Ralph Reed - Awakening: How America Can Turn from Moral and Economic Destruction Back to Greatness

Ralph Reed is an articulate advocate for faith and freedom, and this book makes a compelling case for why, even though they are under attack, liberty and belief in God will not only survive but prosper. If you want to understand why Ralph has played such an important role in American politics, then read this book. It will encourage and challenge you.

Senator Rand Paul

Americas greatness is rooted in faith, hard work, freedom, personal responsibility, and family. Ralph Reed captures the importance of these values, how they drew my parents and the forebears of other Americans to these shores, and why they are worth preserving.

Senator Marco Rubio

This book shows why Ralph Reed is one of the most effective and respected impact players in American politics. He demonstrates that what looked like a secular liberal renaissance may in fact be the prelude to a spiritual awakening and a conservative resurgence. I think hes right, and I highly recommend this book.

Sean Hannity

RALPH REED

BEST-SELLING AUTHOR AND FOUNDER OF FAITH & FREEDOM COALITION

Copyright 2014 by Ralph Reed

Published by Worthy Publishing, a division of Worthy Media, Inc., 134 Franklin Road, Suite 200, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027

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HELPING PEOPLE EXPERIENCE THE HEART OF GOD
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Library of Congress Control Number 2014930323

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE, The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995. Used by permission. Scripture quotations marked KJV are taken from the King James Version of the Bible. Public domain. Scripture quotations marked ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com .

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ISBN: 978-1-61795-287-6

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Printed in the United States of America

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by Mike Huckabee

To Nicole

Many people helped bring this book to fruition from the first breakfast meeting I had with Byron Williamson and Ted Squires in Atlanta to discuss whether I had something to say about the role of faith in America. Special thanks go to my literary agent Rick Christian for his vision, friendship, and counsel.

The entire team at Worthy Publishing has been terrific, starting with my very capable editors, Anita Palmer and Jennifer Stair, who helped translate my academic prose into accessible English. I also want to thank Byron, Dennis Disney, Sherrie Slopianka, and Morgan Canclini for their passion for this book and its message that with faith in God and a repentant heart there is still hope for wayward individuals and societies, including our own.

Ashley Samelson McGuire and Celine Villongco were indispensable to this book becoming a reality under a tight deadline with their dedication and hard work in digging up relevant research, suggestions, facts, and sources. Their enthusiasm for the subject was infectious and I am grateful for their contribution. My assistant Linda Ingram kept the trains running on time, as she has for sixteen years. I also wish to thank my colleagues at Century Strategies and Faith & Freedom Coalition for their support and friendship. Deal Hudson read every chapter and proved a good friend can also be an unflinching editor.

Many people talked to me about the rise of the religious conservative movement and what some have termed the Fourth Great Awakening, including Pat Robertson, James Robison, Paul Pressler, Richard Land, Cal Thomas, and John Conlan. Others talked to me about the early days of the pro-family movement but did not wish to do so for attribution, and I have respected their wishes.

My wife Jo Anne and I got married as I began work on my doctoral dissertation and she has endured the perpetual intrusion of multiple books since then with a rare patience, otherworldly grace, and immeasurable support. Our children sacrificed so their father could write at night, on the weekends, and on a family vacation. They are the joy of my life and I am grateful for their support and love.

Ever since I was a teenager in Hope, Arkansas, I have believed that the United States is a great nation because its a special nation. And I believe the United States is a special nation because it was founded by people who were first on their knees before they were on their feet.

We are a nation rooted in our faith.

The progressives, libertarians, or libertines may not like me saying that, but I dont care. After two decades of a successful political career, I care more about my countrys future than about being accepted by the liberal elite.

I know Ralph Reed feels the same, and thats why hes written this intelligent and perceptive book. Awakening is an urgently needed critique of a culture that is fast abandoning its guiding principles, which are rooted in the Holy Bible and written into its U.S. Constitution.

There is no doubt in my mind that the United States needs political changeand fast. But there also is no doubt in my mind that there is something more crucial than civic engagement or policy change.

Our politics will only reflect truth if and when we get back on our knees and experience a spiritual awakening. The ultimate answer to what ails America isnt found in politics but in repentance and moral renewal.

Thats what Awakening is calling us to.

Ive known Ralph since the 1990s when, as the prodigy executive director of the Christian Coalition, he built one of the most effective public policy organizations in recent political history. Not even his detractors can question his gifts as a political strategist. Ralph has helped elect U.S. senators, members of Congress, governors, and presidents. As one who has traveled the sawdust trail myself, I recognize political wisdom when I see it.

But Ralph did not write this book because he thinks we need another grassroots primer for activism. Yes, Christians should and must be involved in politics. Jesus called us to be salt and light in every area of life, and that includes government. If we refuse that calling, then we should not be surprised if our culture does a one-eighty and abandons our founding principles. We wont be able to blame liberals or cable news networks or President Obama. Well have only ourselves to blame.