Past and present civilizations fail for many reasons, but the number one predictor of a civilization’s survival is its sense of religion—or lack thereof. So argues First Things columnist David Goldman in How Civilizations Die (and Why Islam Is Dying Too). The strength of a civilization’s religion affects its purpose, its fertility rate, and ultimately, its fate, says Goldman—who then argues that, contrary to popular belief, Islamic countries are in the last throes of death while Christian America is in a position to flourish. Goldman goes on to say that America must embrace our exceptionalism and stop trying to save Muslim countries that are determined to destroy themselves. Original, stunning, and provocative, How Civilizations Die shows the power of religion to save—or doom—a society and why, if we stick to our principles, we will emerge as leader of another American century.
David Goldman is a columnist for First Things magazine as well as an economist and author. He is also a columnist for Asia Times Online and writes under the name “Spengler.” Prior to First Things and Asia Times Online, he was the global head of credit strategy for Credit Suisse, the global head of fixed income research at Bank of America, and a columnist for Forbes. In addition to his journalism and financial work, he is a regular on The Kudlow Report and has also been on Glenn Beck Radio. He lives in New York City.
Tom Weiner, a dialogue director and voice artist best known for his roles in video games and television shows such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Transformers, is the winner of eight Earphones Awards and Audie Award finalist. He is a former member of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.