Comments on: Introductions: Michael Lindsay, Karen Hughes and America

By: Milada Pejovic

Milada Pejovic — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 02:26:53 +0000

The number of the individuals from the “power elite” of American society, whom Dr. Michael Lindsay interviewed, is quite impressive. Thanks to his natural unfailing kindness and gentle diplomacy he has, he has opened so many doors and interacted with so many prominent evangelicals in such influential positions. I find Dr. Lindsay’s book both easy to read and profound. Coming from the Orthodox Christian background, I find both comfort and inspiration from the material presented in Dr. Lindsay’s book.

By: Ryan Frederick

Ryan Frederick — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:45:47 +0000

What a fascinating and relevant survey and analysis on power, leadership, influence and cultural change. Michael has done an impressive job of weaving together observations from nearly 400 interviews from several elite domains of our society. The insights of the book make an interesting read for Christians and non-Christians alike. I’ve circulated the book to some friends and we’re going to be discussing it as a group next month. The discussion will be fascinating. I encourage others to think about using it as a platform for discussion among peers.

By: Paul Mundey

Paul Mundey — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 16:10:04 +0000

I’ve always wanted ‘the inside edge’ and Michael gives it in his new book! First, he provides a front row seat (through 360 interviews) amid a cadre of power brokers largely overlooked: evangelical leaders, in the elite sectors of life. The outcome is the surprising, even shocking discovery, that Rick Warren has more influence over American life than Michael Moore, or so surmises David Gergen in his endorsement of Michael’s book. Another contribution Michael provides, which I find refreshing — is a challenge to conventional categories. Evangelicals are not a sub-standard breed, but a multi-faceted, lively, smart, pointed movement moving across a wide bandwidth of American life. Recently I heard persons assume that the deaths of Jerry Falwell and D. James Kennedy would equate the waning of evangelical influence. Michael challenges that assumption, documenting that evangelical currents run far deeper than a few televised personalities. In sum: Michael’s new book is a ‘must read’ for persons wanting to move beyond assumptions and stereotypes toward the ‘inside story’ of religious influence in this country. Thanks Michael for providing a new, well-informed path into privileged territory!

By: Roger Patterson

Roger Patterson — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 13:54:36 +0000

As a second chair leader, I am particularly interested in the principles gleaned from your interviews from those who were leaders, serving other leaders. I think this gets to the core of what it really is to be a servant and I can’t wait to glean anything I can to assist me in being a better servant leader in the second chair.

Thanks for this great work. I can’t wait to dig through it and mine principles for my own leadership journey and faith walk. Sounds fascinating!

Roger Patterson

By: Karen Hill

Karen Hill — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 10:57:13 +0000

Since my teenage years I have had an interest in political science, and especially what goes on in the White House. So when I read about the people Michael interviewed who were involved in the Oval Office, I found it very interesting and enlightening. I was also amazed at how Michael wove his interviews into a cohesive story of evangelicals in power. Before I read this, I had no idea of their influence in the government other than high-profile individuals like Billy Graham.

By: Conrad Hackett

Conrad Hackett — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 20:00:37 +0000

Back in seventh grade, many budding sociologists were afraid to dance in public let alone to approach an attractive dance partner. Michael’s boldness apparently served him well at junior high dances and it has definitely served him well in this project.

I know many great sociologists but Michael is the only one who could persuade nearly 400 of the most influential leaders in the country to sit down and talk about the influence of their faith. He is not the only author to write about elite evangelicals or their institutions but he is the only author I know who has traveled so far to conduct so many face to face interviews.

Michael has lots of great stories to tell from his research. Many of these stories, though certainly not all of them, are in this fine book.

Many of us think we know something about the evangelical world. But how many know:
The most influential evangelical among elites? Hint: it is not James Dobson.
Anything about The Fellowship?
That evangelical elites tend not to attend local church services on a regular basis?

By: Daniel Smoak

Daniel Smoak — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 13:11:21 +0000

I’ve started reading the book, and it is fascinating to me! I’m a minister in a small southern town (high evangelical population), and have long been curious about how evangelical leaders have moved into such pivotal positions (George Bush, for example)and how their faith influences the way they do their jobs.
It seems as though in recent years, matters of faith are becoming increasingly private, and I am excited and encouraged by the fact that so many evangelical leaders were willing to talk openly with Dr. Lindsay about how their faith does make a difference in their jobs. The idea that someone like Karen Hughes would respond so openly to an invitation to be part of a project like this is incredible. I’m glad Dr. Lindsay had the courage to follow through on her!

By: Elaine Howard Ecklund

Elaine Howard Ecklund — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:30:22 +0000

This is a fascinating story. Not sure that I would have been able to approach someone like Hughes in the same way. I join with others who have already posted in wondering how you knew that you were getting truthful information. I also wonder how you networked with people to get all of these juicy interviews and what kind of obstacles stood in your way. I guess I will have to get a copy of the book to find out!

By: Peet Dickinson

Peet Dickinson — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 19:41:36 +0000

I often asked myself during Michael’s PhD work how intoxicating all this power must be. Michael, how were you able to keep a clear head when interviewing all these movers and shakers. Did you ever see a disconnect between the servant King model of Jesus and the models you encountered in the Halls of Power? If must be difficult for these various evangelicals to keep that balance and not let the power and influence corrupt their hearts.

Michael, we are so proud of you and can’t wait to read the finished product. It will, I’m sure, be a fascinating read.

By: Bernice Cook

Bernice Cook — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:26:42 +0000

Just started reading our copy and being an avid “bookworm” can already tell Faith in the Halls of Power is going to be a fascinating and good read.

Well done, Michael!

By: Mitchell Bennett

Mitchell Bennett — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 16:27:14 +0000

What a wonderful account of how Lindsay was able to interview Karen Hughes! I have followed Michael Lindsay’s career for the last ten years, and I’m confident that his latest book, Faith in the Halls of Power, will be a fascinating testimony of how faith is the undergirding factor which motivates so many of our nation’s leaders and the elite in society.

By: Eric Campbell

Eric Campbell — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:27:48 +0000

Michael,

I am looking forward to the book signing on the 29th at Barnes & Noble.
When interviewing such powerful and successful individuals how could you tell if they were always being honest or just giving you the answer they thought might look best for their image when in print?