Rating: 
Summary: NO mystery, obvious all along.
Review: After E. Morris's biography of Reagan, titled Dutch, proved a disaster, scholars have been looking for the true explanation of the 20th century's most influential president. Morris could find no explanation, no "hook" to reveal the "real" figure. Despite unprecedented access to sources, Morris went so far as to invent a fictional character in his narrative. That is an indefensible technique.
Kengor (and a shorter similar work by Mary Beth Brown) rightly identify Reagan's Christian faith as the "real" reason for his strong positions. And Reagan had plenty of background in this area from his mother and life in a small middle American town with regular church activities and membership. (Those who try to cite his lack of church attendance during his presidency overlook the security aspects after the assassination attempt, and the fact that Reagan had private services in the White House.)
Another attmpt to find the "hook" is Peter Schweizer's Reagan's War, which identifies his hatred of Communism as stemming from Hollywood days and a 1946 strike that Reagan opposed despite har nosed tactics by the Communist dominated union. Schweizer gave us a fine book, with real focus on Reagn's political views. However, Kengor's is even broader and more encompassing in its Christian view which reveals even more than a hatred of Communism. Highly recommended.
CW Miller PhD
Rating: 
Summary: Iran, Contra, anyone?
Review: America needs to wake up and smell the coffee, because the pot is burning! This book is so sugarcoated, it may as well be a donut. Where are the hard facts about Iran-Contra, how he ignored AIDS, and his disregard for the poor and underprivileged? At this point, I'd give anything in the world to get back Bill Clinton. I really would.
Rating: 
Summary: Not that interesting
Review: Hmm a book on Ronald Reagan's spiritual side. Maybe I was hoping against hope that it would not start with the premise that Ronnie was this Centuries greatest President, no such luck with this master piece. We all know the strengths of the great man but with this book we get to look at them all over again in a religious light, I wasn't impressed with the tone or insights of the book (there aren't any apart from what you've already read in the other reviews). Maybe as I'm not a great fan of Ron it was never going to be too interesting but I expected something more than what I got, which was well researched, reasonably well written and non-offensive to those of a more left wing persuasion, but still rates as one of the tamest most sycophantic books I have ever read. Give it a miss and read Gorbachev's autobiography, now thats what I call gripping.
Rating: 
Summary: Check out these rave reviews...
Review: I agree with the astute reviewer from Alaska. This book is a masterpiece that accurately depicts the religious fervor held by one of our nation's greatest presidents. Just read these reviews:"Finally, a book that not only focuses on my dad's faith but gets it right. Paul Kengor's book may be the most important book on my dad because it underscores what was most important to my dad. God and Ronald Reagan captures the real Ronald Reagan."
~ Michael Reagan "Must reading for anyone who wants to understand Ronald Reagan."
~ Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief, National Review "Paul Kengor has written an excellent book that explores a previously neglected aspect of Ronald Reagan's life-his religious faith. Kengor's in-depth research and scholarly analysis present a novel side of Reagan's personality that is fundamental to understanding the success of this extraordinary president."
~ Edwin Meese III, Attorney General, Reagan Administration "Paul Kengor has addressed a critical issue in today's study of the American presidency: how religious background influences presidential decisions. The issue of spirituality has been noticeably absent in the literature on presidential decision-making. Kengor has filled this void on the Reagan presidency by clearly addressing how Reagan pursued a political path that encompassed both his ideological and religious beliefs. This is a book particularly important to presidential scholars who are assessing President George W. Bush and how he too has interwoven his political and religious beliefs in presidential decisions."
~ Shirley Anne Warshaw, Gettysburg College "What an outstanding and thoroughly documented demonstration of the role faith in God and Christ played in the life and leadership of President Reagan! Those who read Paul Kengor's excellent and readable book will better understand why even today those who wish to expunge all references to God from public life are determined to try to besmirch him and his reputation-which, thanks to this book, will be harder than ever to do."
~ Don Hodel, Secretary of the Interior, Reagan Administration "An informed writer has presented clearly the spirituality of Ronald Reagan. Why has such a review taken so long? Part of the answer lies in President Reagan's quiet humility and selflessness. Both media and biographies have for the most part bypassed the president's total faith and trust in God. Paul Kengor now reveals the inner heart and soul of this great man, and the results."
~ Judge William P. Clark, National Security Advisor, Reagan Administration "His warmth, grace, humor, generosity, and immovable conviction: Ronald Reagan derived them all from his faith. God and Ronald Reagan tells how the fortieth president remained true all his life to the simple Christian beliefs he learned from his mother-and how those beliefs enabled him to change the world. A profound character study, an engrossing work of history, and a heartbreakingly beautiful love story about one man and his Maker."
~ Peter Robinson, Reagan speechwriter, author of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life "Paul Kengor takes the reader to depths where no other writer has yet been-Ronald Reagan's very soul. He gives both historians and laymen a vital and enlightening look at one of the most important leaders in American history."
~ Peter Schweizer, author of Reagan's War "A fascinating read. Based on meticulous research, God and Ronald Reagan fundamentally transforms the historical view of Ronald Reagan and his place in the 20th century. This is a must-read piece of political history."
~ Donald M. Goldstein, co-author of At Dawn We Slept "Ronald Reagan's deep religious faith has been overlooked because, in his typical modest way, Reagan kept it hidden in plain sight. Paul Kengor has performed a masterful service by shining a light on this underappreciated but central aspect of Reagan's life and statecraft." ~ Steven F. Hayward, author of The Age of Reagan "God and Ronald Reagan offers a unique vantage point on one of the most controversial figures in recent times. Grounded in serious research, well-written in a calm, compelling tone, Kengor's book traces the religious roots of Reagan's political success and sheds new light on the origins of Reagan's anti-communist beliefs. God and Ronald Reagan deepens our understanding of Reagan's life and the times in which he governed."
~ Matthew Dallek, author of The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics
"A deeply moving and original book, filled with letters, interviews, and other material never before published. Kengor, a rising star of the American academy, brilliantly illuminates Ronald Reagan's lifelong intimate walk with God."
~ Lee Edwards, author of Ronald Reagan: A Political Biography "Paul Kengor offers not only a thorough history of Ronald Reagan's religious development but a good and sardonic eye for detail. My favorite passage is the reaction to Mr. Reagan concluding his nomination acceptance at the GOP convention in 1980 with an invitation to pray: 'though Republicans present say there wasn't a dry eye in the house, upstairs among the press they were rolling.'"
~ Marvin Olasky, University of Texas at Austin "By taking Reagan's religious outlook seriously, Paul Kengor's book offers a deeper understanding than can be found in any of the conventional academic literature. Scholars and ordinary citizens alike should now be able to see why, unless one appreciates this religious core, Ronald Reagan as a human being as well as a politician is simply incomprehensible."
~ Hugh Heclo, George Mason University "Anyone who believes Christianity and politics don't mix needs to read this work on an American president and Bible-believing Christian named Ronald W. Reagan. Indeed, President Reagan could have been a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ just as easily as president of the United States of America. President Reagan was the right man for the right time to make the world a bit safer for all of us-and it is obvious, at least to me, that President Reagan's faith in Jesus Christ played a telling role in his ability to face down the dangers that threatened the world."
~ David A. Noebel, Summit Ministries
Rating:
Summary: Check out these rave reviews...
Review: I agree with the astute reviewer from Alaska. This book is a masterpiece that accurately depicts the religious fervor held by one of our nation's greatest presidents. Just read these reviews: "Finally, a book that not only focuses on my dad's faith but gets it right. Paul Kengor's book may be the most important book on my dad because it underscores what was most important to my dad. God and Ronald Reagan captures the real Ronald Reagan."
~ Michael Reagan "Must reading for anyone who wants to understand Ronald Reagan."
~ Rich Lowry, editor-in-chief, National Review "Paul Kengor has written an excellent book that explores a previously neglected aspect of Ronald Reagan's life-his religious faith. Kengor's in-depth research and scholarly analysis present a novel side of Reagan's personality that is fundamental to understanding the success of this extraordinary president."
~ Edwin Meese III, Attorney General, Reagan Administration "Paul Kengor has addressed a critical issue in today's study of the American presidency: how religious background influences presidential decisions. The issue of spirituality has been noticeably absent in the literature on presidential decision-making. Kengor has filled this void on the Reagan presidency by clearly addressing how Reagan pursued a political path that encompassed both his ideological and religious beliefs. This is a book particularly important to presidential scholars who are assessing President George W. Bush and how he too has interwoven his political and religious beliefs in presidential decisions."
~ Shirley Anne Warshaw, Gettysburg College "What an outstanding and thoroughly documented demonstration of the role faith in God and Christ played in the life and leadership of President Reagan! Those who read Paul Kengor's excellent and readable book will better understand why even today those who wish to expunge all references to God from public life are determined to try to besmirch him and his reputation-which, thanks to this book, will be harder than ever to do."
~ Don Hodel, Secretary of the Interior, Reagan Administration "An informed writer has presented clearly the spirituality of Ronald Reagan. Why has such a review taken so long? Part of the answer lies in President Reagan's quiet humility and selflessness. Both media and biographies have for the most part bypassed the president's total faith and trust in God. Paul Kengor now reveals the inner heart and soul of this great man, and the results."
~ Judge William P. Clark, National Security Advisor, Reagan Administration "His warmth, grace, humor, generosity, and immovable conviction: Ronald Reagan derived them all from his faith. God and Ronald Reagan tells how the fortieth president remained true all his life to the simple Christian beliefs he learned from his mother-and how those beliefs enabled him to change the world. A profound character study, an engrossing work of history, and a heartbreakingly beautiful love story about one man and his Maker."
~ Peter Robinson, Reagan speechwriter, author of How Ronald Reagan Changed My Life "Paul Kengor takes the reader to depths where no other writer has yet been-Ronald Reagan's very soul. He gives both historians and laymen a vital and enlightening look at one of the most important leaders in American history."
~ Peter Schweizer, author of Reagan's War "A fascinating read. Based on meticulous research, God and Ronald Reagan fundamentally transforms the historical view of Ronald Reagan and his place in the 20th century. This is a must-read piece of political history."
~ Donald M. Goldstein, co-author of At Dawn We Slept "Ronald Reagan's deep religious faith has been overlooked because, in his typical modest way, Reagan kept it hidden in plain sight. Paul Kengor has performed a masterful service by shining a light on this underappreciated but central aspect of Reagan's life and statecraft." ~ Steven F. Hayward, author of The Age of Reagan "God and Ronald Reagan offers a unique vantage point on one of the most controversial figures in recent times. Grounded in serious research, well-written in a calm, compelling tone, Kengor's book traces the religious roots of Reagan's political success and sheds new light on the origins of Reagan's anti-communist beliefs. God and Ronald Reagan deepens our understanding of Reagan's life and the times in which he governed."
~ Matthew Dallek, author of The Right Moment: Ronald Reagan's First Victory and the Decisive Turning Point in American Politics
"A deeply moving and original book, filled with letters, interviews, and other material never before published. Kengor, a rising star of the American academy, brilliantly illuminates Ronald Reagan's lifelong intimate walk with God."
~ Lee Edwards, author of Ronald Reagan: A Political Biography "Paul Kengor offers not only a thorough history of Ronald Reagan's religious development but a good and sardonic eye for detail. My favorite passage is the reaction to Mr. Reagan concluding his nomination acceptance at the GOP convention in 1980 with an invitation to pray: 'though Republicans present say there wasn't a dry eye in the house, upstairs among the press they were rolling.'"
~ Marvin Olasky, University of Texas at Austin "By taking Reagan's religious outlook seriously, Paul Kengor's book offers a deeper understanding than can be found in any of the conventional academic literature. Scholars and ordinary citizens alike should now be able to see why, unless one appreciates this religious core, Ronald Reagan as a human being as well as a politician is simply incomprehensible."
~ Hugh Heclo, George Mason University "Anyone who believes Christianity and politics don't mix needs to read this work on an American president and Bible-believing Christian named Ronald W. Reagan. Indeed, President Reagan could have been a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ just as easily as president of the United States of America. President Reagan was the right man for the right time to make the world a bit safer for all of us-and it is obvious, at least to me, that President Reagan's faith in Jesus Christ played a telling role in his ability to face down the dangers that threatened the world."
~ David A. Noebel, Summit Ministries
Rating:
Summary: A new and old analysis
Review: I describe Paul Kengor's book "God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life" a new and old analysis because he portrays Reagan as how Americans would remember him. There is not much here that would be considered surprising for Reagan fans, but it is new in the sense the whole book is centered around Faith and theological shades of the "Shining City on a Hill" verse the "Evil Empire." If you are looking for a moral and theological description of how Reagan, and in my opinion many conservatives saw the Cold War, this is an excellent analysis. This book gives a window into the personal side of President Reagan where many biographies have simply failed. Paul Kengor is not as skilled as a writer as Peggy Noonan or Edmund Morris, but he successfully delivers the material in a clear and thoughtful way. All in all a very good and far reaching reflection of the spirituality and faith that transformed and influenced President Reagan. This is an important piece of work for any admirer of Reagan, or even those simply interested in Cold War History.
Rating:
Summary: Well done
Review: I fear that in this part of the world some of us are too quick to condemn Ronald Reagan as a religious zealot, if not an utter crackpot, but this is exactly what we must not do - America's very history demonstrates that it is not impossible to be a good Christian and a good President, and any analysis of Reagan's character is fundamentally incomplete if it ignores his faith. Paul Kengor does just that - he examines the impact that of Reagan's faith on Reagan's presidency. The interaction between the two may seem obvious to some, but not all of us are part of a generation that remembers much about Reagan. Hearing about the collapse of the Soviet Union is nearly the only thing I remember from second grade, and having read this book, I know a great deal more about the man everyone was making such a big fuss about at the time. Like him or not, I don't think it is possible to understand the Cold War without understanding Ronald Reagan. Is it hagiographical? I suppose any biography could be, depending on one's perspective, but although Dr. Kengor admires Reagan, I do not find that any more honor is given than what is due. In the end, it is not a difficult read, and it is footnoted well enough to satisfy those with abundant curiousity and free time. Kengor doesn't assume too much about his readers; the book stands well by itself, and it is not necessary to be a political scientist to understand it. I recommend it without any reservations.
Rating:
Summary: Accurate, Factual and Excellent Piece of Work!
Review: I just finished reading the book, "God and Ronald Reagan, a Spiritual Life". Although I was voting when Ronald Reagan was elected, I was unaware of or had forgotten his mission and his boldness in speaking the truth. In a world now that has either forgotten the evil that Communism was and still is or has been duped into thinking that there no longer is good and evil just differing viewpoints, it was so refreshing to be reminded of the truth.
I was absolutely amazed at how forthright and uncompromising Ronald Reagan was. Professor Kengor does a superb job of setting the stage for all Ronald Reagan would do as President by describing in great detail his mother, his father, his church, his acting and time in leadership there, and his GE job which gave him great opportunity to hone his public speaking skills and his message of freedom of religion.
I was so impressed with how Ronald Reagan carefully chose his words and took advantage of the opportunities presented to him, especially in Chapter 18, "Missionary to Moscow". He just never backed down, even when his advisors told him should. And, the words of truth he spoke to the Communist USSR. He never wavered from his core of religious beliefs.
Truly inspiring! What a man he was! It is clear that Professor Kengor painstakingly researched and wrote this book, with the desire to be factually accurate and to show us another side of Ronald Reagan that was perhaps unknown to us. This is a book worth reading!
Rating:
Summary: Historical--and spiritually moving!
Review: I just loved this book! It was not only an interesting history lesson, but one of the most spiritually-inspiring books I've ever read. I am planning to get "That Printer of Udell's" to satisfy my curiousity about this book that had such a profound effect of Reagan's childhood. I'm also interested in reading Whittaker Chamber's "Witness." Wow--one good book just leads to others! Anyway, "God and Ronald Reagan" is an amazing book that I highly recommend to anyone. (I'm under thirty, and I loved it, so I hope other young people will as well.)
Rating:
Summary: Great book with detailed discription of Reagan's total life
Review: I loved reading this book,even though I'm a liberal Democrat. I did think, when I had finished it, that I had missed the story of one of his most famous embarrassments-the "Iran-contra scandal". I then went to the list of "index of names" at the end of the book, and there was no Ollie North. What a glaring omission. I had always wondered how North had gotten him to agree to such a deal(did he lie to him,switch papers, or what?). I still can't figure it out, or why this was not encluded in this wonderfully detailed account of his life. Can the Author answer my question? Thanks, (cvaughn@cox-internet.com)
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