American's
love freedom. But Guinness believes that America's deepest crisis at
present is that of ordered liberty and sustainable freedom.
Freedom
is its own greatest enemy. It can prove to be an Achilles' heel,
dissipating into license, triviality, corruption, etc. Freedom
requires order and self-restraint. Guinness believes, “Americans
today are heedlessly pursuing a vision of freedom that is short-lived
and suicidal.” (29)
“If
the founders were correct, contemporary America's pursuit of
political leadership without character, economic enterprise without
ethics and trust, scientific progress without human values, freedom
without virtue...can only end in disaster.” (34)
Guinness
covers the founders' understanding of the tasks of sustainable
freedom, the classical understanding of why no political systems have
endured, the founders' solution to the challenge of sustaining
freedom, the condition of American freedom today, America's
international standing, and the possible grounds for America's
restoration.
Guinness
brings reality to the discussion. The world is flawed. There is not
going to be any lasting victory for freedom in the world. American
freedom is being tested in the international arena.
Guinness
believes in the possibility of American renewal. He outlines the
three tasks necessary for freedom to last. There will be a high
price to pay if Americans do not act soon.
Guinness'
book is not light reading. He critiques America's current situation.
It is not an encouraging situation. But there is hope.
IVP
Books, 224 pages.
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