During the 1980s American popular opinion was heavily influenced by the ideas of several highly-visible public figures whose views continue to command the respect and endorsement of millions. This book systematically exposes the distortions and misunderstandings that permeate four of these positions: the "metaphysical" speculations of Shirley MacLaine, the Rocky and Rambo films of Sylvester Stallone, the Nicaraguan policy of Ronald Reagan, and the electronic evangelism of Jim and Tammy Bakker. Through vigorous and sustained critiques, the author shows that all of them, though posturing as wise approaches to important problems, are so severely flawed as to constitute prime examples of shallow-minded thought.
"This book represents some of the most careful scholarship that is likely to be found on the popular persons and ideas covered. Not a single controversial claim is left undocumented. The force of the whole analysis of each topic is quite convincing and, because of the documentation, virtually uncontrovertible. The book may even encourage other scholars to take on those in our culture whose work cries out for such precise analysis." (T. Edward Damer, Emory and Henry College)
"Professor Habermehl has achieved a brilliant 'tour de force' that is a must-read for every discerning person exasperated with the burgeoning superficiality of our culture - popular, political, & religious... The most original & useful contribution of this book... is in Habermehl's critique of some leading offenders of the 1980s', in which prodigious & painstaking research, impeccable logic, extensive evidence, penetrating argumentation, fresh insight, innovative analogization, articulate and readable prosesystematically dismantle the fallacious and sometimes fraudulent reasoning of the subjects chosen for their popular appeal to large audiences of the general public... This incisive critique remains relevant for today and tomorrow as a scalpel (not a hammer) in the hands of those who are 'lovers of wisdom'." (Robert A. Dyal, Southwest Texas State University)
"Professor Habermehl has achieved a brilliant 'tour de force' that is a must-read for every discerning person exasperated with the burgeoning superficiality of our culture - popular, political, & religious... The most original & useful contribution of this book... is in Habermehl's critique of some leading offenders of the 1980s', in which prodigious & painstaking research, impeccable logic, extensive evidence, penetrating argumentation, fresh insight, innovative analogization, articulate and readable prosesystematically dismantle the fallacious and sometimes fraudulent reasoning of the subjects chosen for their popular appeal to large audiences of the general public... This incisive critique remains relevant for today and tomorrow as a scalpel (not a hammer) in the hands of those who are 'lovers of wisdom'." (Robert A. Dyal, Southwest Texas State University)