Under God

by Michael Tait

Book Overview

From the authors of million-seller Jesus Freaks comes an unflinching look at America's triumphs and tragedies living Under God.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764200089
• ISBN13: 9780764200083
• Release Date: October 2004
• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Under God

This is a great book. We purchased extra copies to give as gifts and were very pleased at the condition of the books and the speed in which they arrived. Thank you.

Untold history that needs to be read.

This is a most enlightening book. It is a series of 60 short readings which will both break your heart and lift your soul. In today's world, the Christian base of America's history has been methodically played down in the desire that the USA not be called "a Christian country". Our roots have been squashed so thoroughly until few citizens even realize the basis upon which this country was actually founded. There is so much untold history here...for instance, I never knew how George Washington was Divinely protected in order for this country to come about. There is a lot about slavery in the book, which, sadly, I admit I knew little about. America is a most wonderful land, even with all its warts and blemishes, and to read its untold history was indeed revealing and heart-warming. To think that two young Christian rock stars wrote it makes it even better! Thanks, Toby and Michael; job well done.

A great book

Toby Mac and Michael Tait of the famed Christian rock band dcTalk tell it like it is when it comes to the story of American history. Whether the radical left likes it or not, this great country was founded by men (and women) who were predominantly Christians, not "enlightenment humanists," or the like. It is this book's mission to show that. Is it somewhat one-sided in its approach? Perhaps, but then again so are 99.9% of books that attempt to show that the Founders were not religious. Yet said books hardly, if ever receive any criticism. I wonder what the reason for that dichotomy is *shrug* Anyway, everyone owes it to themselves to check this book out. Whether you're a Christian or not, it doesn't matter...this is some fine reading. And if you're not a history buff (which I am not, by any means), perhaps this book will make you more favorable towards the field. For those who say that this book is full of "factual inaccuracies" or what have you, feel free to point some of them out to me if you don't mind. Sure, some of the problems in American history are given less attention than others, but that doesn't make their accounts any less accurate. No book can cover every little detail about a single event or time period. You weren't alive then and neither was I; therefore all we can do is go with the sources we have and draw our own conclusions. Further, the authors have in no way suggested that the history of this nation has always been pleasant, as some have tried to point out in these reviews. In fact, if you've read the introduction (pp. 7-9), you will read the words "Ours is a heritage of light and ours is a heritage of darkness." In other words, for all the wonderful times this country has endured, there have been just as many not-so-wonderful times...take slavery for example, which the authors clearly refer to as "the great scourge of our national history" on p. 7. Therefore, these claims that other reviewers have made about the authors excusing specific vile deeds on the basis that those individuals behind them claimed to be Christians is unsubstantiated. Lastly, for those who are clamoring to know the sources from where the authors got the information, I kindly suggest you check out the bibliography on pp. 376-378, as well as the "For More Information" spotlight on p. 384. Perhaps not all of the sources listed are academic journals and the like, but they demonstrate that Mac and Tait are not simply pulling this material out of their behinds.

Triumph and Tragedy: America's Spiritual History

This is a very interesting book to read, as it is really a collection of short stories, historical events, quotes and documents that show America's Spiritual roots. This book is not a feel good effort, but rather shows America in the courage of Black efforts for freedom, the tragedy of the racism legacy, the wisdom of our founding fathers, and countless stories in between. That America is founded on the principles of the Christian faith is of course historical fact. The top of the Washington monument states in Latin: "Luas Deo", which means "Praise be to God" (Page 154). This and countless other examples of our spiritual roots are found throughout the book. This makes the stories of racial strife even more difficult to read, as we have so many examples of how far we have strayed from our roots. Of the most powerful depictions are those during the civil rights movement. The book contains dozens of stories, including some detailed depictions of the Birmingham Church bombing and the de-segregation battles fought in Alabama. The story of the courageous Ruby Bridges who attended first grade classes alone and was subjected to countless verbal assaults to do so, is inspiring. Here this brave little girl prayed for those who insulted her as she walked to school surrounded by Federal Marshals. One cannot read this story, without being moved at her courage and faith. (Page 71). Abraham Lincoln spoke these words many years ago, which ring as true today: "My great concern is not whether God is on our side. My great concern is to be on God's side." (Page 169). Overall, this is a very good book. The depictions and stories leave no doubt to our roots, our past triumphs and tragedies. Easy to read in short bursts or in one sitting, it is well documented with pages of sources in the bibliography. Highly recommended for all who are proud of our nation, and desire to learn from our past mistakes, and ensure that we live up to our spiritual heritage as a people and as a nation.

Very Powerful Book

This book is a set of short one to three page factual stories of historical events and people. Each one focuses on the positive and on God's place in these events. For example, one short story was about Daniel Webster and the talk he gave on Plymouth Rock. However, it emphasizes Daniel Webster's belief in God and the role God played in his life. The book brought home to me the high price that many people have paid for our freedoms. It also brought home to me again, the large part that God played in this Country from the beginning to now. These are short stories that do not focus on every aspect of each life or event they chose to include in this book. There are books that have been written about each person and each event that goes into greater detail. I will agree the authors overlooked some of the negative aspects of our history. The previous reviewer is correct. However, I do not think that is the point of this book. This book is a celebration of God and the role he has played in this country. I found this book to be very powerful. It was a strong reminder to me that I have much to be thankful for and much to appreciate in this country. This country has much that is worth protecting. It was a strong reminder to me that God is ever present in our lives and that He has a greater purpose in mind. Having said that, I did not find that this was an "God-- In your Face" type of book. Rather, through quotes from these historical people and events in history a great story is retold. Well worth every penny. Enjoy.