Peaceful Neighbor

I received an ARC copy of this e-book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As I was reading this very thoughtful and deeply theological book I realized that I was not the right audience for this—sort of like I had accidentally wandered into the wrong movie. I was looking for a biography with some insight into Fred Roger’s philosophy/theology. I am a huge fan of this man and feel that he is one of those few people that left the world a better place than he found it. What I got was a thoughtful and deep exploration of his theology with biographical facts along the way. I would say that if you are looking for a biography (as I was) then look elsewhere; if you enjoy theology and its impact on US politics (of 70’s and 80’s in particular) then this book is for you.

I learned that Roger’s philosophy and his theology are not separable. I didn’t know that he was an ordained minister but it didn’t surprise me. I started this book thinking of Rogers as a gentle and enlightened man of grace and substance yet emerged from this realizing that he was tougher than I knew and that that he was as much a fighter for his ideals as he was a leader by example. Rogers, always from his perspective of protecting and nurturing children, considered war to be the most heinous act of child abuse possible and he was not above taking people, especially world leaders, to task for not working for peace.

My son grew up watching Mister Rogers Neighborhood, thus that meant that we his parents also watched this show. There was just something special about Fred Rogers and his ability to bring a soothing yet educational show to young children. From the opening of the show when he would enter and sing a song and change out of a coat and put on a warm sweater (made by his mother) and sit down to talk with you it was just calming and soothing.

But there was more to Fred Rogers than what the children saw. He was a Presbyterian Pastor who was highly educated and had a high sense of morals and family values. He was also someone who loved his country and the people whom he served as a Pastor.

So, to read this book is to discover another side of Fred Rogers that wasn't completely apparent as you watched his show. He was an activist sharing his views on current events, but done in a way that kids could understand and learn from and parents could discern a deeper meaning.

This book does a great job of sharing more about Mr. Rogers and his views on the war in Viet Nam, his thoughts regarding racial divide and his concern for the decline in America of family values.

As someone who watched the show with his son I was drawn into the book to learn more about the man behind the on stage presence. If you or your children were fans of Mr. Rogers Neighborhood you will enjoy this book.

Learn what a committed Christian can accomplish when he puts his mind to it.

Enjoy!

Always knew that Mister Rogers inspired non voilence acceptance and love. But while reading this book Long describes how his deep faith instilled in him the courage to help children to accept their dreams, fatih and to never loose touch with them.

Michael G. Long has written a masterful biography of beloved television icon, Fred Rogers, in "Peaceful Neighbor." Long connects the dots for the reader by outlining who Rogers was as a man and how "Mister Roger's Neighborhood" became his platform for advocating change in the world. This close examination of Roger's beliefs, his interactions with others, and how valiantly he fought to protect children everywhere demonstrates a depth to this man that makes him all the more lovable, while debunking popular legends and urban myths about him..

To dismiss Fred Rogers as merely a children's TV host is a huge mistake.
Thanks, Mr. Long. I'm glad that someone is paying attention. :)