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Real Christians vs. "Real Politic" Dec 09, 2007
Tom Lombardo enters into the debate between Rousseau and Hobbes, Niebuhr's question can a moral man be such in an immoral society, and the analytical dilemmas Kenneth Waltz raises in in Man, the State and War. Humans profess to believe in the moral life as exemplified by Jesus Christ and other spiritual leaders, but placed in tough decision-making situations we often revert to our more "brutish" sides.
Lombardo writes a "what if" novel in which President Craftsman is serving Bush's first term and is required to respond to 9/11 as a "Christian President." Can a US President turn the other cheek, capitalize upon the good will the rest of the world felt towards us after 9/11, and bring moderates in the Muslim world and across the globe together in an alliance that defeats the radical Islamists instead of responding to the attacks in kind?
Given the fact that we are increasingly bogged down in Afghanistan and unable to implement a long-term democratic solution there (that does not involve what our generals now tell us will be a 15-20 year military commitment), given a similar situation in Iraq (a country who had nothing to do, rationally, with 9/11), and given the threats now aimed at Iran--we ought to look at what Lombardo claims the "real" Jesus would have done.
While it is clear we would be hard pressed to find a real Jesus operating in the realm of international politics, and that President Craftsman's response to 9/11 is arguably as unrealistic as President Bush's--that does not mean that juxtaposing the fictional Craftsman with the real Bush (both of whom received their acting orders from God) can't help us arrive at a more reasonable solutions to international crises. Certainly Craftsman's message from God would probably have led us to a less bloody and costly future. No matter what one feels about how realistic Lombardo is in posing such a possibility, one cannot help but think we pay an incredibly high price for following the dark side of Christianity exemplified by Bush.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Spiritually Beautiful Story of America's Potential Nov 13, 2007
I wish this novel's President Craftsman had been our real leader after 9/11! The story opens the morning of the attacks, and tells what might have happened if the president had followed the teachings of Jesus exactly as He expressed them.
The story moves quickly, and along the way he shows how traditional Christian values would have led us to a much more morally upright response to the attacks. One of the main things is the teaching from the New Testament about "turning the other cheek" -- the way that is explained and handled in the story is great, because it shows how strong and sure of yourself you have to be to "turn the other cheek".
Also, a lot of Christians these days think that we are living in the End Times, as well, and this story does a great job of showing how, no matter what happens, the End Times people can go on believing that the prophecies are coming true. There's one character that goes through a whole transition about this, and I think anyone who lives around people who believe in the End Times should read it.
I recommend it to people at my church and I think it is something young people will also find really interesting.
A Note from the Author Nov 07, 2007
Thank you for your interest in my novel!
My story is exactly the post-Left Behind inspiration you've been looking for. If you're wondering how "End Times" beliefs have affected society, this book is for you. If you're trying to figure out what you want from your next president, this book will give you great insights from a spiritual Christian perspective.
A quick, entertaining read for any thoughtful citizen, the story is also perfect for Bible Study groups, Youth Ministries, and teachers who want a "compare and contrast" version of current events.
Read the first few chapters and a lot of other background information at www.thechristianpresident.com
You can also enter a drawing for a free t-shirt!
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