From the Eye of the Storm: A Pastor to the President Speaks Out

by J. Philip Wogaman

According to J. Philip Wogaman, the drama being played out in Washington represents a struggle for the nation's soul. On one side is an emphasis on repentance and forgiveness, time-honored themes of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0664221408
• ISBN13: 9780664221409
• Release Date: December 1998
• Publisher: Westminster John Knox Press
• Length: 139 Pages
• Weight: 0.56 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

The Not so Black and White Nature of Forgiveness & Religion

The author is to be commended on taking up the topic of moral judgement and its associated companion of forgiveness in our rather primitive religious society where diversity is not the foundation upon which it is built. Not a criticizm, but a recognition that at the levels of CEO, or for a President, the weight of issues that crowd the mind (as well as the heart) are not easily dissembled into the primary parts that adhere to the simplicity of typical right and wrong assessments, for the mere fact that the reponsibilities of so many depend upon a fluid, or relative nature of morality in a context few people can imagine, and fewer still can manage. The offices do not lend themselves to the easy right and wrong answers that govern most people in their deliberations where only a few concerns need be addressed. That is not to suggest that being absolved of, or restrainted by a deep, abiding sense of moral justice is not required. Indeed, it alone is the guiding star of most persons in that position. But those fundamentals are woefully inadequate to the nature of the variables due to the stature of visibility and impact that is the natural result of the job, and the status. Modeling in such cases is not so easily obtained or reduced to its lowest common denominator of elements. Far too many Presidents (and CEO's) faced with difficult choices where someone will always be harmed by either decision, must grope with the multiple levels of moral judgement as described in the 6 steps of Kohlberg in 1981 who expressed the high level analysis that accompanies, or should accompany such positions that do not lend themselves to the toggle switch of morality that most religions teach as the process of making moral decisions. Getting to yes or no is, by and large, much more difficult in such cases, and may fall upon individuals who do not have those responsibilities as well, as, for example, in parenthood, in the teaching of values and how to reconcile competing interests. At onset, the dilemma may appear to be simple, and forthright to a casual observer, but may from someone else's perspective with greater knowledge and sensitivity to broader aspects of a dilemma, require different decisions to produce a desired outcome. The simplicity of historic and even current religious guidance is to quickly assume the need for conditioned responses which may not take larger consideration into account. Hence, toleration of both expression and decisionmaking in others is highly desirable, since few of us ever know exactly the circumstances and factors involved in someone's work decisions, much less their personal decisions, and especially not when they are uniquely combined in a position like President where carrying others concerns are as important as carrying one's own. It's good to see Dr. Wogaman undertake to help answer these questions to help relieve the moral burden from each of us, reminding us that morality is essentially a subjective perspective, even within Christi

An alternative perspective on President Clinton

This book provides an intimate understanding of the president as well as a religious look at this entire episode in history. Rev. Wogamon is an intriguing and thoughtful writer. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Clearly a different perspective from most of the drivel out there (a la Andrew Morton's book, etc.).

Invaluable insights for public life and policy discussion.

J. Philip Wogaman, a noted ethicist with a speciality in public life, shares important understandings of the application of religious beliefs, particularly those drawn from Christian scriptures, to public life. While based in the current or just past presidential situation, Wogaman's discussion and explanation of the rule and role of law, the rule and role of love (broadly defined as in current Christianity) helps sort through the rhetoric in any public life/public policy discussions that engage any groups claiming religious authority for their stands but especially the great majority who are not absolutists. His discussion of the win-lose investigative mindset is especially powerful (p. 92-96; as are his earlier discussions of forgiveness and repentence and the concluding discussion of "our self-understanding as a people." In all, Wogaman, senior pastor of Foundry United methodist Church and a career-long teacher of applied ethics, had given us invaluable insights and ways to consider our own role and responsibilities as citzens of this democracy.

President's Pastor Captures Crisis

Fantastic insight on the state of the unions soul!Philip Wogaman, pastor to the President, says that the President, like all people, is a "Christian in progress". Can we expect him or anyone to be perfect? Shouldn't President Clinton be judged within the legal system based on love and mercy (as it was founded), as opposed to one based on political power, the media and sharp legal manueverings which advocate punishment, if not humiliation and/or vengeance? FROM THE EYE OF THE STORM helps sort out the Presidential crisis and lets readers (the majority of whom still think that Clinton shouldn't be removed) come to their own conclusions. A "MUST READ" for political followers and non-followers alike!