Broadman and Holman,
2006, 186 pp., $12.99,
www.broadmanholman.com
Christian Democrats (I’m not sure the author imagines such a possibility) are going to love to hate this book. Zeigler is a passionate conservative from Hillsdale College, a strongly conservative institution.
I have no doubt the author is a committed follower of Christ. Scripture is cited frequently to support a very conservative political platform. The third chapter is completely dedicated to the pro-life agenda. Although the issues discussed are valuable, I wish Zeigler had not used Republican platform nomenclature, as it was distracting.
The book reads like a narrative pep rally for the “fourteenth generation” (those born after 1981, during Reagan’s presidency). Although the research and statistics cited support the thesis that this generation is strongly conservative, I’m not convinced they can be that clearly or broadly defined. If those of this generation read this book, they will find themselves encouraged with the hope of revival.
This book is a refreshing departure from the growing volume of literature that seems determined to beat up this generation. I found myself impressed with Zeigler’s research and writing. It was difficult to resist being sucked into the optimism of his perspective. He predicts a radical movement toward conservatism in our country led by the current generation of increasingly conservative adolescents. If you struggle with that assumption, you need to read this book.
____________________
Larry H. Lindquist, youth ministry professor, Denver Seminary, Denver, Colorado.
