"A magnificent piece of work. This is one of the best evidences of scholarship, thoughtfulness, clarity and strength. It's a winner!"
The Right Reverend Bennett J. Sims,
Bishop Emeritus, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta,
Author of Servanthood: Leadership for the Third Millennium.
"You do not have to be a Republican to be a good Christian. Dr. Seger's excellent book helps make it clear that there are several strategic Biblical issues in America in 2006 that are better addressed by Democrats. In the bright light of Scripture, many of us evangelicals, committed to its authority, truly dislike the forced dilemma between being a grieving Democrat or a frustrated Republican. Perhaps, as Dr. Seger reminds us Jesus Rode a Donkey once, his commands may become more clearly seen in the choices the present donkey makes for our future. Engaging some of the divine wisdom of this book could help make that happen."
Paul de Vries, President,
New York Divinity School
"Linda Seger shows us a Christianity that overcomes divisions of liberal and conservative. But she also makes clear how liberal values are deeply rooted in the gospel message. Liberals need not think that their values are somehow less religious or Biblical than those of conservative Republicans. Seger does trenchant analyses of the conflicting values underlying conservative and liberal policy choices and asks which are closer to the values of Jesus, values rooted in love, compassion and justice. This is an important book for this time in American life."
Rosemary Radford Reuther,
Professor of Theology, Claremont Graduate University and Claremont School of Theology,
author of Sexism and God-Talk and Integrating Ecofeminism, Globalizaton and World Religions (Nature's Meaning), etc.
"Dr. Linda Seger has taken on today's "story" of controversial partisan politics, government and religion, and the sensitive issues facing contemporary Christianity. Supported with excellent research and Biblical references, Seger provides us with a unique and fascinating critique of what it means to be a devoted follower of Christianity in America from a more liberal point of view. Especially helpful is the Study Guide which truly calls on both the lay reader and the believer to take deep stock of where we all truly stand in relation to the controversial issues of our times. Bravo to you, Linda, for deepening our awareness and understanding of the complexities that challenge our hearts, souls, and minds!"
Kate McCallum,
writer, media producer, founder
"Center for Conscious Creativity"
"Beyond today's polarization, Seger has written a book of lasting scholarship. The political debate about values - and whose values - may never be the same. A reference source for truth-seekers across the political spectrum."
Hazel Henderson,
futurist, economist and author,
Building a Win-Win World, and Planetary Citizenship
"Linda Seger offers an analytical, yet compassionate and personal exposition of biblical and current religious views, which have found their way into the political debate between Republicans and Democrats. Jesus Rode a Donkey aptly demonstrates that no one secular political party has a lock on religious and Biblical authenticity and application. Those of you who are interested in this timely topic, will admire Seger's effort to bring clarity and balance to American religious and political interaction."
Dr. William Durland,
author God and Nations and Ethical Issues:
A Search for the Contemporary Conscience, etc.
"This is a work of immense depth, wisdom, and subtlety. Everyone, regardless of religious or political persuasion, will be inspired by the riches offered here. Rarely does one find a book that opens up new arenas for discourse in Biblical studies."
Jean Houston,
philosopher, social artist, teacher, author of
The Search for the Beloved and The Possible Human, etc.
"In this thoughtful book about crucial issues facing Americans today, Linda Seger calls for a new public discourse. Her perspective as a born-again Christian and a liberal Democrat challenges the right-wing stereotype that persons of deep faith are, or should be, conservative Republicans. Jesus Rode a Donkey also challenges left-wing Americans, especially liberal Christians, to affirm the vital connections between their personal faith and public policy. Doing;this most effectively, Seger cites chapter and verse in the Bible to explain her views on caring for the poor and the natural environment, deciding about abortion, protecting civil rights of homosexuals, choosing war or peace, and confronting terrorism and government lies. Anyone who wants to think about these issues from a Christian perspective will learn much from this insightful book."
Dr. Lloyd E. Ambrosius, Samuel Clark Waugh
Distinguished Professor of International Relations and
Professor of History, University of Nebraska.
"Linda Seger's book is an eloquent breath of fresh air in the political debate. Jesus Rode a Donkey is a clarion call for comity and peace-seeking dialogue. This book provides a well-marked path for those interested in removing the rancor and toxicity from our political discourse. In a rational world, every American President and Cabinet Secretary would be compelled to read it."
Robert Grant,
Corporate Movie Producer,
California Wellness Foundation and UCLA School of Medicine
"Jesus Rode a Donkey gives us an alternative to the current culture war that divides America and its faith communities. I can't think of a better Election Day gift for my Republican - and Democratic - friends."
William McKinney, President,
Pacific School of Religion
"In a time when cultural awareness has become a requirement for effective global engagement, and a critical element in efforts to combat the growing threat of terrorism, Linda Seger offers a thoughtful treatise on tolerance and understanding among diverse religious traditions. While her book focuses on
Christianity in the modern American political context, her approach is useful to anyone seeking understanding of different religions, customs, and cultural traditions. It should also be helpful to those involved in conflict resolution efforts among societies with deep cultural and religious cleavages."
Colonel Thomas Dempsey, U.S. Army (Retired),
Regional Studies Specialist with experience in
conflict resolution the Middle East and Africa
"As a Baptist preacher's kid, Christian and the only Democrat from El Paso county (Colorado Springs area -- the epicenter of Religious Right organizations), I am frequently compelled to point out the hypocrisy of Republican "value based" legislation. Linda Seger's book, Jesus Rode a Donkey, has given me reams of quotes, and have used up at least one highlighter. It has also provided a strong defense against those who have, at times, called me "devil worshiper", "sinner", "evil", and worse - a Democrat!"
Michael Merrifield, State Representative,
District 18, El Paso County,
Colorado State Legislature.
The book is dedicated to my uncle, Dr. Norman Graebner, who has taught American history and American diplomacy for over 50 years, most recently at the University of Virginia. My uncle and I have had a long-term close relationship, and he has been a model for me of scholarship, intelligence and grace all my life. Over the years, we have exchanged many letters. In a recent letter to me, these were his comments about my book which he said I could share on the website:
"I am delighted with the book. It reveals much learning, is very well cosntructed, and handles all issues with incredible deftness. I have never seen a better treatment of Just Wars. I found your chapters on "War and Peace" and "Confronting Terrorism and Fear" very useful for me in what I am now trying to do in my own writing.
I need not tell you the extent to which the situation in Iraq has disintegrated. Apparently the US has no influence left. ...everything that has gone wrong was predicted in detail, and with total accuracy, in advance. It is well to remind the administration and the nation of that. ...We see in this war that is so divisive the separation of wisdom from power. What made the Founding Fathers so great was the fact that they had both power and wisdom.
This kind of intervention ends in a seriously divided nation, with either nothing gained or in some ultimate disaster. Vietnam and Iraq are the more pointed examples of the costs of partiality coming home to roost. Now that partiality has turned almost the entire world against this country. I am dwelling on this historic critique of what the country has done, with its repeated heavy costs, and hope I can put together a useful essay which I will be presenting at the University of Virginia in late September. You can understand why I find some of your material very telling and I include these words to reveal to you how much we are on the same course in our efforts to render this country some good."
Much love, Norman
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