook flaws in their partner and Jerry Falwell and his group did just that. A major problem for Christians is the false assertion that politics is all about ideals. Unfortunately, once you are thrown into the lion's den, often you are forced to behave pragmatically in order to survive. "The subordination of conviction to the pragmatic was also evident in politics-which is one of the dangers of too close an association by the church in affairs of state." All-too-often the leaders of the religious right end up "casting their pearls before swine." The religious right movement thought it could change hearts and morality from a top down approach, when in fact it is only at the one-to-one level that people change.

As it relates to previous works, Blinded By Might is not theoretically far removed from the Wallis or Colson pieces. Ideologically all three books vary greatly in their approaches and prescriptions, but all seek to analyze the nature of Christians in the political realm. Faith Works, admonishes Christians for not doing enough, and Kingdoms In Conflict shows the power of Christians operating within and outside of the political sphere, whereas Blinded By Might serves as a warning about the perils of blurring the church/state line. Furthermore, anyone who desires to serve in positions of church leadership should be especially reticent to enter politics because the joys are fleeting and the will-to- power is intense.

Rating:
Summary: No balance before, and none now.
Review: Blinded by Might is a critique of the Religious Right by two, very-much, insiders. They successfully show that, for all of its seeming power, the Religious Right has not succeeded in even one of its agendas.

Many believers are aware of their dual-citizenship, being both citizens of a multicultural democracy and citizens of a heavenly kingdom. Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson believe that conservative Christians concentrated too heavily on the earthly kingdom in the '80s, and now they wish them to do a 180-degree turn.

Stating that, "politics is necessary-but it is also evil." The authors believe that Christians should withdraw from the political arena, not run for office, and restrain themselves to voting alone. They go further, "We have tried to build a strong case for the church to lay down its impotent weapons of political activism..." The authors declare that Christians never have a right to break any law while protesting, and should refrain from discussing any political subject within the confines of church.

Unfortunately, the authors do not mention the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King's historic foray into the cultural/political arena. On the face of it, Messrs. Thomas and Dobson would seem to reject Dr. King's activism, and decry his law breaking. Sadly, the authors avoid making any statement on this subject.

Therefore, let me suggest that while the authors are correct, the Religious Right made a mistake in throwing themselves too forcefully into the earthly kingdom, the authors now make the mistake of advocating a policy just as flawed, but in the opposite direction. If you want a book that seeks to find a balanced course for citizens of two worlds, you won't find it here.

Rating:
Summary: Among the Most Thoughtful and Profound Books
Review: Cal Thomas and Dr. Ed Dobson demonstrate genuine courage to write in Blinded by Might the truth that can be difficult to face as those within the fellowship of faith see our own reflection in its mirror.

In the midst of a campaign for public office in the late 1980s, God welcomed me, sinful and undeserving, to be forever His own adopted son as I came to trust His promise of redemption based on what Christ has done for us and not what I could do for Him. While desiring to make a difference for God and for society, a significant error was focusing on the symptoms of the underlying problem - really, not knowing God at all.

It's worth mentioning, too, Dr. Ed Dobson taught a New Testament Survey course taken as part of my continuing studies with Liberty University a short time later. Reflecting on the past decade, in many respects, it seems some of us have walked this path together and arrived at the same conclusions.

The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, tells us of a promised Messiah and God's plan of redemption. While it has application for this life, ultimately this shows us His designs, which extend infinitely beyond our temporal existence.

Our family remains responsible and involved in matters of government - and with an understanding that there necessarily is a distinction in what we treat as ministry. I can say also that every page in Blinded by Might honors God and has been found respectful to men.

Part of our legacy should be to spare people we love some confusion and help the next generation see to not repeat some of our errors. Blinded by Might will be one of a handful of select books to ensure is read by each of my children as they grow into the role of responsible adults. Our objective is to equip them to walk through life understanding clearly their relationship with God, its priority, and all its implications.

To Cal Thomas and Dr. Ed Dobson - thank you!

Rating:
Summary: A perfect antidote to overheated political rhetoric.
Review: Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson have given the church in America a wake up call with this book. They remind us that political victories are nothing if they keep people from knowing Jesus. Too often, religious political organizations have done just that. It is hoped that they will follow the brave lead of Mr. Thomas and Mr. Dobson and let the church be the church. I would recommend this book to anyone who has questions about the role of Christians in American politics.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book on the failure of the religious right
Review: Dobson and Thomas do an excellent job of detailing the successes and failures of the religious right. They rightly commend the religious right for their involvment in the political process.Dobson and Thomas also rightly expose the fallacy of attempting true spirtual and moral change through political means. They remind us that it is the gospel, and the gospel alone that brings spiritual and moral change.

Rating:
Summary: Blinded by Rhetoric
Review: I live in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where the religious right hands out voter's guides and blacklists people depending on the support of their issues or not. Those of us who see Christianity as living an example rather than shouting simple slogans, applaud this book, particularly from Cal Thomas, who I have deep respect for as a thoughtful Christian.

Rating:
Summary: Poignant, Profound, Spiritual, & Riveting!
Review: Like the disciples of old, the former members (Cal Thomas and Ed Dobson) of the Moral Majority for a long while were not only "blinded by might," but were also blind to the deep spiritual import of Christ's message and mission- that His kingdom is NOT of this world. The authors have now applied spiritual eyesalve-- for spiritual things are spirtually discerned. They have revealed the not-so-honest ploys of the Moral Majority (MM) and Christian Coalition (CC). They have shown clearly and upon bliblical principles that spiritual methods are simply incompatible with much of the political process. No matter how right religious organizations may be, you don't force feed the message or the conduct. No matter how lofty or ideal the goal, the end does not always justify the means. Moreover, while displaying a form of godliness, we deny God's power in our lives when we use the methodology of politics and seek the hand of government. Christ said clearly, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men unto me." Obviously, Christians have not lifted up Christ in their personal lives to the point where they would lack the urge to seek political laws, mandates or amendments to "win" over others- to have others do good. Good religion is not politicking or lawmaking. Good religion is feeding the hungry, giving to the poor, and taking care of the orphans and widows. As taken from scripture and quoted by Cal Thomas in the book, "Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit says the Lord of hosts."

Rating:
Summary: I may not agree, but I will listen
Review: The authors give a very fiery testament to the failure of the Religious Right during the CLinton years. While I may not agree with them on the issues (I'm a quiet liberal), I do think the topics covered need to be discussed. Whether the new administration will harken to these values will remain to be seen. Keep the dialogue going.

Rating:
Summary: Yes!
Review: The issue of Christians in politics is one I've been thinking about off and on for a few years. I had decided that Christians didn't belong in politics, because it is so closely tied to deceit. The people who win elections are those who know best what the people want to hear, and are the best at convincing them that they want the same things.

Thomas and Dobson say it better than I've ever been able to. I admit that I haven't finished the book yet, but so far it is right on in its assessment of what happens when Christians are seduced by power. All one needs to do is look in a History book to see what happens when church and state share total authority... remember the Crusades? The Inquisition?

In any case, their main point is right on target... that if Christians want to change society, they need to start by living the Gospel and caring for those in their immediate surroundings, not by simply voting for someone who is supposed to do it all for them.