December 22 - Sens. Raphael Warnock and James Lankford

In 'Losing Our Religion,' Russell Moore reflects on the crises facing American evangelicalism, including the loss of credibility, authority, identity, integrity, and stability. Moore argues that evangelicals should lean into their 'exilic identity' and avoid compromising their beliefs for political influence. He advocates for a return to the gospel over politics, truth over tribalism, and integrity over influence. The book is part memoir, lament, jeremiad, and indictment, offering wisdom and counsel for navigating the current challenges in evangelical Christianity[2][4][5].

Antonia Hylton's 'Madness, Race and Insanity in a Jim Crow Asylum' offers a critical examination of the intersection of race, mental illness, and the justice system during the Jim Crow era. The book sheds light on the discriminatory practices and systemic inequalities faced by African Americans within the mental health system. Hylton's research reveals the devastating impact of racism on the lives of individuals with mental illness. The book challenges readers to confront the historical injustices and ongoing disparities in mental health care. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for equitable access to mental health services for all.

In this book, Doris Kearns Goodwin artfully weaves together biography, memoir, and history to recount the emotional journey she and her husband, Richard (Dick) Goodwin, embarked upon in the last years of his life. The book is based on over 300 boxes of letters, diaries, documents, and memorabilia that Dick had saved from his time in public service, working with John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, and Robert Kennedy. The Goodwins' exploration of these archives reveals a personal time capsule of the 1960s, highlighting public and private moments of a decade marked by struggles for racial and economic justice and significant political events.