In his latest book published this past May, Dr. Ben Carson writes that the United States is on the brink of a social breakdown.

“This attack against America is being waged on two primary fronts—faith and family,” the neurosurgeon and former U.S. Cabinet member explained.

In The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture’s War on the American Family, Carson looks at historical data to argue that strong families build a strong nation.

He attributes many critical issues in our country today—such as decreased global influence and “ideologically driven political hatred levels not seen since the Civil War”—to the decline of Christian values in the home.

“Thankfully, though, we are neither helpless nor hopeless,” he said.

In this timely book, Carson lays out an inspiring, yet practical plan to restore Biblical values and fight for God-honoring families, the foundation of America.

Carson will meet guests and sign copies of his book at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, North Carolina, on July 25, from 1–3 p.m. Purchase a copy of The Perilous Fight at the Library’s bookstore, or bring your own.

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Q&A with Dr. Ben Carson

Ahead of his visit to the Billy Graham Library, Dr. Carson answered some questions about his book, The Perilous Fight, family, faith and Billy Graham.

Q: Was there a defining moment that led you to write The Perilous Fight?

I wrote this book because I believe our nation is headed down a really dark path. Just in my lifetime, I have witnessed a drastic change in our culture. We’ve gone from a society that embraces and is built upon goldy principles and family values, to one that has perverted, devalued, and distorted the traditional family and objective truth. I could not in good conscience stand idly by as our country continues to move in this direction.

Q: What responsibility do you feel as an author and public figure to educate or influence your audience?

I feel a great responsibility and urgency to educate the next generation of Americans. It is of the utmost importance that we pass on the values that America was founded upon; the very values that allowed America to flourish, to be resilient in times of hardship, and to be a beacon of hope and freedom to the rest of the world. 

Q: You stress the importance of leadership and setting a good example in The Perilous Fight. Can you share one of your role models or someone that has mentored you, influencing your leadership development and character?

My mother will always be the most important role model in my life. From a young age, she taught me and my brother the value of hard work, investing in a good education, and developing a keen moral character and strong relationship with God. She absolutely detested blaming others and making excuses for our problems teaching us that the most important person that has to do with your success in life is you. Her unwavering faith and trust in God in the face of adversity and hardship had a major impact on me and my brother. Her guidance and wise counsel lead me to walk with God in faith and trust in his plan for my life. To this day, there is no person I respect more.

Q: You are a man of many accomplishments and are involved in a number of activities outside the home. How have you been able to stay committed to fighting the perilous fight in your own home amidst the busyness of a growing career and professional life?

Fatherhood has been my most rewarding accomplishment. My beautiful bride, Candy, has been by side for the past 49 years. She has stood by me through thick and thin, weathered every storm with grace, and has been my support system through every chapter of our busy lives together. Her love, support, and partnership all these years has made it possible to balance the demands of work and family life.

Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your book more than anything, and how do you envision its impact on societal norms?

I hope my book acts as a wakeup call for readers; an urgent message to the silent majority of Americans that we are amidst a perilous fight. A fight for a return to traditionalism and to a culture that embraces family ideals and upholds Judea-Christian principles. There are dark forces at work, and it’s time to fight back. The future of our nation hangs in the balance.

Q: You grew up in a single mother household and faced adversity and poverty as a child. As an adult, you have built a family dynamic that looks much different from yours as a child. Do you think your different experiences with what a family looks like has provided you with unique insight into the American family?

I was just eight years old when my parents split after my mother discovered my father had another family. I rarely saw my father again from that point forward. Although my mother did everything she could to provide for our needs, our situation was hard on the entire family. Growing up without a father in the home taught me that fatherhood is invaluable and the most important role a man can fulfill.

Q: How has your belief in God shaped your view on the family dynamic? How has it influenced your approach to leadership and politics throughout your career?

My belief in God shapes everything I do in life. The traditional family is an example of the beauty of God’s creation. Men and women, both very different in nature, come together in marriage and fulfill equally important roles in the lives of their children. Furthermore, my faith in God has kept me grounded throughout my career in medicine and politics providing me with the wisdom and strength I’ve needed to be an effective leader. Ultimately, through my faith in God, I am reminded that my life is not about me, but about Him and His plan.

Q: In The Perilous Fight, you call Americans to utilize their “God-given faculties.” For someone struggling to identify their gifts God has given them, what do you suggest? How can they identify practical ways to utilize them?

I would suggest prayerfully reflecting on what you would consider your strengths. For example, reflect on what may come easy or naturally to you or that people often complement you on. In addition, I would suggest considering what subjects sparks your interest or what you really enjoy doing. It may not be clear now, but God always shows the way in the end. Pray for His guidance and help with fulfilling His plan for your life.

Q: Throughout The Perilous Fight you put a strong emphasis on America’s need to be unified. Sometimes people think their contributions won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things, so they just don’t try. What is your advice for an individual who might not have a large audience but wants to take actionable steps towards unifying our nation?

My advice would be to pray. Pray for God to reveal His plan for your life and your unique role in the healing of our nation. Everyone has a sphere of influence; thus, everyone has a role to play. We have to remember that we, the American people, are not each other’s enemies. We must come together because a house divided cannot stand. We are too strong to be destroyed from the outside, but our own division will be our downfall.

Q: Did Billy Graham in any way inspire or influence your faith journey? If so, how?

Billy Graham had a great influence on me, on my faith, and on my walk with the Lord. His example paved the way for evangelicals to proclaim their faith publicly and without shame. His courage and unwavering faith in God has influenced and inspired me throughout my life. One of the greatest privileges of my life was speaking at one of his rallies and getting to experience his charisma on a personal level. He was a man of profound faith in God and who not only boldly proclaimed what it meant to be a Christian, but truly lived by example.