For most of American history, the conventional wisdom was that religion was too private a matter to ask a political candidate about. But in a political landscape in which we will see Muslims, atheists, Mormons, Buddhists, and Christians of all stripes running for high office, we cannot afford to avoid religious questions. It's within American voters' rights to know what their candidates believe about God and religion, because those beliefs shape policy and thus action. In both small and significant ways, a candidate's religious views (or lack thereof) define political leadership. And the time for skirting the question or giving vague answers is over. In this rousing call to action, Stephen Mansfield shows readers - what religion will mean in the 2016 presidential race - how the media, both left and right, get religion wrong - the reasons the faith of candidates such as JFK, Mitt Romney, and Barack Obama caused issues with both the electorate and even their own advisors - how to ask the right questions to get honest answers - what giving candidates a "religious pass" can cost the country - how religion in American politics impacts America's role in the world - and more Frustrated and confused voters across the country and on both sides of the aisle will find here a balanced and essential guidebook to actively and intelligently participating in America's political system.
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“Mansfield makes a persuasive case for why it’s both important and appropriate to expect candidates for president of the United States to be open and detailed about their personal religious journeys and beliefs. This is especially important in an era when religious beliefs are becoming more and more personalized and eclectic, and it’s not very clear how those personal expressions of faith would impact or shape a political leader’s worldview and decision-making process.”
— Brian Kilmeade, FOX News
“So much of who we are is wrapped up in what we believe. That’s why it blows my mind that we aren’t ‘allowed’ to dig in and have a good discussion about our political candidates’ core spiritual beliefs. In Ask the Question, my friend Stephen Mansfield has the courage to hit this issue head-on and call for a higher level of discussion around faith and politics. Every voter in the country should read this book!”
— Dave Ramsey, New York Times bestselling author“I’m a huge Stephen Mansfield fan. His latest book, Ask the Question, stresses our need to better understand what our candidates believe about religion. We need a more sophisticated level of discussion about the faith of our candidates. You need to read this book now!”
— Pat Williams, senior vice president, Orlando Magic“Mansfield’s approach is neither partisan nor partial to a particular aspect of religion. This book helps us educate ourselves about how religion shapes the decision-making of our leaders. Stephen Mansfield challenges both voters and the media to ask the right questions.”
— Dr. Joel C. Hunter, senior pastor, Northland ChurchBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Stephen Mansfield is a writer and speaker best known for his groundbreaking books on the role of religion in history, leadership, and modern culture. He first came to international attention with The Faith of George W. Bush, the New York Times bestseller that influenced Oliver Stone’s film, W. His book The Faith of Barack Obama was another international bestseller. He has written celebrated biographies of Booker T. Washington, George Whitefield, Winston Churchill, and Abraham Lincoln, among others. Stephen speaks around the world on topics of faith, leadership, and culture. He is also the founder of two firms: the Mansfield Group and Chartwell Literary Group. He lives in Nashville and in Washington, DC, with his wife, Beverly, who is an award-winning songwriter and producer.
Bob Souer is a full-time professional storyteller, voice actor, and AudioFile Earphones Award–winning narrator. He has narrated broadcast and nonbroadcast projects for corporations and ministries across North America. His voice has been heard on PBS, the History Channel, the Military Channel, and many other networks. He has also narrated radio and television programs for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, D. James Kennedy Ministries, SIM, and Compassion International.