Vision and faith are the themes in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers, beginning with the foresight of the greatest of America’s founders, followed by the convictions of the Jewish people and their concept of the modern state of Israel. Others depict the faith and vision of today’s most recognizable televangelist and offer a practical guide to the religiously devout in America. And for a counter levity, there is the latest heart-pounding military thriller from a New York Times bestselling novelist.

“Into the Gray Zone,” by Brad Taylor (William Morrow)

When Taskforce operator Pike Logan foils an attempted attack on a meeting between U.S. and India intelligence services, they believe it to be an amateur, isolated incident. But Logan’s not so sure. When that is followed with an attack at the Taj Mahal, he does more digging and uncovers a geopolitical scheme targeting India in a gray zone, the area between peace and war, with the intent to destabilize the two global powers. “(Brad) Taylor has written (19) novels featuring Pike Logan, and they are still top quality and one of the best ongoing series involving special ops,” wrote Jeff Ayers for Criminal Element. “He’s able to keep the stories engaging with terrific characters and locales while also making them accessible for newcomers. After reading this one, they will want to seek out the previous books, and they, along with Taylor’s fans, will be eager to see what’s in store next for Logan and the Taskforce. Who knew stepping into the gray zone could be so much fun?”  [Fiction]


“The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, History's Most Versatile Genius,” by Mark Skousen (Republic Book Publishers)

When one considers the greatest of America’s founders, the names George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and James Madison come immediately to mind. But “America’s Economist” Mark Skousen makes the case that the greatest of the great was never elected president but was nonetheless a man ahead of his time — Benjamin Franklin.

The author ls a direct Franklin descendent, and reveals many little-known facts about him, including:

• Why Washington loved Franklin and Adams despised him;
• Why he turned against his beloved son, William, and never forgave him;
• Why he never applied for any patents on his famous inventions;
• How the War of Independence transformed him from a religious heretic to a believing theist;
• Why he hated party politics;
• How he changed his mind about slavery and became a devout abolitionist

Although Franklin was a full generation older than Washington and Jefferson, Skousen argues he was much more forward thinking than any of the other founders. “Mark Skousen's ‘The Greatest American’ is more than a compelling biography — it's an intellectual revival of Benjamin Franklin's enduring relevance,” wrote Michael Levine for Amazon. “Skousen's argument is persuasive: if America is to flourish, it must revisit and rekindle Franklin's practical wisdom. This is not just a book for history buffs — it's a call to action disguised as a biography. It's a rare achievement.”  [Nonfiction]


“Israel and Civilization: The Fate of the Jewish Nation and the Destiny of the West,” by Josh Hammer (Radius Book Group)

Israel is at the tip of the spear in a war between Western civilization and Islamic terrorism. As such, the West needs Israel just as much as Israel needs and deserves the resources and support of the West. Journalist and legal expert Josh Hammer makes the case in “Israel and Civilization” that a flourishing and prosperous Jewish people and the Jewish State of Israel is the key to the prosperity of the West. Israel is not merely the West’s greatest ally in the Middle East, it’s our most important ally for mutual peace and prosperity. “This book is a love letter to the Jewish people, a manifesto for moral clarity, and a thunderous wake-up call to the West,” wrote None Ofyourbusiness for GoodReads. “Zionism, Hammer proclaims, is not a nationalist anomaly but a civilizational necessity. And in his unforgettable words: ‘If Jerusalem falls, the West is not next — it is already gone.’”  [Nonfiction]


“JOEL OSTEEN BIOGRAPHY: Spreading Hope and Encouragement to Millions Around the World,” by Stephen S. Fink (Independently published)

This biography of the Houston-based pastor and televangelist is a look at someone known for his prosperity theology and the Word of Faith movement. He also founded the non-denominational evangelical Christian Lakewood megachurch. With his message of hope and encouragement, Osteen transformed a small neighborhood church into a global pastoral community reaching millions. But this is not merely a report on a man who rose to prominence through hard work, determination, and faith. It’s also a call to embrace hope when times feel tough in the reader’s own life, to find courage in faith, and discover how positive thinking and a generous heart can transform the reader’s life and world.  [Nonfiction]


“The Spiritual Price of Political Silence,” by Christy Chavers Stutzman (End Game Press)

Author, politician and businesswoman Christy Stutzman, who recently appeared on Newsmax TV’s Chris Salcedo Show, argues that faith-based Americans have an obligation to get involved in politics. Bad things are bound to happen when we don’t — and they have. She submits that faith played a huge role in the founding of the United States. God is referenced no fewer than four times in the Declaration of Independence. But because we’ve turned away from faith in the last century, we’ve seen pornography in elementary school libraries, and school children groomed to become transsexuals. It’s up to faith-based Americans to get involved and set America back on course. “How many of us are currently surveying the cultural landscape of what is happening in our towns and cities and asking, ‘How did our country get like this?’” asked Ann Forti for Amazon. “Buy the book. Pick one thing to do. Take one step in a forward direction. Encourage those around you to do the same. You will quickly be on your way to understanding that your voice does matter, and your actions will help your community flourish!”  [Nonfiction]