The Light and the Glory

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: Moved to Tears...
Review: As a local school board member, I am familiar with the difficulties of public service. I have recently been discouraged to greater and greater degrees by the compromise, the lack of conservative values, and the spend-thrift nature of public education.

I had a fellow board member tell me that America was not founded as a "Christian" nation. She challenged me to read "In Search of Christian America." So I decided I would, followed by "The Light and the Glory," which had been recommended by a friend some years ago. Each side would have a shot at my heart and mind.

....

I then read "The Light and the Glory." The difference between it and the first book mentioned was great as the difference between a musty, closed house, and a fresh sea breeze. The authors laid out the history of our early settlers and founders, relying strictly upon their own journals, writings, and letters. While I could not agree with every conclusion drawn, I found myself more inspired with each turn of the page. When I finally reached the account of Valley Forge, and the victories that followed, I knew I was reading a special accounting of history.

And when I read of General Washington's resignation of his commission, I was moved to tears in a way I rarely am.

This book renewed my faith in the wisdom and faith of our founders, inspired me to renew my own commitment to God's service, and refreshed my desire to continue my own public service.

I recommend it wholeheartedly.