In Our Endangered Values, Jimmy Carter offers a personal consideration of "moral values" as they relate to the important issues of the day. He puts forward a passionate defense of separation of church and state, and a strong warning about where the country is heading as the lines between politics and rigid religious fundamentalism are blurred.
Carter describes his reactions to recent disturbing societal trends that involve both religious and political worlds as they increasingly intertwine and include some of the most crucial and controversial issues of the day.
Many of these matters are under fierce debate. They include preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, abortion, the death penalty, science and religion, environmental degradation, nuclear arsenals, America's global image, fundamentalism, and the melding of religion and politics.
Sustained by his lifelong faith, Jimmy Carter assesses these issues in a balanced and courageous way.
Download and start listening now!
"This is an excellent account on the values America has shared and fought for during most of Her history, but which have heavily degraded during the President "W" Bush years. Living through that period, I was young and didn't understand the repercussions of what we were doing or the horribleness of it. For several years, I've started realizing this degradation in our country's values, and this book helps me realize some of the specific reasons why. Though written in 2005, this book is still very current in terms of looking out for leaches on our freedom and and for spotting ways that America further ruins Her reputation and influence. Cherishing the separation of church and state, I worry about the influence of very loud neo-conservatives (neocons) that continually try to re-shape America's history and political future through the strict lens of a religious minority. The fact that most mainstream Christian churches do not agree with these fanatical people and their version of Christianity (which is very much opposite to the peaceful and loving values Jesus taught) should send warning flags to influential political figures and to the rest of America (unfortunately, neocons present themselves as "true Christians" and send the message to America that Christians and Christianity are exactly as they say it is).Another interesting thing I learned about was the pre-neocon Southern Baptist Convention - something I didn't know existed. I was very impressed with Carter's sense of spirituality and values and hope to apply and share those in the world around me. His humanitarianism is of upmost importance and both reflects the works of Christ and also provides a source of inspiration for people like me who want to contribute to the world in a meaningful way."
— Aaron (4 out of 5 stars)
“Our Endangered Values cannot be safely ignored.”
— Wall Street Journal“Carter has come to the defense of our national values. We need a voice from the not-so-distant past, and this quiet voice strikes just the right notes.”
— New York Review of BooksOur Endangered Values cannot be safely ignored." -- The Wall Street Journal
This is a book of reason and tolerance but also of indignation. The former President draws on his religious faith to comment wisely on a wide range of 'hot button' issues. Although Carter's tone is patient and explanatory, his views are bound to be newsworthy and should rekindle some old fires...an eloquent personal testament that deserves a wide readership, regardless of political affiliation. Highly recommended." -- Library Journal
Carter offers an unusual combination: a man of faith and a man of power...By adding his own voice to the discussion, Carter reminds us of a time when religion was tied to such virtues as humility and such practices as soul-searching...he is undoubtedly one of our finest human beings." -- Alan Wolfe, The Washington Post Book World
Carter speaks eloquently of how his own faith has shaped his moral vision...makes resonant connections between religion and political activism..." -- Publishers Weekly
...Carter's overarching decency, his care for the human condition and the health of planet Earth shines through." -- Kirkus
“Carter offers an unusual combination: a man of faith and a man of power…By adding his own voice to the discussion, Carter reminds us of a time when religion was tied to such virtues as humility and such practices as soul-searching…he is undoubtedly one of our finest human beings.”
— Washington Post Book World“Jimmy Carter projects cool, communicating with a poise that commands attention while gently signaling to opponents that they better do their homework before mounting any sort of debate…Carter’s arguments for common-sense change are deeply resonant.”
— Amazon.com, editorial review“Carter speaks eloquently of how his own faith has shaped his moral vision…makes resonant connections between religion and political activism.”
— Publishers Weekly“An eloquent personal testament that deserves a wide readership, regardless of political affiliation. Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal“Carter’s overarching decency, his care for the human condition and the health of planet Earth shines through.”
— Kirkus Reviews" I struggled to find much in this book with which I disagreed. "
— Kathryn, 2/16/2014" This book made me want to move to Canada. Parts of it were not that well written and one-sided, but I thought the parts on US foreign policy were very revealing. It's interesting to remember reading this as I look back upon the Bush administation's years in office. This book made me become completely appalled at the US administration's views and actions toward other countries during those years. "
— Alice, 2/15/2014" I was dissapointed with this book which is basically a rehash of Jimmy Carters philosophy of life, politics and society. Pretty superficial. "
— John, 2/6/2014" I thought this book was fantastic! It's refreshing to see a politician who actually believes in the separation of church and state. The book is divided into chapters that take close looks at "moral values" that are under debate among Christians and politicians: preemptive war, women's rights, terrorism, civil liberties, homosexuality, abortion, the death penalty, science and religion, environmental degradation, nuclear arsenals, America's global image, fundamentalism, and the melding of religion and politics. I'm surprised at how much I agree with Carter on pretty much all these issues. Carter points out hypocrisy from both people in the government and people in the church. This was written in 2005 during the George W. Bush administration, so I would be interested to see this book printed in an updated edition to see Carter's opinions on recent happenings under the Obama administration. A lot has happened since 2005, after all. "
— Laurie, 2/4/2014" I think Jimmy Carter seems like such a nicer person that I wanted to read his book. I got bored tho, and still have not finished it... "
— Neeka, 2/4/2014" The book might have been interesting, if I hadn't needed a dictionary on every page. Read for Southern Voices Book Club 2/2007 "
— Debbie, 1/18/2014" Makes excellent points that I tend to agree with. You can be liberal and Christian. "
— Karla, 1/16/2014" A wonderful commentary from a very thoughtful man on how his Christian faith influences his political values. President Carter tells the readers how the policies of the "religious right" are in opposition to the compassion and inclusiveness taught by Christ. "
— Neal, 1/13/2014" Love Carter, loved this book "
— Sarah, 1/6/2014" Okay, I started this book a few years ago and some how lost it. That is the only way I would have ever stopped reading this book. Jimmy Carter is so eloquent, logical and passionate in is discussion about religion, homosexuality, women's rights, terrorism, abortion from his unique perspective. "
— Lisa, 1/6/2014" This guy can write and I have a lot more respect for him now after having read the book. All I recall from childhood when he was president that he was a wuss...couldn't get those hostages out of Iran. But he's done a lot of good since those days and I appreciate his more peaceful approach. "
— Colette, 12/29/2013" I like his connection of faith to politics. I am pretty familiar with his arguments already though and have made many of them myself, so I sort of feel like I am patting myself on the back by reading it. "
— Lars, 12/21/2013" This guy should run for president or something. Who would have thought I could get so behind this Sunday school teacher politically! His approach to foreign policy is the most true to Christian principles I've seen, and yet also the most sound. "
— Theo, 12/9/2013" Christians can be Democrats! Great contrast to fundamentalist views of Christian political positions. See also "What Jesus Meant" and Jim Wallis's "God's Politics". "
— Liz, 12/8/2013" Always thoughtful, the best former-president, takes a candid look at American culture and the recent shift from home, compassion and optimism. "
— Rebecca, 12/5/2013" It was heart wrenching to read this book and realize what a sad path we have embarked upon as a nation. How did we became the latest rogue nation and what is my responsbility as a citizen of the United States. Our ambiguity about the millions of people living in poverty is horrible. We should care! "
— Shawna, 6/29/2013" I now have a better understanding of how the political process works and how different interest groups have managed to have such a strong voice for good and bad. "
— Deborah, 3/19/2013" Great man! Great insight! Great book! "
— Jenlinmin, 10/4/2012" A very insightful book and with the passing of time; also prophetic "
— Barbara, 7/6/2012" Confirms the values we need to act on. "
— Conrad, 5/10/2012" Just about as bland and vanilla as Jimmy Carter himself. Not to say that I disagree with most of what he has to say... "
— Ken, 11/8/2011" I thoroughly enjoyed the arguments posed by President Carter in this book. Although not everyone will agree with everything he argues, he still provokes thought. A great read for anyone interested in the moral situation in America. "
— Mychal, 7/31/2011" President Carter speaks out clearly and with directness but unfortunately few seem to hear his words. "
— Hapzydeco, 6/11/2011" The reason Mr. Carter had trouble as a President was because he has such a good heart. Excellent read. "
— Dean, 4/16/2011" I listened to this on a trip. I thought that President Carter gets it right for the most part. "
— Matt, 3/22/2011" A very insightful book and with the passing of time; also prophetic "
— Barbara, 12/4/2010" interesting take on changes in politics, personal info. "
— Mckinley, 10/13/2010" Gives good insight into Carters values and why he thinks they matter. "
— Halldór, 9/10/2010" President Carter speaks out clearly and with directness but unfortunately few seem to hear his words. "
— Hapzydeco, 5/11/2010" this was Carrie Stewarts book. It was a great book on the American moral problems. Good Book "
— Swhe641200, 12/30/2009Jimmy Carter was the thirty-ninth president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981. In 1982, he and his wife founded the Carter Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people around the world. Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. He is the author of thirty books, including A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety; A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power; An Hour Before Daylight: Memoirs of a Rural Boyhood; and Our Endangered Values: America’s Moral Crisis.