Spanning some twenty-five years of research and writing; the essays in this volume fall into two categories: historiography and Indo-Islamic civilization. The former deals with how historians structure and answer the questions they choose to ask of the past; the latter covers case studies of particular historical communities in India.
#72530 in Books Smith Gary Scott 2009-07-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 5.70 x 1.80 x 8.90l; 2.06 #File Name: 0195395964680 pagesFaith and the Presidency From George Washington to George W Bush
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Thorough treatment of 11 Presidents' religious viewsBy HHFrom the subtitle of this book; one might judge that this large book is a sweep of all the U.S. presidents from George Washington to George W. Bush. But that would be a mistake. Gary Scott Smith focuses on only eleven presidents; just three of whom governed before the 20th century. Washington; Jefferson; and Lincoln are certainly to be expected in any treatment of American politics and religion. And the same is true of most of the remaining eight. But if the choices are predictable; Smith's treatment is not. "Thorough" is the word that first comes to mind; as Smith provides over 200 pages of detailed notes that constitute a kind of running bibliography for the subject at hand. In addition to being bibliographic; the notes are also often explanatory; at whatever length the author deems appropriate. It would be difficult to imagine greater help being given to the reader than these extensive notes regularly provide.On the other hand; Smith is so careful to present all the major viewpoints (with ample quotations) concerning his eleven subjects that he scarcely leaves time for his own analysis. The reader; moreover; may feel that he is being offered a sumptuous buffet; but that ultimately the choice of which food to accept and which to reject is up to him. On G.W.; for example; Smith writes: "Washington's religious views were shaped by parents; his half-brother Lawrence; the teachings and practices of the Episcopal Church; the ideas of the Enlightenment; the tenets of Freemasonry; his wife; Martha; and his military and political experiences" (p. 26). This explains everything and nothing. The author needs to guide; not merely report.Similarly; with respect to Jefferson; Smith recreates the third president's social and intellectual milieu; but leaves many choices for the reader. "Examining Jefferson's religious socialization;" Smith writes; "pattern of church attendance; approach toward worship and prayer; the thinkers who shaped his worldview; and his views of God; Jesus; human nature; morality; education; life after death; and the Bible provides insight into his life and his presidency" (p. 55). Now; admittedly; these all-inclusive generalities are followed by much more specific data -- in Jefferson's case; e.g.; by a reference to the "metaphysical insanities" of Athanasius (p. 59) or to the "unlettered and ignorant men" who had turned the simple teachings of Jesus into unintelligible mishmash (p. 65). In these and other instances; however; concerning Smith's exposition; less would have been more.In the 20th century; Smith elaborates the religious views of Theodore Roosevelt; Woodrow Wilson; FDR; Dwight D. Eisenhower; JFK; Jimmy Carter; and Ronald Reagan. At this point; George W. Bush has the the 21st century all to himself. Many gems are offered along the way: for example; Eisenhower's first name owes something to the popularity when he was born of the revivalist Dwight L. Moody. Kennedy; having fought off Protestant attacks and slanders; only to be put through the wringer by fellow Catholics; observed that he now understood why Henry VIII decided to create his own church. (Incidentally; Kennedy appears to have been motivated less by a personal faith than the others; but as the first Catholic president of a heretofore "Protestant nation;" he could hardly be left out.) Carter's piety was rejected because it called for "sacrifice and self-denial"; Reagan's piety; on the other hand; was embraced because of its sunny optimism -- Reagan (in Garry Wills's words) offering a"more marketable God" (p. 361).Smith has given us much to ponder and much to be grateful for. In the future; historians of America will not be able to tackle the subject of "faith and the presidency" without first tackling this imposing and informative volume.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent research and full of facts and interesting material on ...By ShellyThis book written by a college professor from Grove City College. Excellent research and full of facts and interesting material on the presidents covered. This is part of a series on presidents in the White House. If you like history you will enjoy this series as they come out.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy William C. RussellGreat book--great job of writing-good service.
