The First Liberal: A secular look at Jesus¿ socio-political ideas and how they became the basis of modern Liberalism - Tapa blanda

"Altman has picked up on things that a good portion of the population has not yet discovered . The First Liberal is a timely book, and one I think will get more than a few people talking. It is the kind of talk that has been needed for a long time."-Reverend Fred C. Plumer, president, The Center for Progressive Christianity

Dennis Altman frames a fascinating discussion for both conservatives and liberals. Using Jesus' teachings as logical arguments unadorned by religious overtones, Altman challenges established notions with eye-opening impact.

Altman highlights how Jesus brought humanist values to the Roman world of cruelty and greed. He shows how Jesus was the first liberal voice among religious and political establishments, and the first major advocate for women's and minorities' rights. Altman examines Jesus' teachings in a modern context: our obligations to one another, the dangers of greed, the effective power of nonviolence, and the importance of liberal values in shaping the world for our children.

Regardless of your political or religious orientation, this exciting book will open new doors for you.

Dennis Martin Altman, a professor at the University of Kentucky, lives in the thick of America?s Bible Belt. In 1976, Altman worked as a media advisor for President Gerald Ford. After Nixon resigned, a Ford victory held hope for reshaping Republican ideals, and although Altman was a lifelong liberal, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Visit him online at www.thefirstliberal.com.Altman is a tenured professor at the University of Kentucky, where he teaches Integrated Strategic Communication and Ethics in the School of Journalism and Telecommunications. While living in America?s Bible belt, he?s been painfully aware of hard-working locals who habitually vote against their own best interests. This ?Red States? part of the country regularly elects conservative politicians who do their best to keep wages down and cut government appropriations for what the locals need most; more assistance in education and health care. (Kentuckians really are in bad shape ? the state is sometimes called the ?heart attack, stroke and lung cancer center of the USA.?) The author is no stranger to the political scene. During the election year of 1976, he was a media advisor to President Gerald R. Ford, and part of ?Campaign 76?, the committee to re-elect the President. Altman wrote and produced high-level campaign materials for the President that were noted for their effectiveness, yet free of the slurs and scares of recent political campaigns. He wasn?t a Republican, but after Richard Nixon?s disgrace and resignation, a Ford victory held hope for a chance to re-shape the Republican Party. Altman grabbed it with both hands.