I had to give this all five stars. It is a classic of conservative thought. Not libertarian or pro-capitalist thought, either, CONSERVATIVE thought.

What does that mean? It means that Kristol faces up to the fact that capitalism has some anti-conservative implications, its profit orientation and individualism can undermine the stability of families and neighborhoods. He is not willing to accept that price, and thinks that capitalism ought to be reigned in. That is why he gives it only "two cheers" rather than the "three cheers" customary for unconditional approval.

This book is full of insights, even when it aggravates.

This insidious book gives tremendous insight into the LEFT turn conservatism made a number of years ago. One must read very closely so see how truth became sprinkled with corrosive error! Many prominent conservatives have fallen victim to the author's clever intellectual trap! This book illustrates how the pollution of New World Order Globalism and disguised liberal thought crept into mainline conservatism and took over the Republican Party! A disturbing revelation!

This book is a breathtaking collection of social thought--sober, lucid, even profound--on the possibilities and dangers of liberal society.

As the author of the review below is clearly a madman, a corrective is in order. Kristol thinks clearly, writes elegantly, and maintains an almost courtly good-humor and reserve.

In December 1993, the Ethics and Public Policy Center brought together a group of insiders for a symposium on the Religious Right. This book contains the writings of the symposium's participants, beginning with a fascinating introduction by Irving Krystal. The participants included Religious Right insiders (such as Ralph Reed), journalists, and university professors. Chapter 1 deals with what religious conservatives really want, chapter 2 takes a fascinating statistical look at the effect the religious right had on the 1992 election, and chapter 3 discusses democratic etiquette and the Christian's attitude relative to it.

This is quite an interesting book. Some of the discussions seem old hat to me, but others are quite fresh and interesting some eight years later. Please be advised that not every contributor to the symposium was either Christian or conservative, which meant that the discussion was quite lively and enlightening. Overall I did find this an interesting book, but subtract points for its datedness.