Compassionate conservatism is a new political force in the land, sweeping the grassroots of people of all faiths, races, and ethnicities. In its parts it offers solutions to many of our most intractable problems; in its whole it is nothing less than an innovative philosophy of government. No author is more qualified to explain its power and promise than Marvin Olasky, described by the New York Times as “the godfather of compassionate conservatism.”
Compassionate conservatism offers a new paradigm for how the government can and should intervene in the economy. It begins with a long-lost premise about human behavior: economics, by itself, is not what changes lives. Only faith, and deeply held beliefs, can do that. For decades government has focused only on material well-being, ignoring the passions and convictions that make life worth living. What is conservative about the new movement is that its leaders also know that government cannot instill these beliefs. What it can do is help them flourish. It can give aid, inspiration, and direction to America’s natural “armies of compassion” that have been a hallmark of our history since the founding.
Compassionate conservatism offers a way to transcend the root problems that currently oppress too many deserving Americans. It offers a unique vision of the triangular relationship between the state, our many churches, and our tens of thousands of charities. It is a true reinvention of welfare, a wholesale revolution in the welfare state, and a redefinition of the social safety net.
In Compassionate Conservatism, Marvin Olasky takes us on a road trip with his son, Daniel, across the country, showing exactly how the new movement is unfolding. Along the way, he offers a set of principles, and a brief tour through history to show that these are not so much radically new ideas as rediscoveries of long-lost wisdom. Read this book for a blueprint of the future of politics and welfare in America.
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“Marvin Olasky’s seminal work on the failures of Washington’s old welfare system is a shining beacon of hope to men, women, and children who want to change their lives and claim the American dream of hope, self-reliance, and independence.”
— John Ashcroft, former US Attorney General
“Once again, Marvin Olasky defines the moment.”
— Rick Santorum, former US Senator“Jeff Riggenbach’s strong, serious voice brings this work to life and presents the intent of the author well. While the book was written before the Bush presidency, these ideas are a vital part of the Bush administration.”
— AudioFile“A thoughtful, if controversial, analysis that should be considered by everyone concerned with the plight of the poor.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Marvin Olasky has long been in the forefront of new ways to help impoverished neighborhoods and individuals. His new book shines a bright light on the appropriate role of government, community, and faith, and will help all those looking for answers.”
— Stephen Goldsmith, former mayor of IndianapolisBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!
Dr. Marvin Olasky is the author of more than twenty books of history and cultural analysis. He edited World magazine from 1992 to 2021, was a correspondent with the Boston Globe, a columnist with the Austin American-Statesman, and has research affiliations with Discovery Institute and Acton Institute. He graduated from Yale University in 1971 and gained a PhD in American culture from the University of Michigan in 1976. He was a professor at the University of Texas at Austin from 1983 to 2008 and has also had appointments at Patrick Henry College, Princeton, San Diego State, and the King’s College, New York City.
Jeff Riggenbach (1947-2021) narrated numerous titles for Blackstone Audio and won an AudioFile Earphones Award. An author, contributing editor, and producer, he worked in radio in San Francisco for more than thirty years, earning a Golden Mike Award for journalistic excellence.