“Jesus Rode a Donkey gives us an alternative to the current culture war that divides America and its faith communities. I can’t think of a better Election Day gift for my Republican—and Democratic—friends.”
—William McKinney, Ph.D., President, Pacific School of Religion
“You do not have to be a Republican to be a good Christian. Dr. Seger’s excellent book helps make it clear that there are several strategic Biblical issues in America that are better addressed by Democrats. In the bright light of Scripture, many of us evangelicals, committed to its authority, truly dislike the forced dilemma between being a grieving Democrat or a frustrated Republican. Perhaps, as Dr. Seger reminds us, Jesus rode a donkey once, and his commands may become more clearly seen in the choices the present donkey makes for our future. Engaging some of the divine wisdom of this book could help make that happen.”
—Paul de Vries, Ph.D., President, New York Divinity School
“Linda Seger shows us a Christianity that overcomes divisions of liberal and conservative. But she also makes clear how liberal values are deeply rooted in the gospel message. Liberals need not think that their values are somehow less religious or Biblical than those of conservative Republicans. Seger does trenchant analyses of the conflicting values underlying conservative and liberal policy choices and asks which are closer to the values of Jesus, values rooted in love, compassion, and justice. This is an important book for this time in American life.”
—Rosemary Radford Ruether, Ph.D., Professor of Theology, Claremont Graduate University and Claremont School of Theology, and author of Sexism and God-Talk and Integrating Ecofeminism, Globalization, and World Religions
“A magnificent piece of work. This is one of the best evidences of scholarship, thoughtfulness, clarity, and strength. It’s a winner!”
—The Right Reverend Bennett J. Sims, Bishop Emeritus, Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, and author of Servanthood: Leadership for the Third Millennium
“As a Baptist preacher’s kid, Christian, and the only Democrat from El Paso County (an epicenter of Religious Right organizations), I am frequently compelled to point out the hypocrisy of Republican ‘value based’ legislation. Linda Seger’s book Jesus Rode a Donkey has given me reams of quotes, and I have used up at least one high-lighter while reading it. It has also provided me with a strong defense against those who have at times called me ‘devil worshiper,’ ‘sinner,’ ‘evil,’ and—worst of all—a Democrat!”
—Michael Merrifield, State Representative, District 18, El Paso County, Colorado State Legislature
“Jesus Rode a Donkey aptly demonstrates that no one secular political party has a lock on religious and Biblical authenticity and application. Those who are interested in this timely topic will admire Seger’s effort to bring clarity and balance to American religious and political interaction.”
—William Durland, Ph.D., author of God or Nations: Radical Theology for the Religious Peace Movement
“In this thoughtful book about crucial issues facing Americans today, Linda Seger calls for a new public discourse. Her perspective as a born-again Christian and a liberal Democrat challenges the right-wing stereotype that persons of deep faith are, or should be, conservative Republicans. Jesus Rode a Donkey also challenges left-wing Americans, especially liberal Christians, to affirm the vital connections between their personal faith and public policy.”
—Lloyd E. Ambrosius, Ph.D., Samuel Clark Waugh Distinguished Professor of International Relations and Professor of History, University of Nebraska
“Beyond today’s polarization, Seger has written a book of lasting scholarship. The political debate about values—and whose values—may never be the same. A reference source for truth-seekers across the political spectrum.”
—Hazel Henderson, futurist, economist, and author of Building a Win-Win World and Planetary Citizenship
“In a time when cultural awareness has become a requirement for effective global engagement, and a critical element in efforts to combat the growing threat of terrorism, Linda Seger offers a thoughtful treatise on tolerance and understanding among diverse religious traditions. While her book focuses on Christianity in the modern American political context, her approach is useful to anyone seeking understanding of different religions, customs, and cultural traditions.”
—Colonel Thomas Dempsey, U.S. Army (Retired), a regional studies specialist with experience in conflict resolution in both the Middle East and Africa
“In Jesus Rode a Donkey, Dr. Linda Seger has taken on today’s ‘story’ of controversial partisan politics, government and religion, and the sensitive issues facing contemporary Christianity. Supported with excellent research and Biblical references, Seger provides us with a unique and fascinating critique of what it means to be a devoted follower of Christianity in America from a more liberal point of view.”
—Kate McCallum, writer, media producer, and founder of the Center for Conscious Creativity
“Linda Seger’s book is an eloquent breath of fresh air in the political debate. Jesus Rode a Donkey is a clarion call for comity and peace-seeking dialogue. This book provides a well-marked path for those interested in removing the rancor and toxicity from our political discourse. In a rational world, every American President and Cabinet Secretary would be compelled to read it.”
—Robert Grant, award-winning movie producer and writer
“This is a work of immense depth, wisdom, and subtlety. Everyone, regardless of religious or political persuasion, will be inspired by the riches offered here.”
—Jean Houston, philosopher, social artist, teacher, and author of The Search for the Beloved and The Possible Human
Jesus Rode a Donkey
Fourth Edition
Why Millions of Christians Are Democrats
Linda Seger, Th.D.
Jesus Rode a Donkey: Why Millions of Christians Are Democrats
Copyright © 2016, 2014 and 2006, Linda Seger, Th.D.
v. 20160601
All rights reserved.
This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission from the publishers; exceptions are made for brief excerpts used in published reviews.
The author is the sole owner of the copyright for the content provided in this book, and is exclusively responsible for the content, the opinions expressed, or any errors of omission or commission herein.
Published by Clovercroft Publishing, Franklin, Tennessee. Published in association with Larry Carpenter of Christian Book Services, LLC.
This edition exactly matches the paperback published concurrently.
The 2014 second edition and the 2016 third edition were originally published by Haven Books, LLC
Reprinted with special permission from Haven Books
Book design by Reya Patton
Copyediting and e-book editing by Jean Laidig
Cover by Nick Zelinger
Author photo by Julie Gelfand
The 2006 first edition was originally published in hardcover by Adams Media, an F+W Publications Company
ISBN: 978-1-942557-81-4 (e-book)
ISBN: 978-1-942557-77-7 (paperback)
Linda Seger, 4705 Hagerman Avenue, Cascade, CO 80809
719-684-0405