"The Bottom Line"

Leviticus v. Leviathan: Choosing Our Sovereign

by Wayne B. Holstad, J.D.

A book review by Thomas Lindaman
04/16/04

When we look out at American society these days, there’s one question that far too often comes to mind: Where did we go wrong? It seems as though there’s a taint infecting everything from entertainment to government, and it’s not unusual to feel a little overwhelmed, wondering what we can do.

Wayne B. Holstad has an idea. In his book Leviticus v. Leviathan: Choosing Our Sovereign, Holstad gives readers a lesson in how things were, how things are, and how things should be.

From the outset, Holstad sets up the conflict between small, Judeo-Christian-inspired leadership and large, secular leadership, as reflected in the title of the book. Throughout, he gives the reader plenty of examples of where Leviathan has overcome Leviticus. At times, it’s easily understood why Christians are not getting as involved in politics as often, but perhaps the most striking element of the book aside from its scholarship is in the hopefulness Holstad exudes. It’s one thing to find fault with the world and say, “There’s nothing I can do.” It’s another to offer suggestions and believe that it is possible to make the changes necessary to make things better. Although Holstad truthfully tells readers that it’s an uphill battle thanks in part to social and legal thought, he never gives up on the notion that good people can fix the problems.

Another of the book's strength is the depth of research from multiple areas of expertise. World history, philosophy, religion, law, social issues, all are addressed in one form or another and with supporting documentation throughout. The bibliography at the end of the book underscores Holstad's research.

But along with the research, there are glimpses into Holstad's personal life. At the beginning of several of the chapters, Holstad relates a story of how the issue has impacted him personally or philosophically. Oftentimes, the stories revolve around speeches he has given in foreign countries and how people unfamiliar with our system of government view us. Sometimes the best observations about ourselves come from those who barely know us, as Holstad reveals.

However, I do have to offer a word of warning. This book is not light reading by any stretch of the imagination. It is meant to make you realize the depths to which our system of government and law have sunk and to motivate you to act. It challenges you on many different levels to review your life and determine if you have done everything in your power to prevent the moral and intellectual decay thas has plagued our society and government for decades. Even so, Holstad never loses faith that mankind will make things right.

One part history lesson, one part article of faith, one part social commentary, one part legal history, and one part instruction manual, Wayne B. Holstad's Leviticus v. Leviathan: Choosing Our Sovereign is a wake-up call for Christians to take a stand and reverse America's slow erosion.