America's Prophet

By: Bruce Feiler

Narrated by: Bruce Feiler

Bruce Feiler’s New York Times bestsellers Abraham, Walking the Bible, and Where God Was Born brilliantly explored the roots of faith. With America’s Prophet, Feiler looks at Moses and the essential role the prophet has played in our nation’s history and development. Bruce Feiler’s most fascinating and thought-provoking book to date, America’s Prophet delves deeply into how the Exodus story and America’s true “Spiritual Founding Father” have inspired many of the most important figures and defining events in this country’s history—from the Mayflower Pilgrims to the Civil Rights movement—and how Moses can provide meaning in times of national crisis, even today.

©2009 Bruce Feiler; (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Another great book

Probably the most amazing thing about this book is that it illustrates how Moses has been a central character in the history of our country and nobody knew it. But it's all there and Bruce does a great job of moving through US history - from the Pilgrims on the Mayflower to George W. and Obama. Scholarly and entertaining. I am fascinated about American history and have read and listened to just about anything I can get my hands on and yet, I was constantly educated with this book. I've already started it over again. Well worth the money!

An education

I really really liked this book, and I am sure it has changed the way look at history, and many key figures in it, particularly the way I look at the founding of America. But there was an underlying tone I did not like. The author, Bruce Feiler, was Jewish. I have no argument with that, and I appreciate his point of view and totally understand it. The part I did not like was his comparison of Moses and Jesus Christ. He in effect dis-empowers Christ and gives all credit to Moses. I understand that he does not believe that Jesus was the Christ, and since he doesn't, he sees the comparison as being between two more or less equal leaders. He says Christ is not a very effectual leader. I suppose his opinions would change if he realized or believed that Christ is the God, the Great I Am, who spoke to Moses on Sinai. Wow, that would be a big eye opener, wouldn't it.

That said, I loved the things he had to teach me about the way Moses' story is used as a type for so many people and circumstances down through history. I learned so much, and for that I am grateful. Moses was a great prophet, there is no doubt about it. And as I recently reread the Pentateuch, I came to realize in a very powerful way how close Moses was to his Lord. I came to love and appreciate him more than I ever have.

This journey of mine through the Pentateuch, and now through this book on Moses and those other "Moseses" who have come after him, has been incredibly interesting and worthwhile. I have learned so much!

Learning history at its best!

The word Mosaic, what does that mean? You will know after reading this great book by Bruce. He does a fabulous job of narration and storytelling. The huge bonus is that he's done a ton of research and intertwines it with the greatest story! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and learned a lot too.

great insight

I loved the insight that the author imparts about our country through this book. As a bonus, you get to enjoy his passion in the telling because of his great personal narration.