IF YOU CAN KEEP IT by Eric Metaxas | Kirkus Reviews

IF YOU CAN KEEP IT by Eric Metaxas | Kirkus Reviews





IF YOU CAN KEEP IT
The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty
by Eric Metaxas


KIRKUS REVIEW


God blesses America, the author contends.

Admitting that “the idea that God had chosen this nation for great things does not sit comfortably with modern sensibilities,” Metaxas (Lecturer at Large/The King’s Coll.; Seven Women: And the Secret of Their Greatness, 2015, etc.) nevertheless makes a faith-based argument for American exceptionalism. 

He believes that the Founding Fathers incorporated into the Constitution the Golden Triangle of Freedom: “freedom requires virtue; virtue requires faith; and faith requires freedom,” an idea articulated by British social critic Os Guiness. Metaxas exhorts Americans today to revitalize freedom by behaving virtuously, insisting on virtuous leaders, and recognizing the significance of Judeo-Christian religion in the nation’s identity and destiny. “There are certain populations in Europe whose unbelief is only equaled by their ignorance and debasement,” writes the author, 

“while in America, one of the freest and most enlightened nations in the world, the people fulfill with fervor all the outward duties of religion.” 

Metaxas is convinced that God has played “a central role” in America’s history.” “What we have are gifts from God,” he writes, “intended for us to steward in such a way as to bless as many people as possible.” 

Americans, therefore, must take up God’s mission to share democratic ideals with the whole world. 

Among the historic events that he believes God influenced was the writing of the Constitution, in which the Fathers conceded, “the finger of the Almighty might indeed have been involved.” Acknowledging that the nation has not always acted virtuously, the author encourages citizens to celebrate love of country through the arts (he cites the movie Mr. Smith Goes to Washington as both critical and inspiring); rituals (celebrating Flag Day); and memorizing poetry, such as “Paul Revere’s Ride.”


A controversial view of America’s past and future that will appeal to Christian readers.

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Susie Bailey Combee ·
Youngsville, PA
This is one of most enlighteing books regarding the history of America I have read in a very long time. I believe it should be a study in every high school in America! Our history seems to be lost on our youth.
Like · Reply · 2 · Jul 30, 2016 7:40am


Carole Conaway ·
University of New Haven
To read this book is an eye opener about what our forefathers gave us and what we have done to it. Eric Metaxas is very prolific about his country and the way the people who live in it are placing it in jeopardy. This book should be required reading in our schools.

 Our children have no clue about what we can lose unless our way of thinking is changed. Read this book...it will not only freighten you, but make realize just what we can and will lose if changes are not made.

Our children are our future. If they are not aware of what is at stake, then we have lost. Why this book is not read as a text in our schools is a loss for all of us.
Like · Reply · Dec 23, 2016 2:07am