Godless: The Church of Liberalism
by Ann Coulter
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Book Reviews of Godless: The Church of Liberalism
Book Review: Ann Coulter Implodes
Summary: 1 Stars
I am something of a fan of Ann Coulter's articles, where she often (and quite calmly and logically) deconstructs liberal nonsense concerning issues such as domestic anti-terrorist policies and social racism. When I disagree with her, I do so quite violently, but until the release of this book I generally had a favorable impression of her as a confrontational, witty, and cutting social commentator.
With this said, what the heck happened to her here?
First, the positive: this is Ann Coulter. She's always easy to read, and quite frequently very amusing.
I'm afraid that's the only positive thing I can say about this book.
The book is structured as an analysis of modern American leftism... or, at least, that is what it wants to be. The book is flawed by its very premise, the paranoid and slightly lunatic notion that American leftism is a religion of sorts, formed solely to invert good ol' fashion Christian morality.
What a depressing book! It is nothing more than an alternating series of conspiracy theories (the media chooses people to represent certain issues who can't be fairly criticized, evidently, for instance - as if her putrid assault on 9/11 widows was a "fair criticism" anyhow) and outright stupidity (these moments dot the entire book, but the entire chapter on evolution is perhaps the most embarrassing thing I've ever had the misfortune to read - embarrassing for Miss Coulter, that is). Most amusing is how ignorant of her own religious beliefs Miss Coulter seems to be - the only thing she understands less than the entirety of the biological sciences (note the sexism when she sneers about how many more women study biology than men) is Christianity.
Very, very disappointing. Apparently when she isn't confined to a single issue her brain implodes. I would still recommend her collection of articles, "How to Talk to a Liberal... If You Must," though.
Book Review: Stunning
Summary: 5 Stars
Ann Coulter is stunning: in her writing voice, which mirrors her speaking voice precisely; in depth of research and knowledge; in humor; and in incisive, unapologetic, scathingly brilliant political analysis.
Reading this book lifted the curtain on the basic tenets of liberalism. For those new to politics, "Godless" is best consumed in small doses, else the truth of liberalism at its core overwhelm you. Yes, it's true: the party who claims to embrace tolerance, diversity, and empathy tolerates little, accepts diversity only if it aligns with their 'worldview', and shows empathy mostly for life that is non-human, as Ann so astutely asserts.
I consumed "Godless" in a day and a half, and would have finished it sooner if not for the blessings of faith, family, and service that occupy my time. I read several passages outloud to my husband, and we laughed and sighed in recognition. Ann's blistering account of the liberal "religion", including victimhood, the devaluing of human life, and especially the chapters devoted to evolution enlightened and astounded me.
Though a joyful and devout Christian, before reading "Godless" I had not yet decided upon the theory of evolution. Ann's analysis tipped the scales--pun intended--for once and for all. That uber-liberals cling to so obvious a fallacy--even at the cost of their own credibility as scientists--proves beyond a doubt that, for many of them, there absolutely, positively must not be an everlasting and eternal God. To believe that He created life might lead them to discover that they are under HIS provision and tenets instead of the Church of Liberalism they have created for themselves.
This was my first Ann Coulter book. It will not be my last. I highly recommend this book to any and all who enjoy brilliant analysis of the philosophy and politics of our times.
Book Review: lunatic fringe
Summary: 1 Stars
Coulter wouldn't know a real liberal if one walked up and saluted.
Every large enough human group has a lunatic fringe, though usually few in number, are often very vocal and strident. The stereotypes put out by Coulter, Limbaugh, and the whole lunatic fringe of the so-called conservative group, are inaccurate, unjust, and make no allowance for individuality (Do these pundits really believe the lies that they tell?). These groups, "conservatives" and "liberals" are composed of millions of individual human beings, each with his/her own unique ideas and opinions. People are not stamped out with cookie cutters.
Liberals are not the "evil" beings that these "conservative" pundits would have you believe. Look the word "liberal" up in the dictionary. Anything that has been good for the USA and has helped the citizens (Social Security, Medicare, Civil Rights, etc.) has come about because of the actions of liberals.
The American way is to:
Allow each person to be listened to with respect and without interruption.
Promote cooperation between groups -- even though they disagree -- to solve common problems and achieve common goals.
Have equality for all people in opportunies, before the courts, etc.
Live honestly and truthfully.
Treat everyone with respect, regardless of religion, ethnicity, political affiliations, etc.
Allow each person to live the way he or she chooses as long as they do not hurt themselves, other people, the environment, or infringe on the rights of others to live as they choose under the same restraints.
Since Coulter, Limbaugh, et al, do not practice the above aspects of the American way, American values, they are Un-American.
Book Review: I've Seen Better
Summary: 4 Stars
"The truth is the truth whether we like it or not."
- p. 281 (hardcover edition)
In her fifth best-selling book, "Godless: The Church of Liberalism", Conservative commentator Ann Coulter lays out the argument for liberalism as being a religion, despite the fact that its devotees claim to be atheistic. According to Coulter, the mere tenants of liberalism make it a faith that is followed as devoutly as any branch of Christianity. It possesses stories of how we got here (evolution), has rules on punishment (Michael Dukakis' furlough policy that allowed Willie Horton to escape prison and terrorize a couple in their Maryland home), has 'moral' views on human rights (abortion), and protects members of society (teacher's unions). So why are liberals always claiming that they are not religious?
For the first half of the book, Ann discusses most of the topics listed above. Her comments are to the point, yet capture the essence of her argument. However, in the second half of the book (the parts on evolution), she becomes very long-winded. I understood her point in the first of three chapters on the subject, and the usually succinct Coulter drags them out. Despite my liking her other books, this one seemed unnecessarily drawn out.
The reason for the four-star rating? While I agree with most of Coulter's arguments (though not all of them), the writing here isn't as top-notch as I've seen from her before. The second half of the book is very slow reading compared with the first part, and at times I felt like she was merely repeating the same arguments over and over.
A fan of Ann Coulter? Read it. If you don't like her, or what she stands for, stay clear. You're not going to agree with what you read.
Book Review: Brilliant insights and great writing
Summary: 5 Stars
Ms. Coulter is very very good at what she does. All the proof you need are the outraged reviews from the dimwits below, most of whom obviously did not even read the book. That didn't stop the irrational ideologues from writing reviews of the book.
I am an atheist. Needless to say I was shocked to learn of the very real scientific problems with evolution. Obviously I am not buying the "intelligent design" or "god did it" argument, but any honest student can't help but learn a lot about the disease of "politically correct" science in this book.
Ms. Coulter is a very good writer. Even if you disagree, and obviously there are a few who do so, her writing is compelling. She makes powerful arguments that are very well documented.
To say the least I was taken back by her chapters on evolution. I now have to return to my own research on the subject that I thought was settled. That is a sign of a good book.
Of course you could simply reject her very well done arguments on evolution or more substantively on politics in general because they don't fit your preconceived notions. That seems to be the approach of many reviewers.
But if you are serious about learning both sides of significant issues, then you should be reading Ann Coulter's books. Compared to the unsubstantiated semi-literate drivel that comes from the pens and mouths of her critics like Franken or Maher, you will actually learn something from Coulter. Her books consist of systematic fact-supported arguments, not the repetitive nonsensical cant, platitudes and cliches of her critics.
For proof, you don't have to look any further than the numerous semi-literate reviews of GODLESS here on Amazon.