The Theft of America's Soul, by Phil Robertson

Phil Robertson is reliably funny and faithful.  As the star of the show "Duck Dynasty" he brought his humor, faith, family, and, of course, his love of duck hunting into America's living rooms.  In The Theft of America's Soul: Blowing the Lid Off the Lies That Are Destroying Our Country, he calls on the rest of the country to reject the lies of the devil and turn to God.

Robertson doesn't abandon his good humor and goofiness, even in this book about some very serious topics.  For example, in a passage about his love of a strong cup of coffee, he writes, "one of the primary lies that threatens to steal the soul of America is this: European-named, lightly-tinted brown water filled with sugar and topped with whipped-cream swirl is the same thing as coffee."  I would imagine a lot of coffee drinkers will drink to that!

Most of the book is deadly serious.  I got a couple of impressions about Robertson and his faith.  First of all, he is passionate about sharing Jesus with people.  He is very open about his own wayward years.  He grew up in church, but without really knowing Jesus.  He got married young, and spent a lot of years drinking and whoring (his word).  After his wife left him and his life hit bottom, he turned to God and became a passionate preacher.  He doesn't miss many opportunities to spread the gospel.

The second impression sprouts from the first.  Given his journey into faith, he tends toward a legalistic faith.  Yes, he's calling people to turn to God and trust Jesus, but places a lot of emphasis on turning from sin.  Even as I write that, I think, "Well, that's the gospel."  To Robertson, it seems like he reverses the order: stop your sinful ways, then trust Jesus, placing the emphasis on the repentance and actions of the sinner.  I think more in terms of: trust Jesus, then you will stop your sinful ways, placing the emphasis on the grace and power of God.  I'm probably splitting hairs here.  I think I just want to understand the strong legalistic streak I see in Robertson's writing.

I certainly am not faulting him for his passion for other people to know Jesus.  He writes about preaching in the toughest prison in Louisiana, as well as sharing the gospel message with President Trump.  There aren't many people who can communicate effectively across demographic groups the way Robertson can!  Praise God that he has used his fame and media platform to consistently preach the gospel, even when it costs him.

If you enjoy "Duck Dynasty" you will certainly love The Theft of America's Soul.  It's Robertson at his most passionate.  Even if you're not a fan (I have never seen an episode), you will be challenged by Robertson's message that our nation needs to turn to God.  His is a solid, common-sense, God-centered message.


Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!