The Left Hand of God: Taking Back Our Country From the Religions Right
Michael Lerner, in his book The Left Hand of God: Taking Back Our Country From the Religions Right, suggests that embracing spirituality and “meaning” along with compassion and caring is the only way to rescue the Democratic party from a destined failure. The reason Lerner suggests that the Democratic party fails in carrying out their policy dreams is because they have isolated a large proportion of voters who see very little “back-bone” in the Political Left. What the political left needs is to not shy away from religion, they need to drop scientism and the strictly factual rhetoric and embrace religion and its teachings, embrace the “Left Hand of God”. The Left Hand of God he suggests emphasizes compassion and forgiveness, while the Right Hand of God which he argues is predominant is that of fear. Reflecting on Newt Gringich's and the Republican Congress's 1994 Contract with America, Lerner proposes what he calls a Spiritual Covenant with America. The Lefts response, a response of caring compassion and hope.
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in political analysis, the message of hope and its movement is sure to get those who want to know what a real ground up revolutionary movement might need. Lerner gives historical examples which hold to what he suggests, that the political structure of the US is being controlled by the Right and business interests and we need a new direction. However, in much of the book he seems to ramble and many of his points are brought up maybe too much which I fear may draw some readers away from reading. Furthermore, the book is somewhat alienating. The book is entrenched with religious innuendos and is written very partisan. While the word of hope and the suggested policy decisions written in the “Covenant with America” fit very well with many of our personal beliefs (Contraception, Abortion, Civil Unions, Universal Health care, Full-Employment, Education, Pro Environment, Rich paying for Poor, etc.), the book nonetheless is riddled with so much religion that I believe a large portion of potential followers might be thrown off and diverted.
Reading the book one will certainly find passages which speak well to the Beyond War guiding principles. Particularly during the second half of the book, the message of love, kindness and generosity Lerner promotes are great connects to the vision that the ends are the means in the making. The message, in short, is that we need to adopt changes in our political structure that emphasize these characteristics by opening up to others whom the political left has abandoned, and with our new Spiritual Covenant with America we can create a world that lives beyond war.
Discussion Questions:
1.According to Lerner, what is the underlying reason why Democrats failed to win the 2000 and 2004 elections?
2.Do you agree with the suggestion that the political left needs to embrace spirituality. Why?
3.If you were to add anything to Lerner's argument what would it be?
4.Do you think if the Party were to embrace the Left Hand of God, if successful in winning major election, this would move the U.S and ultimately the world to move Beyond War?
This is a great book for anyone who is interested in political analysis, the message of hope and its movement is sure to get those who want to know what a real ground up revolutionary movement might need. Lerner gives historical examples which hold to what he suggests, that the political structure of the US is being controlled by the Right and business interests and we need a new direction. However, in much of the book he seems to ramble and many of his points are brought up maybe too much which I fear may draw some readers away from reading. Furthermore, the book is somewhat alienating. The book is entrenched with religious innuendos and is written very partisan. While the word of hope and the suggested policy decisions written in the “Covenant with America” fit very well with many of our personal beliefs (Contraception, Abortion, Civil Unions, Universal Health care, Full-Employment, Education, Pro Environment, Rich paying for Poor, etc.), the book nonetheless is riddled with so much religion that I believe a large portion of potential followers might be thrown off and diverted.
Reading the book one will certainly find passages which speak well to the Beyond War guiding principles. Particularly during the second half of the book, the message of love, kindness and generosity Lerner promotes are great connects to the vision that the ends are the means in the making. The message, in short, is that we need to adopt changes in our political structure that emphasize these characteristics by opening up to others whom the political left has abandoned, and with our new Spiritual Covenant with America we can create a world that lives beyond war.
Discussion Questions:
1.According to Lerner, what is the underlying reason why Democrats failed to win the 2000 and 2004 elections?
2.Do you agree with the suggestion that the political left needs to embrace spirituality. Why?
3.If you were to add anything to Lerner's argument what would it be?
4.Do you think if the Party were to embrace the Left Hand of God, if successful in winning major election, this would move the U.S and ultimately the world to move Beyond War?
 |
 |
and the Foundation for Global Community. To join them as a sponsor or ally click here.
© 2009 Created by Beyond War
