Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity from Our Presidential Candidates - Hardcover

Stephen Mansfield

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0801018870 ISBN 13: 9780801018879

Publisher: Baker Books, 2016

Synopsis

For most of American history, the conventional wisdom was that religion was too private a matter to ask a political candidate about. But in a political landscape in which we will see Muslims, atheists, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christians of all stripes running for high office, we cannot afford to avoid religious questions. It's within American voters' rights to know what their candidates believe about God and religion, because those beliefs shape policy and thus action. In both small and significant ways, a candidate's religious views (or lack thereof) define political leadership. And the time for skirting the question or giving vague answers is over. In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers: what religion will mean in the 2016 presidential race; how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong; the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with both the electorate and even their own advisors; how to ask the right questions to get honest answers; what giving candidates a ""religious pass"" can cost the country; how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world; and more. Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guidebook to actively and intelligently participating in America's political system.

About this title

About the Author

Stephen Mansfield is the New York Times bestselling author of The Faith of George W. Bush, The Faith of Barack Obama, and Lincoln's Battle with God, among other works of history and biography. Founder of The Mansfield Group, a research and publishing firm, he is also an in-demand speaker and consultant. He holds a doctorate in history and literature and makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, with his wife, Beverly.

From the Back Cover

"So much of who we are is wrapped up in what we believe. That's why it blows my mind that we aren't 'allowed' to dig in and have a good discussion about our political candidates' core spiritual beliefs. InAsk the Question, my friend Stephen Mansfield has the courage to hit this issue head-on and call for a higher level of discussion around faith and politics. Every voter in the country should read this book!"--Dave Ramsey,New York Times bestselling author; nationally syndicated radio show host

"Mansfield makes a persuasive case for why it's both important and appropriate to expect candidates for president of the United States to be open and detailed about their personal religious journeys and beliefs. This is especially important in an era when religious beliefs are becoming more and more personalized and eclectic, and it's not very clear how those personal expressions of faith would impact or shape a political leader's worldview and decision-making process."--Jim Wallis,New York Times bestselling author; President of Sojourners; Editor-in-Chief ofSojourners magazine

"Stephen Mansfield's latest book takes on one of the most common points of contention in the news today: religion. He's demanding that candidates come clean on their beliefs before they get to the Oval Office. He's right, and he makes his case in a unique, fascinating manner that is rich in American history."--Brian Kilmeade, FOX News

"Mansfield's approach is neither partisan nor partial to a particular aspect of religion. This book helps us educate ourselves about how religion shapes the decision-making of our leaders. Stephen Mansfield challenges both voters and the media to ask the right questions."--Dr. Joel C. Hunter, Senior Pastor, Northland Church

"I'm a huge Stephen Mansfield fan. His latest book, Ask the Question, stresses our need to better understand what our candidates believe about religion. We need a more sophisticated level of discussion about the faith of our candidates. You need to read this book now!"--Pat Williams, Senior Vice President, Orlando Magic

From the Inside Flap

Stephen Mansfield is the New York Times bestselling author of The Faith of George W. Bush, The Faith of Barack Obama, and Lincoln's Battle with God, among other works of history and biography. Founder of The Mansfield Group, a research and publishing firm, he is also an in-demand speaker and consultant. He makes his home in Nashville, Tennessee, and Washington, DC, with his wife, Beverly.|The time for religious vagaries in politics is over.

For most of American history, the conventional wisdom has been that religion is too private a matter to ask a political candidate about. But in a political landscape in which we see Muslims, atheists, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christians of all stripes running for high office, we cannot afford to avoid religious questions. It is the right of American voters to know what their candidates believe since those beliefs shape policy and thus action.

In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers

· what religion can mean in a presidential race
· how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong
· the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with voters
· why Hillary Clinton is among the most religious politicians on the American scene today
· how to ask the right questions to get honest answers
· what giving candidates a "religious pass" can cost the country
· how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world
· and more

Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guide to understanding the importance of religion in America's political system.

Edition details

• Publisher: Baker Books
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0801018870
• ISBN 13: 9780801018879
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272