Jesus Rode a Donkey: Why Republicans Don't Have the Corner on Christ by Linda Seger

In this groundbreaking book, noted author and theologian Linda Seger, Th.D., explores what it means to be a Christian and a Democrat-and shows how the two are not mutually exclusive (as many Republicans claim), but rather inclusive. She reveals the close relationship between Democratic policy and Jesus's teachings-and the many ways in which the values Jesus espouses in the Bible correspond to the values Democrats call their own.

The idea that America's real Christians are all Republicans is just that-an idea, and an indefensible, divisive one at that. Jesus Rode a Donkey is a call to Christians everywhere to remember that Jesus was a liberal, who rode a donkey through the streets of Jerusalem-not an elephant.

Author Biography:
Linda Seger, Th.D. (Cascade, CO) is uniquely qualified to write this book-a theologian, author, and teacher with degrees in English (B.A.), an M.A. from Pacific School of Religion (a non-denominational seminary that prepares ministers for the United Church of Christ and the Methodist churches), a Th.D. from the Graduate Theological Union (GTU), and an M.A. from Immaculate Heart College Center in Los Angeles. She's a Christian and a Democrat.

Publishers Weekly

Despite the provocative title, Linda Seger, a theologian and commentator who has appeared on CNN, NPR and The O'Reilly Factor, disappointingly fails to deliver the "accounting of how Christian values are expressed through the Democratic Party" that she calls for in her introduction. Rather than juxtaposing Democratic Party platform ideas against her analysis of biblical references and Jesus' stand on topics ranging from abortion to the environment, health care, homosexuality and war, she instead defies her own battle cry to "stop the rhetoric." Much of the book is taken up with criticism of the current Republican administration, as well as conservative Christians and their actions, policies and hypocrisy. James Dobson and Focus on the Family figure more prominently in her debate than one might expect in a national overview of Christian Democrats. Sadly, Seger squanders the opportunity to provide Christian Democrats with a plan to showcase their religious values, much less bring new members to their party. The included study guide may serve for both personal and group reflection, and in the end, prove more useful than the uneven book that precedes it. (Aug.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Library Journal

This is a book that dares to ask, "How would Jesus vote?" Seger, a scholar of theology and a script consultant (Advanced Screenwriting) answers the question by calling a section of her first chapter "The Liberal Values of Jesus" and urging readers to "vote the Golden Rule." Her portrayal of Jesus as one who challeged authority and cared for society's outcasts is certainly not unique. She presents her argument that Democrats are "more Christian" than Republicans in a simple, straightforward manner, touching on all the hot-button social issues, from abortion to gay marriage and evolution vs. intelligent design, and alluding to the Iraq war. She quotes scripture and other theologians and cites examples from recent history to bolster her case. Her approach can come close to Bush-bashing, although her stated purpose is to promote mutual respect and minimize the passing of judgment. A study guide is linked to each chapter, and an appendix assesses "Christian values." Seger's book is best suited for high school and public libraries and optional for academic collections. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.