VICTOR WAN-TATAH Details about his new book

Book: “Religion and Politics in Presidential Elections”

Review comment: “In this well-researched and readable book, Wan-Tatah combines both the advantageous perspectives of a participant- observer with the analysis and skill of a trained scholar of the phenomenon he is describing. Wan-Tatah combines both the long view and the close-up. He can spot both fundamental trends and passing trivia and knows how to distinguish between the two. His topic could not be timelier.” — From Harvey Cox, Hollis Research professor of divinity at Divinity School at Harvard University, in the forward of the book.

Background: Dr. Wan- Tatah is a professor of philosophy and religious studies at Youngstown State University and director of the Africana Studies Program. He is a two-time recipient of the Distinguished Professor Award, former president of YSU Chapter of Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and recipient of the Mary Bethune Award by Youngstown Chapter of the Association of Negro Women. He is a board member of Ohio North East Health System and member of the University Diversity Council.

Book available: Barnes and Noble and other area stores.

Book signings: After the 10 a.m. service today at Canfield Presbyterian Church, 140 W. Main St., Canfield, and after the 11 a.m. service next Sunday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 707 Arlington St., Youngstown. Other book signings will be announced.

Comments from the author: The subtitle of the book is “The toxic influence of religion in recent presidential elections.” Wan-Tatah said he wrote the book in response to what he saw and heard in the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections. “Half of what was broadcast was misleading,” he said, and blamed the “talking heads on TV and radio.” He said, “The public needs to be informed.” Wan-Tatah said, “No religion supports character assassination.” He said what the American people have witnessed in recent elections is “very disturbing.” The author continued that “we are all made in God’s image, and the ultra test is for people to love their enemies.” Politicians need to follow that mantra, Wan-Tatah said, noting that people of faith should “live the example” and “show respect to one another.” The ultimate test is “what you did,” he said.