Bookshelf: ‘The Conservative Soul’ by Andrew Sullivan
If you’re a regular blog reader, then there’s no doubt you’ve heard of Andrew Sullivan — one of the few bloggers to have “made it” in my opinion. I’m not really sure how many bloggers flip their success into the long-form, hardcover world, but if more books are like Sullivan’s, then I’m somewhat encouraged.
I’ll admit, I’m a casual reader of Sullivan. He’s not on my daily list of “must reads” (most of my must reads are local, state blogs with some entertainment/gossip mixed in), but I do find myself enjoying his approach to the medium.
I wasn’t planning on picking up his book, however, after reading through the prologue at Barnes & Noble, I grew very interested in what he had to say. I’ve managed to find time to read through the first two chapters so far, and it has been a very engaging read.
I can confidently say that no matter how you define yourself politically, you’ll probably enjoy Sullivan’s writing and also his topic choice: conservatism. What makes his venture different that the other “hot air” pundits who crank out their venom? Sullivan tries to explain his view of how there’s a great dividing difference between “conservatism” and “fundamentalism” and how each has developed on very different paths.
In his second chapter, Sullivan spells out how “fundamentalism” is built into the minds of those that believe in it. He makes the case that it is dangerous and explains clearly how this thought process works for those rooted in it — with modern, historical and personal examples.
I’m at the point in the book now where he begins to explain how the modern Republican party has become more rooted in fundamentalism rather than conservatism. It’s a fascinating read that branches out to readers of any particular political philosophy and also sends out a warning of allowing any type of fundamentalism into the political sphere, where politics and a “religion” merge.
I suppose that if you look at the core principles of Sullivan’s second chapter, the book could easily become a template and starting off point for even a liberal author, continuing to argue for a “liberal soul” rather than Sullivan’s “conservative soul.” The main point that I’ve gathered so far has been a call for the rejection of his definition of fundamentalism.
So, that’s my thoughts on it so far. When I finish the book, I’ll write my final reactions.
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