31st out of 87 books
—
5 voters
The Light and the Glory: Did God Have a Plan for America?
A call for Americans to return to God and rediscover the destiny that was ours from the beginning.
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
November 1st 1980
by Fleming H. Revell Company
(first published 1973)
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If you consider history to be the study of what actually happened, insofar as we can discover that, and believe that a U.S. history book should at least touch on most major events and offer the most agreed on explanations for things in elaborations (even if the author chooses to include factors not always considered), then this is not a U.S. history book. For instance, the book neglects to mention crucial factors in King Philip’s war (like the death -- or even existence of! Wamsutta and also the...more
The Light and the Glory was a fascinating read. It accomplishes its purpose in exposing some of the Christian tradition of America that isn't taught in history classes, and isn't mentioned in textbooks.
Though Christians always talk about the Christian foundations of our nation, the cynical side of me wonders to what extent that is true. This book cites primary sources that sheds light on some of these things that I have been cynical about. It's especially enlightening how many of the writers of...more
Though Christians always talk about the Christian foundations of our nation, the cynical side of me wonders to what extent that is true. This book cites primary sources that sheds light on some of these things that I have been cynical about. It's especially enlightening how many of the writers of...more
I originally read this book in an American history course at a Christian college. At the time, I probably would have given it four stars. With hindsight and a graduate school education in Colonial and Revolutionary America, and aged much more than 17 as I was at the time, I'm much less impressed.
If David Barton had a patron saint, it would be the late Peter Marshall. They are from the same mold of historical eisegesis. They know the result they want and an eclectic set of period quotes "prove" i...more
If David Barton had a patron saint, it would be the late Peter Marshall. They are from the same mold of historical eisegesis. They know the result they want and an eclectic set of period quotes "prove" i...more
I am reading this book, as a devotional. I have had it for years and have tried to read it many times before... always thinking to myself... this is just so boring.
Well, I may be mature enough now to read it and thoroughly enjoy it. Though not done I just have to review it has a family & friend MUST READ.
Christianity is a power religion. Christ has the power to re-create men from the inside out, as every man who has ever met Him knows. And one of the early lessons a new Christian learns thro...more
Well, I may be mature enough now to read it and thoroughly enjoy it. Though not done I just have to review it has a family & friend MUST READ.
Christianity is a power religion. Christ has the power to re-create men from the inside out, as every man who has ever met Him knows. And one of the early lessons a new Christian learns thro...more
What to say about this book. Peter Marshall (now deceased), son of the senate chaplain, was at the time involved in what surely is (was) a cult, the Community of Jesus. An Anglican manifestation of some sort, it attracted many of the famous and rich to its communal life, being headed by Mother Superiors (in their own minds) - and later involved in scandals, including of course, sexual scandals. Abuse of authority was the beginning of their troubles. Mr. Marshall left them (or was expelled) not l...more
An enjoyable read and a compelling story. It's too bad the authors proceed with such little concern for historical accuracy, reprinting any anecdote (however unsubstantiated) that supports their interpretation and failing to deal with evidence that conflicts with it.
Yes, many of America's founders were devout Christians. Yes, the United States government was constructed in a civilizational context deeply influenced by Christianity. But Marshall and Manuel carry their argument to baseless, inacc...more
Yes, many of America's founders were devout Christians. Yes, the United States government was constructed in a civilizational context deeply influenced by Christianity. But Marshall and Manuel carry their argument to baseless, inacc...more
This is a strange book. If I am just looking at the book as history, it needs one star. The thesis will be laughable to most people - that the reason that the United States exists is that God had a plan to create a 'New Israel' in America. There is really no way to evaluate this thesis. The authors offer 'proof' of their thesis, which is that Columbus, the Pilgrims, and the Puritans all believed that they were called by God, therefore it must be true. All of the outrages committed by Columbus ar...more
Historically-speaking this book was a wealth of information. It's based more from a Christian viewpoint. There were a few things I didn't agree with, ie. the fact that America is the 'new Israel'. However, the authors made it a point to show how God's hand was in the forming of our country, and how the foundations of our country were built on morals and ethics.
The book was NOT an easy read as it was close to 300 pages and wasn't really engaging. There were some amusing parts, but it was overall...more
The book was NOT an easy read as it was close to 300 pages and wasn't really engaging. There were some amusing parts, but it was overall...more
I love U.S. history and Peter Marshall (Wasn't that the name of the guy who hosted Hollywood Squares?) wrote this in a way that held my interest. Why was Jamestown a failure while Plymouth prospered? This is a history book that reads like a story leaving me no doubt of the divine providence that formed our great nation. The only thing I would say negatively is Marshall has,I belive, a sort of "works mentality" when it come to grace of God but this may very well be the most enjoyable non fiction...more
This book by Peter Marshall and David Manuel is a must read!!! It takes a look at our nation's history without taking God out of the equation! For the skeptics out there, this is not a book of opinions. It is a history book written by people who aren't afraid to tell the whole story! I must warn you that it is heavy reading...it's a history book! But...how can we call ourselves "Americans" if we don't even know what America stands for, or shall I say, what it was founded to stand for. Buy the bo...more
Very fascinating book. It is a must read for all of those interested in the foundations of America, christianity, and views of how those two are combined. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it for it's insightful information, yet has a hard time getting through it because of the very matter of fact style it was written in. It is worth reading just for the information and views in the book, so if you're interested, you should read it!
American history (1492 - 1793) focusing on our Christian heritage, quoting from original sources, not the ideology of the authors. It would be a great addition to any American History course. Oh the things we aren't taught about our heritage anymore. When we forget where we came from and who we were, we are lost. Well written; it reads like a novel, not a textbook.
The revised and updated edition has expanded the information.
The revised and updated edition has expanded the information.
THE LIGHT AND THE GLORY
Peter Marshall and David Manuel
Awesome Book! The entire trilogy was wonderful. My husband and I read them all together and loved them. My daughter used this one as her text in the 8th grade and loved it also. No, you could not put all U.S. history in one book. If you did you could not carry it around. If you want to know God's plan for our nation, this trilogy is the first books I would choose.
Peter Marshall and David Manuel
Awesome Book! The entire trilogy was wonderful. My husband and I read them all together and loved them. My daughter used this one as her text in the 8th grade and loved it also. No, you could not put all U.S. history in one book. If you did you could not carry it around. If you want to know God's plan for our nation, this trilogy is the first books I would choose.
The book that helped a generation rediscover America's Christian heritage. This is not only an excellent saga of the founding of America, written at a time when such works were impossibly scarce, but it is also an easy read, more novel than textbook.
Thanks to David Barton and others, the many primary and secondary sources Marshall relies on are beginning to reach a wider audience. But it was the Light and the Glory that started it all.
Thanks to David Barton and others, the many primary and secondary sources Marshall relies on are beginning to reach a wider audience. But it was the Light and the Glory that started it all.
Aug 02, 2011
Susie
added it
There were parts that I really enjoyed. I did think that parts were biased toward some of the particular religious groups, but it's not too bad if you keep in mind the denominational backgrounds of the authors. It's a good reminder that God has a plan for America, and He wants us to stay committed to what He wants us to do.
Dec 18, 2009
Patti Cartwright
is currently reading it
Listening to this on GPS. I don't think I paid attention very well in US history classes, and even though I feel like I grew up in a very active area for US history (between Richmond and Williamsburg), it is interesting to hear/read about the initial settlers in this country - what drove them, how that impacted the decisions they made.
I really appreciated this book and consider it one of the best books I've read on American history for the period 1492-1793. The details provided about the role of faith and God's providence caused me to view history with greater understanding and in a different way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to see American history through the eyes of faith that was such an integral part of so many important figures in our history.
Written like 1 & 2 Chronicles, Marshall investigates through first hand sources the establishing of our country. Chapters on Columbus, the founding of Jamestown and Plymouth, the influence of the Puritans under John Winthrop, and the Revolutionary War period. Marshall presumed too often to know God's intentions. Maybe he is privy to special revelation.
Oct 09, 2010
Cindy Robinson
added it
Fabulous book if you want to know the truth. Peter Marshall wrote in a manner that held my interest, and I had the pleasure of attending one of his lectures. I would go to listen to him again, you would not have to ask me twice.
Did Columbus believe that God called him west to undiscovered lands? Does American democracy owe its inception to the handful of Pilgrims that settled at Plymouth? If, indeed, there was a specific, divine call upon this nation, is it still valid today?
"The Light and the Glory" answers these questions and many more for history buffs. As readers look at their nation's history from God's point of view, they will begin to have an idea of how much we owe to a very few--and how much is still at stake....more
"The Light and the Glory" answers these questions and many more for history buffs. As readers look at their nation's history from God's point of view, they will begin to have an idea of how much we owe to a very few--and how much is still at stake....more
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The Rev. Peter Marshall is a Presbyterian minister who for over forty years has gained national recognition as a preacher on Christian growth and discipleship, and as a teacher and writer on America's Christian heritage. Because he believes that our nation is in moral and s...more
More about Peter Marshall...
The Rev. Peter Marshall is a Presbyterian minister who for over forty years has gained national recognition as a preacher on Christian growth and discipleship, and as a teacher and writer on America's Christian heritage. Because he believes that our nation is in moral and s...more
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