Multi-Million Selling Authors and Recording Artists Toby Mac and Michael Tait Examine America's Spiritual Legacy in New Book: UNDER GOD
Book Offers Accounts of Famous and Little-Known Americans Whose Faith Played a Role in Keeping America’s Spirit "Under God"; Includes Key Historical Stories Taken out of Educational Curriculum for Religious Content; Urges Reader to Take a Stand and Return to Being One Nation “Under God”; Massive Demand for Book; 220,000 Copies Ordered Already.
New York, NY (PRWEB) September 23, 2004
From multi-million-selling authors and platinum recording artists Toby Mac and Michael Tait comes UNDER GOD, a new book that offers a portrait of AmericaÂ’s spiritual legacy and urges readers to take a stand for AmericaÂ’s future. As urgent and compelling as JESUS FREAKS, the authorsÂ’ previous acclaimed book series, UNDER GOD will be available in stores on October 1.
Using unforgettable accounts of both famous and little-known Americans, UNDER GOD examines the stories of men and women whose faith forged our nation. Chapters include the story of a British solder fighting in the French And Indian War in 1755, who amazingly could not be wounded in battle despite dozens and dozens of ammunition rounds being fired at him by sharpshooters. With two horses shot out from under him and four bullet holes in his coat, the enemy stopped firing at this man—George Washington—convinced that he was under God’s divine protection. The authors point out, interestingly, that this story appeared in “many school textbooks until 1934. Now few Americans have read it.”
Other chapters tell of notables including William Penn and Patrick Henry, as well as lesser-known individuals like Abraham Clark, who was forced to decide between independence of his country or the lives of his two sons, whom the British had captured. Other pertinent stories include how Congress, in 1880, sanctioned using the U. S. Capitol and other government buildings as houses of worship, as well as how, at the urging of Ben Franklin, Congress implemented the appointment of two chaplains of different denominations, who to this day offer prayers at the beginning of every session of Congress (“Thus, throughout the years Congress has honored the historic separation of church and state, but not God and state,” the authors write).
Against these, the authors pair the dark side of America’s legacy—racism, slavery, injustice—in order that a new generation might seek faith and avoid repeating the sins of the past. Chapters here include Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus, Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, Martin Luther King, Jr., and the story of Ruby Bridges, the little girl who defied segregation in the New Orleans school system. A chapter on Woodrow Wilson points out that despite his being honored with a Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts in ending WWI, Wilson caused a national firestorm by endorsing a racist movie entitled The Birth of a Nation, which went on to become the country’s highest grossing film for the following two decades and glorified the KKK.
UNDER GOD includes sixty such profiles and forty additional sidebars, as well as an essay exploring “What Is Freedom For,” which ends with the authors stating, “These Americans took their place and proved, over and over, that ‘One person acting with God can make a difference.’ Can we do less?”
Toby Mac is a member of dc Talk, an award-winning solo artist, and one of the authors of the multimillion-selling "Jesus Freaks" and "Jesus Freaks Volume II". He has sold more than seven million albums, won four Grammy awards, and garnered multiple Dove awards. Toby co-founded ERACE, a racial reconciliation foundation, and is also the founder of Gotee Records. His upcoming, October 5 release, "Welcome to Diverse City", finds unity through faith as it's threaded through a melding urban rock and hip-hop frame. He grew up just outside of Washington, D. C., and he and his family currently live in Tennessee. For more about Toby, go to www. tobymac. com
Michael Tait is a member of dc Talk and also his award-winning band, TAIT. He has sold more than seven million albums, won four Grammy awards, and garnered multiple Dove awards. He is also an author of the bestselling "Jesus Freaks" and "Jesus Freaks Volume II". He recently played the lead role in the national tour of the rock opera "Hero". Michael co-founded E. R.A. C.E., a racial reconciliation foundation. His newest release with TAIT is "Lose This Life". Michael grew up four blocks from the Capitol in Washington, D. C. He currently lives in Tennessee. For more about Michael, go to www. taitband. com.
The authors draw on the resources of WallBuilders, an organization dedicated to the restoration of the constitutional, moral, and religious foundation on which America was built. Founded by David Barton, it is dedicated to educating the nation concerning the godly foundation of our country; providing information to federal, state, and local officials as they develop public policy; and encouraging citizens to be involved in their communities. For more information, go to www. wallbuilders. com.
According to Bethany House Publishers, initial retail orders exceed 220,000 units, already making UNDER GOD one of the biggest releases of the year. For more information, log on to www. undergodthebook. com, which includes special content not in the book as well as a video interview with the authors, excerpts and much more.
TV/Radio/Print Contact:
Chris Roslan
(212) 966-4600/chris@NOSPAMderapr. com
Internet Contact:
Brett Benson
(952) 829-2529/bbenson@NOSPAMbethanyhouse. com
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