miguelf's review
4.0
The treatment of Adam Smith in terms of looking at his overall career, thought and work was exceptional here. I would gladly read anything that Friedman would care to write about Smith and found myself highlighting much of the first 4 chapters that discuss this topic. The subsequent chapters dealing with religious thinkers especially in early America were less interesting personally although one can certainly appreciate the scholarly detail here. The work as a whole solidified prior assumptions that much of what we see in modern US politics and social attitudes are deeply driven by earlier adherence and belief in concepts like prosperity gospel teachings and those few within the religious structures that put up objections were largely pushed aside. Overall, enjoyed the economics parts and the religious ones less so.
kyladenae94's review against another edition
3.75
an interesting overview & analysis. i do wish people would stop saying “religion” when they mean “christianity” though.
bethh609's review
4.0
Brilliant insight into the foundation that created the American mythos as well as the evolution of the Protestant religions. It sheds light on the shape of politics today; past truly is prologue. I highly recommend it.
firolimn's review
5.0
Covers pre-enlightenment thought which influenced Adam Smith and eventually reaches modern American politics and the consequences of various religious movements on public policy. As someone with only cursory knowledge of Christianity, this book hugely informative. Helped clarify the differences between Catholicism and the countless permutations of Protestantism. Dry at times, deeply compelling at others.
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