by Tim Alberta
First published 2023
Tim Alberta examines the transformation of American evangelical Christianity from religious faith into political weapon. The practicing Christian and pastor's son travels from megachurch stages to small town sanctuaries, interviewing televangelists, local preachers, and ordinary believers. He traces how conservative Christians came to view America as their promised kingdom, blessed by God and set apart from other nations. This patriotic devotion morphed into right-wing nationalism that Alberta argues betrays core Christian teachings. Trump's presidency and the COVID pandemic accelerated existing fractures within the movement. Alberta documents churches splitting apart as "loving your enemies" becomes branded as woke politics. He reveals how evangelical leaders pursued earthly power through political schemes and survived sex scandals while their congregations dwindled. The author shows believers abandoning their faith after watching their churches prioritize partisan politics over biblical principles. Alberta questions whether American evangelicalism still serves any religious purpose if it no longer glorifies God.
Genres: american, non-fiction, 21st-century, christianity, current-affairs, american-history
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: faith-vs-politics, institutional-corruption
Setting: America
Period: 21st Century
506 pages · Kindle Edition · Harper