While the Bible is enough to take us to heaven, knowing history helps us live more wisely on our way. George Orwell observed in Nineteen Eighty-Four that those who pay attention to history have the potential to influence the future. Stuck in the Present offers a grounding in historical consciousness that allows us to better navigate the daily bombardment of information. Amnesia about the past makes us vulnerable to the shackles of modern-day hucksters who try to convince us that the present is all that matters. With wit and grace, Moore encourages readers to avoid common historical fallacies and better understand the significance of the past. Through interviews conducted with leading historians, Moore invites readers to better understand relevant topics like the living legacy of the Puritans, slavery and the Civil War, and the current struggles for Civil Rights. Stuck in the Present motivates readers to be lifelong learners of history. By doing so, we are enriched and better equipped to engage the complexities of our world.
- EXPERIENCED Regular contributor to Christianity Today/Jesus Creed ; three previous books; hosted one-hour PBS special where he interviewed William F. Buckley; highest ranked radio show in Austin for time slot; has interviewed 200 well-known scholars and writers, including three Pulitzer prize winners; wrote some of the top-read posts on Patheos/Jesus Creed .
- AWARD-WINNING The Battle for Hell won the Professor C. B. Bjuge Award at Trinity Evangelical School for best thesis on a theological subject. Holman Old Testament Commentary on Ecclesiastes was picked by Preaching Magazine as one of the best books for preachers.
- UNIQUE There are other primers or introductions to the study of history, but Stuck in the Present includes motivation and perspective on learning that many books lack. It also shows how growing in historical understanding is a great aid to Christian formation. David Moore's interview questions were focused and relevant. He has a unique ability to draw out answers from the interviewee that go beyond the usual clichés and boilerplate. I found the experience of being interviewed by him to be stimulating. It helped me focus on the main points I tried to get across in my book. - James McPherson, Pulitzer-Prize winning historian, Princeton University In the hands of David Moore, history becomes so much more than simply dates and dead people. Instead, as he loves what he loves in front of his readers, history comes alive-and the learning of history becomes vital, the very foundation of wisdom and discernment. I highly recommend this handbook to life and learning. - George Grant, pastor and prolific author Dave did his homework, asked all the right questions, and was a pleasure to sit down with. He's a real pro. -the late Tony Horwitz, Pulitzer-Prize winning author and historian I find Dave's writing extremely compelling. He has produced a work that is scholarly, convincing, and practical. Stuck in the Present challenges me to expand my own knowledge of history along with helping my students counteract the postmodern ideas permeating our culture. - Diane Keller, founder, Legacy Community Christian School Good historical thinking is absolutely necessary if we Christians are to have a better understanding of ourselves and the culture we are trying to reach with the gospel. David Moore understands this. His thoughts about history should be heeded by congregations everywhere. - John Fea, professor of History, Messiah College
