Rediscovering america’s Founding Principles with Jacob Needleman

Product Description

It has been said that when things are at their worst, Americans are at their best. American democracy has existed for more than two hundred years, surviving bloody wars, challenges, betrayals and bashing, and more recently, the tragic attacks of September 11, 2001. With each blow America seems to grow in strength and spirit, and the love of country only deepens. What is it about the structure of the constitution, the structure of the government, and the soul of the people that provides a safe haven for this kind of dynamic evolutionary process? Who were the founders of America, and how did they acquire the vision to establish such a nation? In this richly profound dialogue, world-renowned author, philosopher and professor at San Francisco State University, Jacob Needleman explores these questions and the sacred meaning of America. He provides us with an insightful look into the great collective soul of our forefathers and mothers, and helps us understand the deep significance of our country. “America is a spiritually defined country. It creates the conditions that protect the possibility of a search for knowledge, conscience and spiritual development within its borders. It is probably the most beneficent world power that has ever existed on the earth.”

Jacob Needleman, Ph.D. is a professor of philosophy at San Francisco State University and the author of many books including, The American Soul (Tarcher 2003), The Wisdom of Love (Morning Light Press 2005), Time and the Soul (Berrett-Koehler 2003), The Heart of Philosophy (Tarcher 2003), Lost Christianity (Tarcher 2003), Money and the Meaning of Life (Currency 1994), Time and the Soul: Where Has All the Meaningful Time Gone … and How to Get it Back (Doubleday 1997), Why We Can’t Be Good (Tarcher 2007).What Is God (Tarcher 2009), The New Religions (Tarcher Cornerstone Editions 2009). In addition to his teaching and writing, he serves as a consultant in the fields of psychology, education, medical ethics, philanthropy, and business, and has been featured on Bill Moyers’s acclaimed PBS series A World of Ideas. To learn more about the work of Jacob Needleman go to www.jacobneedleman.com

Topics Explored in this Dialogue:

• What it means to be an American citizen
• Why Lincoln and the mystery of his transcendent presence is relevant
• What is the story of George Washington and how he defined the presidency
• What was the miracle of 1787 and its contemporary relevance
• Why America’s founders were important

Host: Michael Toms Interview Date: 12/10/2001