Igniting the Moral Courage of America by Dean Kilmer

Paperback: 181 pages
Publisher: Moral Courage Publications (December 23, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0976032783
ISBN-13: 978-0976032786

About the book:

The moral landscape of America is eroding. The values of "The Greatest Generation" have been replaced by greed, selfishness, and a widespread disdain for the traditional moral values on which this great nation was founded.

Dean Kilmer, author of Igniting the Moral Courage of America, challenges individual Americans to take action to reverse the tidal wave of negative values that is destroying the greatness of America. It must begin with a personal commitment to integrity. "Integrity, however, cannot become the norm in our nation’s people until good people become courageous people."
When individual Americans commit to becoming courageous people of integrity, they will intentionally spread that commitment to their families, schools, communities, and ultimately to our nation as a whole.

It is not too late to reverse the tidal wave of negative values that has been robbing America of its moral strength for half a century. It is not too late to restore this great country's commitment to traditional moral values. That restoration will happen when America, one person at a time, steps forward with renewed moral courage to make it happen.

Will you accept the challenge?

I was able to ask the author some questions. This is what he had to say.

Could you please tell us a little about your book?

While most Christians wonder what they can do about the negative trends in our country, this book reminds us that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. From the 92-year-old widow with cancer whose story has inspired the lives of thousands, to the average football coach who changed the lives of his players, to the reformed alcoholic who converted the meanest man in town, God is working!

This book documents the moral problems facing our country as it presents the long-term solutions for these destructive behaviors. We are reminded while life’s problems are extremely complex the solutions are simple. The solutions are found when one person allows the power of God to work in his or her life!

Igniting the Moral Courage of America starts in reverse. While most books begin with the foundation, this book begins with the challenge and builds through the solutions toward the powerful conclusion. The real foundation for life and morality is our God as He is revealed in the Bible. God’s absolute truth coupled with His amazing grace is the solid foundation that energizes good people. The real power is God working in you! You will be empowered by God to change your surroundings. While people who lack faith live “under the circumstances” of life, people of faith change the circumstances by God’s power.

Can people of all religious backgrounds benefit by reading this, or is it geared towards a particular religious sect?

Igniting the Moral Courage of America is designed for any person who believes in the Bible as God’s inspired word. Although many passages of scripture are used to explain God’s prospective on moral issues there is no church doctrine presented in the book.

Did something specific happen to prompt you to write this book or was it a culmination of many things?

During the past 30 years as I have spent hundreds of hours with people who are hurting I have discovered that most of their pain is caused by the decline of moral values in our nation. People hurt because of broken homes, child abuse, teenage pregnancy, the struggle of raising children as single parents, and the guilt over abortion. Look at the list, all of that pain could be removed if we learned to live by God’s moral standard. I wrote the book because I wanted to help the next generation to avoid this pain and enjoy the blessing of Godly living.

How did you define the moral problems facing this country and come up with long-term solutions?

I used two criteria to define the moral problems in the book. First, what does the Bible say about these specific activities, are they considered sinful by God? Second, are these problems hurting the lives of people in our nation today?

The long turn solutions have been developed by applying God’s Word to these problems and developing step by step ways to implement His moral standards in our society.

Who or what was the inspiration behind this book?

The book was written for the grandchildren! My prayer is that their generation will have a greater faith than my generation. Christian adults must be willing to protect the future of our children and grandchildren.

Who is your biggest supporter?

I always have great support from my wife Karen as well as my children Keith and Kelly. I have also received strong support from Roy Orr who is the former chairman of the Texas Democratic Party and was offered a position in Ronald Regan’s administration. Gary Bassett, the founder of the “Moral Courage Foundation” has also been a great supporter.

Your biggest critic?

The book presents reliable research into the dangerous and damaging lifestyle of homosexuals. Those who support the homosexual agenda strongly object to my material.

What cause are you most passionate about and why?

The saving message of Jesus Christ is the solution to the moral problems of our nation. I have spent my life working with people and trying to direct them toward our Savior.

In the last year have you learned or improved on any skills?

It is my goal everyday to improve my ability to serve God. I am working to improve my writing skills, my speaking skills and my people skills.

Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers?

I would encourage your readers to consider using this material in their small group Bible studies or in Bible classes. Each chapter has thought questions at the end which lead us into serious discussions about the moral issues of our day. The questions are designed to help the class to develop an approach to solving the problems in your city.

If your readers are interested in more information about a “Moral Courage Seminar” or they would like information about how to use this book in their Bible classes, they can contact by e-mail dean@moralcourage.net I am interested in helping anyone who wants to make a difference in our world.

About the author:

Dean Kilmer is the preaching minister for the College Street Church of Christ in Waxahachie, Texas. He has served in churches throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

He has conducted seminars on Church Growth, Leadership, and Teacher Training in 17 states. Dean has also been a guest speaker at Christian Universities across the nation.

Dean earned his undergraduate degree in Bible at Harding University and a master’s in Biblical Studies from Abilene Christian University.

He has authored the “Mastering the Word” Bible study, and has just recently written a book entitled Igniting the Moral Courage of America.

Dean has been married to his wife Karen for 37 years and they have two children and three grandchildren.