Ignite the Moral Courage of America

Joining us today is Dean Kilmer. Dean is the preaching minister for the Collge Street Church of Christ in Waxahachie, Texas. He is also the author of Igniting the Moral Courage of America: Six Ways You Can Inspire People to Live with Integrity. We'll talk about this book and Dean's plans for the future.

Thanks for joining us today, Dean. Can you tell us a little about your book?

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 though 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.

Integrity: We love the concept, but when push comes to shove we would rather be on the winning team. Has political correctness made cowards out of people who have real moral character? Will the tidal wave of negative values, continue to destroy the moral fiber of America? Are we destined to be a nation of abused children, broken homes, abortions, and homosexuality?

No! That´s not America! We are a people of great moral fiber who have been pushed aside by the disruptive voices of a minority made up of radical immoral people. This book, Igniting the Moral Courage of America: Six Ways You Can Inspire People To live With Integrity, provides examples of how ordinary people have a powerful impact on the morality of future generations. 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!

What inspired you to write this book?

The future of my grandchildren is the primary motivation for the book. The world we are leaving to them is one filled with pain, child abuse, broken homes, children born to single parents, abortion, and increased suicides, all filling lives with hurt. I want something better for my grandchildren! We must become proactive in relationship to moral issues rather than reactive or this tidal wave of destructive values will destroy future generations.

Are you concerned that people will find the book too judgmental?

No! The most unloving characteristic of our society is the fact that we see people destroying their lives by faulty lifestyles and refuse to help them! I have studied God´s word and I have studied the lifestyles that violate God´s word. God´s way is better. Because I love people, I will share His way. Sure there will be people who disagree, and that is their privilege, I just feel sorry for them because they are missing a wonderful life. The modern concept of tolerance has become the death knell of the truth! When Jesus said "I am the way, the truth and the life," He was telling us that there is a right way to live!

When you write a book like this aren´t you really "preaching to the choir"? How will people who read this book make a meaningful impact on society as a whole?

Sure I´m "preaching to the choir". Christians are the people who can change the world! This is a book for Christians and it is filled with ideas and thoughts demonstrating how God can work through us to change our nation. When Gary Bassett read the book, he decided to start the "Moral Courage Foundation." This year 20 high school seniors were rewarded because they live for God. How many lives do you think they will impact? During our "Moral Courage Seminar" in Waxahachie Texas, the mayor was present, the country judge, most of our school administration, and a large number of other community leaders. That is having an impact for God! God works through His people! God works through His people and He has the power to change our nation. So, come on "choir" let´s change America!

Can a non-believer also find something helpful from reading the book?

This book provides in-depth research on the effects of lifestyle choices which will be valuable to anyone who wants to make wise decisions in their life. Integrity, love, peace of mind and courage are blessings that any reader will enjoy developing.

Do you have a website where readers can find out more?

My website is moralcourage.net

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

The book and the DVD are available from the website along with Bible class specials. The book may also be ordered through your local Christian book store and at Amazon.com.

What is up next for you?

I plan to continue conducting "Moral Courage Seminars" around the country to provide churches with the tools they need to build Godly moral values in their communities. I am also working to help start more chapters of the "Moral Courage Foundation" around the country.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

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 me by e-mail at dean(at)moralcourage(dot)net. I am interested in helping anyone who wants to make a difference in our world.