The momentous story of how George Washington; Alexander Hamilton; and John Adams navigated the crises of the 1790s and in the process bound the states into a unified nation
#449939 in Books 2014-05-13 2014-05-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.00 x 6.50l; 1.15 #File Name: 0465029582304 pagessigned by author
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Remarkable portrait of a remarkable manBy Russell J. SandersRandall Balmer’s Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter is an examination of how evangelicals got Jimmy Carter elected President of the United States in 1976 and how those same evangelicals kept him from a second term in 1980. It is a fascinating look at political machinations done by men—supposedly—of God. The book painstakingly relates all the derring do of many famous preachers; Billy Graham among them; as they plot to dump Carter and get Ronald Reagan elected. Reagan; who claimed to be a born-again Christian; played right into their hands: they wanted a President who was an elitist; who wanted to maintain racial separation; and who professed to be against abortion. The born-again Carter was their 1976 choice simply because of his profound faith; but his personal beliefs were counter to those of the men who placed Reagan in office. Balmer tells this tale while analyzing a remarkable man. Jimmy Carter; a man of faith and principal; might have been a good President had he had more cooperation from his supporters. Yes; he made some poor choices and perhaps he was a bit naïve; but his ideals and ideas were sound. He proved that in his after-Presidential years. He has made a second career out of caring for the poor; looking out for people’s interests throughout the world; focusing on curing diseases; and brokering peace deals. And for all that; in 2002; he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a truly remarkable man who has accomplished more than any other ex-President of the United States. He is a national treasure. And Randall Balmer wants us to know that.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Excellent Book; focusing on Carter's runs for governor and presidentBy ChristFollowerAnother excellent book by Balmer that is more a focus on how he related with evangelical Christianity than a bio of Carter's life. He traces Carter's life from birth; but focuses on his run for governor and president. In Blamer's typical style; it well documented and footnoted. He also was privileged to interview the Carters at their home after listening to Jimmy teach a Sunday School lesson in Plains; GA. He emphasizes that Carter stands n a long history of progressive Christians and his actions are more in keeping with Christina values of the past than the Republican Party is. Balmer makes an excellent case for how evangelical Christians chose to turn their backs on Carter for a second term and chose the divorced Ronald Reagan instead; just as the Religious Right pivoted from preaching against divorce and other moral failures to abortion. Some material in this book is a rehash of some of his previous work.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Read this one!!By B. David LilesA wonderful; very forward work about a man of faith. In order to really get the gist of what Jimmy Carter was; this book should be read. It tells of his own shortcomings as governor; President and peace maker. The most important part was his faith that sustained him through it all; victories; defeats; and abandoning by many who had supported him before. I highly recommend this book. It should not be missed by anyone.
