NIELSEN Comments on the book
With penetrating analyses of twenty presidents from Washington to Obama, God in the Obama Era is a “must read” for anyone interested in the American presidency, the place of religion in American history and culture, or religion in the Obama campaign and presidency. This erudite, lucid, enlightening book brilliantly illuminates the central icon of American culture, the American presidency. In the aftermath of the presidential election of 2008, in which religion played a greater role than in any election since that of 1960, we are fortunate to receive this book….This important book is rich in insight, lively in style and wide-ranging in scope.
Ron Highfield, Blanche E. Seaver Professor of Religion, Pepperdine University
Nielsen has written an unusually fine examination of the role of religion in the life and work of our Presidents. It is comprehensive, balanced and thorough…. All students of American history will especially appreciate his careful treatment of this understudied topic, since it reveals ethical issues and nuances not examined in conventional studies of American history. Students of religion will appreciate the connections between the personal piety and the social justice efforts of each president studied. I heartily recommend this book!
George M. Atkinson, Dean emeritus, Southern Methodist University, Perkins School of Theology South, Houston, Texas
Professor Nielsen brings a wealth of information and insight that comes from a lifetime of attention to his subject. This is combined with a convincing explication of the meaning of the historical materials and a pleasantly readable narrative style. The result is the filling of an interpretive gap to the benefit of both the Religious Right and the Secularist Left, and the satisfaction of those of us looking for a less ideological and thus a more profound and balanced understanding of a vitally relevant aspect of our national story.
Lynn Mitchell, Professor of Religion, University of Houston
