Since it’s election season, I’ll be spending the next few days reviewing political books that are of particular importance to upcoming contests. Keep in mind that the ratings at the bottom do not suggest that I agree with an author’s position. Rather, they speak to the rigor, depth, and level of engagement that are offered by the text.

Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction By David Kuo

In his new book, David Kuo offers a strong critique of George W. Bush’s manipulation of the faith-based community. Kuo argues that, under the guise of non-partisan good intentions, President Bush used his Faith Based initiatives strictly for political gain. Kuo also claims that Bush privately mocked and dismissed the very religious community that pushed him into office. According to Kuo, Bush regularly refers to Pat Robertson as “insane,” calls Jerry Falwell “ridiculous,” and says that James Dobson “had to be controlled.” While these claims are certainly true, they stand in sharp contrast to Bush’s public positions.

As deputy director of the White House office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Kuo’s firsthand access to the Bush Administration makes his narrative of deep deception quite believable. In addition to his credentials, Kuo writes with a level of clarity and sincerity is rare for mainstream politicians. He doesn’t have any visible ax to grind, and he frequently finds himself agreeing with many of the Bush Administration’s actions.
At times, however, his sincerity borders on naïveté, and only bolsters Republican claims that Kuo was an idealist (and outsider) who doesn’t understand the intricacies of real-world politics. Nevertheless, this book is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in the volatile mixture of religion and politics

BARBERSHOP RATING: 4.0/5.0 CLIPPERS