MACKINLAY KANTOR Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Andersonville GOD AND MY COUNTRY A Novel By MacKinlay Kantor BASIS FOR THE MOVIE FOLLOW ME, BOYS MacKinlay Kantor, the master of the warm and human story, the writer who can make us believe the good in the worst of us, has woven a compelling, appealing novel about the life of a simple American man who held in his care the destinies of hundreds of boys. Here for the first time a major writer portrays the Scoutmaster in a small town in a role as vital as the greatest of schoolmasters, doctors, priests, or ministers. With rare insight and sym­pathy, MacKinlay Kantor has created the memorable Lem Siddons, who gave forty years of his wisdom, the fund of his laughter, the knowledgeable touch, the sweetness and love that were his, to generations of Boy Scouts. Not every boy who passed khaki-clothed along his life won the world's respect or the Scout­master's pride. There were some misfits, fallers-by-the-wayside . . . sure. But Lem Siddons knew his reward every waking moment of his life and in his dreams as well. His story is one you will remember as that of the closest of your friends: his love for the delicate and freckled Vida that grew with a lifetime, his son Downey who wanted to crowd the years. All the good Kantor writing is here, the lucid and homespun prose that makes tears well in your eyes even as a song rises in your heart. MacKinlay Kantor has set the scene for God and My Country in a small town very much like Webster City, Iowa, where he was born, and has dedicated the book to his Scoutmaster of those days. It is a perfect example of MacKinlay Kantor's special genius for capturing the full flavor of a small American town, and of its people. "There's a Mr. Chips' quality to this deceptively simple story. MacKinlay Kantor has told quietly, in realistic terms, the story of one man whose in­fluence permeate a whole Iowa town and rural area. No drum heating for the American vision here, but true democracy emerges in boys at every social and human level. A microcosm of America that strengthens one's faith."—Virginia Kirkus "God and My Country is a song from the heart of America which I would love to sing."—Burl Ives

A devout Catholic politician assassinated by a capricious dictator. A Cardinal standing up for his people in the face of political repression. A priest leading his nation’s constitutional revision. The “Mother Teresa of Uganda” transforming the lives of thousands of abandoned children. Two missionaries who founded the best community radio station in Africa. A peace activist who has amplified the voices of grassroots women in the midst of a brutal civil war. Such are the powerful stories in For God and My Country, a book that explores how seven inspiring leaders in Uganda’s largest religious community have shaped the social and political life of their country. Drawing on extensive oral research, J. J. Carney analyzes how personal faith, theological vision, and Catholic social teaching have propelled these leaders to embody Vatican II’s call for the Church to be a sign of communion and unity in the world. Readers will gain rich insight into Uganda’s postcolonial politics and the history of one of Africa’s most important Catholic communities. Each chapter closes with leadership lessons and reflection questions, making this an ideal text for classroom and parish adoption.

Habits of the mind : thinking in red and blue -- America's religious roots -- A new paradigm -- Conflict and change -- The culture war considered -- The usual suspects -- Religion, wealth, and poverty -- Religion, science, and the environment -- Sin and crime -- God and country, us and them -- Living together.

What do you believe in? James Yee believed in God and America and one of those got him thrown in jail.

Now in paperback, a volume of stunning photographs of 50 country music icons and intimate accounts of their thoughts on God, America, and their favorite songs. Award-winning photographer and author of My Last Supper, Melanie Dunea traces the throughlines from country music's gritty roots to the chart-topping chanteuses of today, presenting beautiful, imaginative, and revealing photographs of icons ranging from Taylor Swift to Wynnona Judd to Little Jimmy Dickens and conducting interviews that ask stars to discuss their musical roots and inspirations, their defining moments, and what makes country music the heart and soul of America. As the music industry fractures and suffers from flagging sales, country music has enjoyed explosive growth and unprecedented popularity. This totally unique book will be a must-own (and a perfect gift) for fans of the old time country twang and the millions who love the glitz and glamour of today's country-pop. My Country is a music-lovers dream, and in this more inexpensive, accessible market the book is sure to find its core audience amongst country music's legions of fans.

Americans enjoy freedom unparalleled in human history. But those freedoms come with great responsibilities, ranging from the responsibility to vote to the responsibility to have character and virtue. Me, My Country, My God examines what it means to be an American and how our heritage is revealed in the lives and actions of the great leaders of our past and in the biblical foundation on which America is built.