The New Absolutes

Rating:
Summary: I Wasn't Impressed
Review: I was prepared to be impressed by this book. The title, premise, dust jacket, and recommendations all impressed me. I knew that it was a book that would take a conservative view of the changing moral climate in America. I've not read much by religious conservatives that address this issue well.

I was disappointed. The book began well and then degenerated into the typical stereotypes that give conservative Chrisianity a poor reputation. Good thoughtful arguments with a conservative slant do exist for issues of homosexuality, politics, morality, etc., but this book doesn't present them.

As an example, page 171 states that the OLD absolute = "All white people are created equal and should be treated with dignity and respect." The NEW absolute = "All human beings are created equal and should be treated with dignity and respect, but people of color should receive preferential treatment." Remember, the premise of the book is that the NEW ABSOLUTES will destroy our culture. The author has a right to his opinion, but I am one white America who dreams of a day when people are judged by the content of the character and not the color of their skin. (I believe an African American said that.)

A close reading will show the author is not as racist as these quotes appear, but the force of quotes like these will probably stop many from reading further.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent exposure of this nations moral decline and why
Review: This book is an excellent litmus test for determining moral conservatism from moral liberalism. Conservatives will be helped to understand where this nation is going morally and why. Those that are in favor of our present moral direction will not appreciate his candor.

Rating:
Summary: Dare To Call A Pig Dirty
Review: Watkins dares to take an objective look at our society and the problems that plague it. He is bold but, fair and dares to call out the problems that have put America in the mess that it is in. But, be for-warned, if you don't think that we are in a mess than you probably won't like this book. However, if you too agree that we have become a lost and hurting country then this book will help shed some light on how we got here and what we can do about it.