“America’s Moral Compass: A Review of “America’s Choice” by Tad R. Callister
In an era where the cultural and political landscape of the United States seems more divided than ever, Tad R. Callister’s book, “America’s Choice,” emerges as a bold statement about the nation’s spiritual and moral direction. Callister, a former member of the Presidency of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, leverages his background in law and religion to argue for a return to what he views as America’s foundational Christian values.
The Premise
Callister’s premise is straightforward yet provocative: America stands at a crossroads, where the path it chooses will determine its future prosperity, unity, and moral integrity. He posits that the country has drifted from the Judeo-Christian principles that, in his view, were instrumental in its historical success.
Historical Reflection
The book begins with a historical reflection, painting a picture of the Founding Fathers as deeply religious men whose faith influenced the creation of a nation predicated on liberty, justice, and the rule of law. Callister discusses how these values, intertwined with religious conviction, shaped American society, promoting a culture of personal responsibility, family, and community.
Diagnosis of Decline
Callister then shifts to diagnosing what he sees as America’s current ailments: moral relativism, the erosion of family structures, rampant individualism divorced from moral accountability, and a political system he believes has lost its moral bearings. He points to statistics on crime, drug use, divorce rates, and a perceived decline in public civility as symptoms of this decline.
Call to Action
The heart of “America’s Choice” is its call to action. Callister advocates for a personal and collective revival of faith. He argues that each citizen must choose to live by higher moral standards, suggesting that this personal commitment can lead to societal transformation. Education, he asserts, should return to teaching not just skills but also virtues and patriotism, grounded in a respect for the country’s religious heritage.
Political and Legal Critique
The book doesn’t shy away from critiquing current political trends, especially those he sees as undermining traditional values. Callister discusses legal decisions and policies that he believes have moved away from the nation’s founding principles, urging for a leadership that reflects and promotes these values.
Hope and Redemption
Despite the somber diagnosis, Callister ends on a note of hope. He believes that America can rediscover its moral compass through repentance, faith, and a recommitment to its spiritual roots. He outlines practical steps for this revival, from voting with moral considerations in mind to engaging in community service and living exemplary lives.
Style and Reception
Callister’s writing is both a sermon and a scholarly argument, blending biblical references with American history and contemporary critique. His style is engaging, aimed at those who might be sympathetic to his views but also at those who might not have considered the spiritual dimension of America’s challenges.
The reception of “America’s Choice” has been mixed. Critics argue that Callister’s perspective might oversimplify complex social issues by reducing them to a decline in religious observance. Supporters, however, praise the book for its clear call to moral action in a time when many feel directionless.
Conclusion
“America’s Choice” by Tad R. Callister is more than just a book; it’s a manifesto for those who believe in the transformative power of faith in American life. It challenges readers to consider the role of morality in public and private life, urging a return to what Callister perceives as the nation’s spiritual foundation. Whether one agrees with his diagnosis or prescription, the book undoubtedly sparks a conversation about the soul of America, its past, and its potential future.