Books

My Top 5 Presidential Biographies

Washington’s God: Religion, Liberty, and the Father of Our Country Michael Novak and Jana Novak

A rich and readable examination of what the nation’s first President and most important founder believed. With overwhelming evidence, the Novaks debunk myths about Washington’s alleged deism.

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Faith and the Presidency: From George Washington to George W. Bush Gary Scott Smith

This examination of 11 Presidents’ faith is remarkably balanced and sourced in great detail. Arguably the seminal work on the faith of our Presidents, the chapter on Jefferson alone is worth the price tag.

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John Adams David Mccullough

In this Pulitzer Prize–winning biography, McCullough resurrects John Adams — one of our most thoughtful, intellectual, spiritual, and influential founders — from an unforgivable period of historical omission.

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Nixon: A Life Jonathan Aitken

Aitken came to know Nixon well and had unprecedented access to the former President’s family and other sources. The revelations in this insightful book include startling information on John F. Kennedy and the 1960 election, plus a pious side of Nixon that few witnessed.

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The First Cold Warrior Elizabeth Edwards Spalding

This Harry Truman biography is more academic than most books about his colorful personality and presidency. Spalding’s final chapter is a substantive treatment of Truman’s underestimated faith, particularly in relation to his Cold War anti-Communism.

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Copyright © 2008 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Related Elsewhere:

God and Ronald Reagan: A Spiritual Life is available from ChristianBook.com and other retailers.

Previous Top 5 lists have featured books on World Christianity, Ancient-Future Faith, the Civil Rights Era, Social Justice, Church History, Popular Culture, the Civil War, Apologetics, Atheism, and Sex.

Also in this issue

The CT archives are a rich treasure of biblical wisdom and insight from our past. Some things we would say differently today, and some stances we've changed. But overall, we're amazed at how relevant so much of this content is. We trust that you'll find it a helpful resource.

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Fame didn’t change how the Reformed theologian lives.

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Silence from Scripture on new technologies and the ethical questions they raise is no excuse for silence from the church.

The Chinese Evangelicals Turning to Orthodoxy

Yinxuan Huang

More believers from China and Taiwan are finding Eastern Christianity appealing. I sought to uncover why.

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