Brian Kaylor  

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Praise
Praise for Brian's Latest Book
"Kaylor manages this task well overall, presenting a compelling framework for a new 'confessional' style of political communication and incorporating a Foucault-inspired critique of that style's implications for American democracy. ... Kaylor sets up a well-reasoned and convincing argument for our current era of confessional politics. ... Overall, Kaylor does a nice job of presenting both a scholarly and philosophical critique of confessional politics. In sum, this book presents a novel and interesting framework for understanding the current style of religious rhetoric in American political campaigns. Students and scholars of religious politics and modern presidential campaigns will find it both useful and informative." 
–
 in a 2011 issue of Political Communication (volume 28, issue 4).

"A scholar's troubling take on presidential politics. ... Kaylor examines the escalating use of religious rhetoric in presidential campaigns since 1976
." 
–June 2011 issue of Church & State magazine

"Great book." 
–Barry Lynn on April 12, 2011 broadcast of "Culture Shocks"

"A very interesting book. ... Covered just a remarkable amount of ground in a very short space in this book and did it very well. ... I really appreciate [this] book. I enjoyed reading it. ... It's well worth the read."
–Bruce Prescott on January 30, 2011 broadcast of KREF's "Religious Talk"

Kaylor is a "scholar of political communication trends ... who studies history and who studies politics as well as who studies communication."
–Tom Graham on January 13, 2011 broadcast of WMRA's "Virginia Insight"

"This treasure trove of stories and statements from the presidential campaign trail will thrill political junkies and captivate all those who care about faith and politics. Brian Kaylor skillfully demonstrates how discussions of a candidate's religious beliefs have become an essential part of running for president, and he offers powerful arguments about what this portends - not only for politics, but also for religious liberty, religion, and our democracy."
–Melissa Rogers of Wake Forest University Divinity School (back of book)  


Praise for Brian's 1st Book 
(For God’s Sake, Shut Up!)

"Religious rebel Brian Kaylor has a mission: to challenge street preachers to shut up. ... Kaylor’s frustration led him to pen the book For God’s Sake, Shut Up. Published in February by Smyth & Helwys, the book goes beyond pointing out the shortcomings of street evangelism and addresses how people can discuss religion more effectively."
–Kristin Brake in October 4, 2007 issue of Vox

“I think (Brian) has some significant insight that he provides in a colorful way."
–Reverend Jim Hill, executive director of the Baptist General Convention of Missouri in October 4, 2007 issue of Vox
"Don't be put off by the title--Brian Kaylor, the author, is not being sacrilegious. ... Brian Kaylor writes of picking our battles, of Christians in trouble for immature theology and the lies that develop because of it, of body language, of inappropriate and damaging criticism. With truth and humor, he gives us numerous, interesting examples to illustrate his points. ... Of the many books in our library holdings, I find this to be one of the most valuable resources in teaching us how to share our Christian beliefs."
–Amber King in September 2007 issue of United Methodist Messenger (newsletter of Leesburg United Methodist Church)
"Kaylor uses pertinent examples that almost everyone will recognize. His suggestions are thought-provoking and lead to self-examination. Anyone interested in shaping up their skills in communicating the good news of Jesus Christ will benefit from reading and applying the lessons of this easily readable book."
–Reverend Van Christian in August 3, 2007 issue of Baptist Standard

“Brian Kaylor has written a wonderful hymn book for the Return to Christian Civility Choir of which I am a card carrying member. ... Although Kaylor is at times flippant and somewhat cavalier, he has accomplished his purpose in pointing out that many Christians would be much better witnesses for Christ if they would keep their mouths tightly closed. He employs scriptural quotations effectively and has laced his small book with wonderful poignant examples of the excess of religious babble. His criticism is sharp and to the heart. ... He is an excellent story teller.” 
–Dr. Mitch Carnell, author, speaker, and consultant on effective communication (May 19, 2007)

“Kaylor ... uses this book to remind Christians that the way in which we communicate has the potential to harm the cause of Christ, regardless of how correct a position might be. ... Certainly, he has a wealth of contemporary examples—both good and bad—that bolster his positions. ... The book’s style is conversational, with parenthetical asides thrown in generously, much like sitting next to someone during a lecture who regularly contributes their own two cents’ worth.” 
–Ken Satterfield in March 22, 2007 issue of Word&Way

“This book is for those who have spoken up when they should have kept quiet, kept quiet when they should have spoken up, or wished they could figure out something to say that’s not stupid. Brian Kaylor uses truth and humor to lead us through the minefield of what to say and when to say it. (My wife wishes I had read this book twenty years ago.) Billy Graham, Jim Wallis, Jon Stewart, Monty Python, and SpongeBob Squarepants will be delighted to have been included. Jerry Falwell—not so much.” 
–Reverend Brett Younger (back cover of book) 
Praise for Brian's Blog
(ForGodsSakeShutUp.blogspot.com) 

"Brian Kaylor is the brightest young moderate Baptist blogger, bar none. He writes insightfully." 
–Baptist Center for Ethics Executive Director Robert Parham in August 16, 2006 Ethics Daily article 

"Kaylor's blog is designed to teach Christians how to communicate effectively, which includes knowing when to remain silent. All too often, Religious Right leaders make outrageous statements that damage the image and witness of Christians around the world. Kaylor confronts these harmful statements regularly on his blog." 
–Aaron Weaver in Spring 2007 issue of Whitsitt Journal

"[L]et's spotlight For God’s Sake Shut Up!, a Christian blog which devotes itself to an annual hunt for 'The Worst Christian Mouth of the Year'. The idea will probably be more useful to you than the blog itself, which is pretty American (which of your fifteen-year-olds has ever heard of Tom DeLay?)."
–John Allan in April 2007 issue of Youthwork (a British magazine for youth workers)


Other "Praise" for Brian

"clean-cut, young man … terribly deceptive" 
–church secretary Bonnie Canida in October 21, 2003 The Pathway article

"What's happening here is a good example of stirring up dissension."  
–Reverend Kenny Qualls in October 21, 2003 The Pathway article

"I believe that this young pastor is very sincere about his stand, but I believe that he is sincerely wrong." 
–Pastor Mitch Jackson in September 9, 2003 The Pathway article
"using questionable tactics"
–The Pathway editor Don Hinkle in September 9, 2003 The Pathway article

"Had I known who he was when he came in, I think I would have probably told him something."  
–church secretary Bonnie Canida in October 21, 2003 The Pathway article

"trouble at the church’s doorstep … out trying to steal churches" 
–Reverend Mitch Jackson in in September 9, 2003 The Pathway article
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