audiobook Saving America's Grace: Rethinking Family Values; Moral Politics; and the Culture War by Michelle Deen in History

Review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Must-Read for Progressive ThinkersBy Shira MusicantIn a well-written and compelling book; Michelle Deen clearly and persuasively lays out the task confronting progressives in this era of Bernie Sanders awakening and Donald Trump turpitude. She frames this task as a challenge to the Republican Right-wing assumption of moral superiority; an unmasking of the clever branding of the Republican Party as the bearers of “traditional family values.” In uncovering the manipulation of “traditional family values;” Deen articulates the relationship between authoritarianism; religious dogmatism; fear; oppression; and the Republican and Tea Party narrative. Ultimately she says that "[a]dherence to authoritarian morality disregards the kind of personal responsibility that is necessary for a democracy to thrive."Deen proposes a moral narrative that is grounded in the principles of compassion; tolerance; respect and responsibility; one that has; at its core; a sense of justice; empathy; and moral behavior. She develops this narrative in a far-reaching exploration that connects the dots between parenting; child development; family stability; and a sound society. She shows us the relationship between the capacity for empathy and the personal responsibility embedded in our ideal of freedom. Deen reminds us that altruism; not authoritarianism; is at the basis of a government committed to “life; liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as intentioned by the founding fathers.From emotional intelligence to moral intelligence; Deen draws on a wide range of thinkers and researchers in her exploration: from George Lakoff to Lawrence Kohlberg; from the Bible to the Declaration of Independence; from neuroscience to the Dalai Lama. We are entreated by this exploration "to pick up the ball and run with the very audacity; profundity and optimism that drove our founders."We are implored to save America’s grace. In this era of terrorism; immigration issues; policing issues; and environmental degradation; we cannot rely on a simplistic “good guys versus bad guys” mentality for our moral compass. We need the guidance of principles grounded in moral intelligence: in empathy; conscience; self-control; respect; kindness; tolerance; and fairness. I hope progressives in the Democratic Party read this book. I hope Hillary reads this book.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Absolutely worth reading even (especially) for a moderate unaffiliated voter like me!By Colleen JudgeStunned and confused after the November election; I regained sanity and hope for our politically divided nation through Michelle Deen’s intelligent discourse in Saving America’s Grace. Deen combines the dynamic compassion of a strategic family therapist with the fiery passion of a culture warrior. She explains how the Republican Party hijacked the family values platform by tapping into the American myth that the only morally healthy family is a traditionally authoritarian and patriarchal one. Anything less has been promoted as immoral; anti-family and anti-American. As a fellow therapist; Deen knows it is family functioning (flexible roles; mutual regard and empathy) regardless of structure (not necessarily traditional Mom and Pop) that defines family health. She asserts that similarly; progressive Democrats function in our society by nurturing healthy moral intelligence focused on responding to humanity without the dictates of traditional religious dogma. Deen cites some of our greatest thought leaders from Aristotle to Thomas Moore to highlight common themes in philosophy; religion and spirituality that inspire progressives in their humanistic; altruistic practices. Her call to action encourages Democrats (and perhaps unaffiliated moderates like me) to clarify their values and to maintain a moral society as she believes our founding fathers intended by connecting to each other with forgiveness; love and compassion and by raising our children with empathy; reflective awareness and soulful attunement. This book was enlightening and absolutely worth reading. I've already read it twice!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy CustomerGood book.