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The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism Paperback – April 26, 2022
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The inspiration for the documentary God & Country
For readers of Democracy in Chains and Dark Money, a revelatory investigation of the Religious Right's rise to political power.
For too long the Religious Right has masqueraded as a social movement preoccupied with a number of cultural issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage. In her deeply reported investigation, Katherine Stewart reveals a disturbing truth: this is a political movement that seeks to gain power and to impose its vision on all of society. America's religious nationalists aren't just fighting a culture war, they are waging a political war on the norms and institutions of American democracy.
Stewart pulls back the curtain on the inner workings and leading personalities of a movement that has turned religion into a tool for domination. She exposes a dense network of think tanks, advocacy groups, and pastoral organizations embedded in a rapidly expanding community of international alliances and united not by any central command but by a shared, anti-democratic vision and a common will to power. She follows the money that fuels this movement, tracing much of it to a cadre of super-wealthy, ultraconservative donors and family foundations. She shows that today's Christian nationalism is the fruit of a longstanding antidemocratic, reactionary strain of American thought that draws on some of the most troubling episodes in America's past. It forms common cause with a globe-spanning movement that seeks to destroy liberal democracy and replace it with nationalist, theocratic and autocratic forms of government around the world. Religious nationalism is far more organized and better funded than most people realize. It seeks to control all aspects of government and society. Its successes have been stunning, and its influence now extends to every aspect of American life, from the White House to state capitols, from our schools to our hospitals.
The Power Worshippers is a brilliantly reported book of warning and a wake-up call. Stewart's probing examination demands that Christian nationalism be taken seriously as a significant threat to the American republic and our democratic freedoms.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateApril 26, 2022
- Dimensions5.5 x 0.95 x 8.2 inches
- ISBN-10163557787X
- ISBN-13978-1635577877
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Ambitious ... required reading for anyone who wants to map the continuing erosion of our already fragile wall between church and state.” ―The Washington Post
“Both an examination of a new social and cultural phenomenon-and a call for action.” ―The Boston Globe
“Chilling . . . Much of what Stewart recounts would seem incredible were it not presented through extensive quotations from speeches by, documents of, and conversations with movement leaders.” ―Foreign Affairs
“With more than a decade of experience covering conservative Christianity, Stewart is adept at conveying the gravity of its aims. She goes deeper than any facile culture-wars discourse, digging into the evangelical right's fervor to gain political power and privilege in the name of religious liberty.” ―Texas Observer
“This is not a 'culture war.' It is a political war over the future of democracy. This is a bold claim, but one that Stewart backs up with deep reporting on the religious right's infrastructure.” ―Linda Greenhouse, New York Review of Books
“Invaluable ... The Power Worshippers should be read by all Americans who believe in democracy and the separation of church and state.” ―New York Journal of Books
“A truly informative and smooth read about a sprawling movement and the many ways it exercises power over the lives of all Americans.” ―Democracy Journal
“Powerful and persuasive argument ... [illuminated] with an array of history and political reporting, effectively weaving a portrait of our current grim situation with the threads from the past.” ―Daily Kos
“Bringing some clarity to the make-up of the Christian nationalist movement is just one of the myths Stewart busts in her upcoming book ... Equally important for us to understand is that this movement isn't simply about culture wars.” ―Washington Monthly
“[Stewart is] a seasoned investigative journalist, weaving together historical analysis and on-the-ground reporting to create engaging narratives . . . offer[ing] a behind-the-scenes view of how an interconnected network of think tanks, advocacy groups, and pastoral organizations joined forces with global anti-democratic religious nationalists long before entities like Russia became players in the 2016 presidential election.” ―The Humanist
“A must-read for those interested in the influence of religion on politics and the effects on our political institutions.” ―Library Journal, starred review
“A timely and useful introduction to the single most organized force in American politics today ... demonstrates how the Christian nationalist movement has successfully redirected public resources to fund their own private religious initiatives, like the public financing of religious charter schools through tax breaks and grant programs.” ―Baffler
“A comprehensive, chilling look at America's Christian nationalist movement.” ―Publishers Weekly
“[The] thoroughly researched facts as she lays them out are hard to argue with . . . [an] undeniably powerful examination of the Christian right's political motives.” ―Kirkus Reviews
“A more comprehensive, if still compact, journey through the labyrinth of interlocking organizations and personalities that form the ecosystem of a movement that embraces 'identity-based authoritarian rule over pluralistic, democratic processes,' and seeks to transform the U.S. to serve that vision.” ―Shelf Awareness
“Eye-opening . . . We learn, here, from a committed deep researcher-years of devoted travel, interviews, reading-that this movement is a good deal more dedicated and scarily more ambitious than the rest of us have so far noticed.” ―Sullivan County Democrat
“A fascinating x-ray into the political eco-system of religious conservatives who threaten the health of our democratic institutions.” ―Julian E. Zelizer, author of THE FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW
“Read The Power Worshippers and you will understand why nothing is more important to the health of our common life than challenging the false moral narrative of religious nationalism.” ―William J. Barber, II, President of Repairers of the Breach & Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival
“Katherine Stewart presents chilling evidence that millions of American churchgoers are being inflamed and exploited by a cynical, well-funded alliance of power seekers. Read The Power Worshippers to understand what the relentless political agitation against abortion and homosexuality has really achieved-and for whom.” ―Nancy MacLean, author of DEMOCRACY IN CHAINS
“Employing a sharp investigative eye, Stewart connects the dots between radical theocratic groups that want to create an officially 'Christian nation' and extreme free-market libertarians who despise social programs for the poor, taxes and public institutions. After reading this book, you should be prepared to fight back like nothing less than our democracy is at stake – because it is.” ―Rob Boston, Americans United for Separation of Church and State
“Katherine Stewart takes on the enormous task of revealing who exactly is pulling the levers of power in our communities, statehouses, and federal government. A must-read.” ―Andrew Whitehead, author of TAKING AMERICA BACK FOR GOD
“We are faced with a religious movement that is fundamentally opposed to pluralism and has long-term plans to transform America into a Christian nation. An adept, highly readable and important work.” ―Julie Ingersoll, author of BUILDING GOD'S KINGDOM
“The Power Worshippers provides a detailed explanation of how the Religious Right has used its power to advance religion-based government in harmful ways.” ―Justia
“Both [The Power Worshippers and Shadow Network] have done impressive archival and on-the-ground research. These books are two of the fullest accounts of Christian nationalism to date. . . . Together, they paint a multidimensional portrait of the politicization of Christian faith that has neither a single source nor a majority of support among American Christians, despite its disproportionate impact.” ―Christian Century
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- Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing (April 26, 2022)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 163557787X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1635577877
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 0.95 x 8.2 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #19,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Customers find the book well-researched and informative. They describe it as well-written, with conviction and authority. The pacing is described as compelling and interesting. Readers praise the book for its support for democracy and equality. However, some feel the religious right is a threat to democracy and secularism.
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Customers find the book well-researched, informative, and well-documented. They appreciate the details and how it is laid out. The articles referenced are eye-openers. Overall, readers describe the book as an excellent summary of Christian Nationalists' true motives and a thorough investigation into their true motivations.
"...This is a theocratic movement that inspires to infuse society at all levels with a biblical worldview...." Read more
"...This book is sane. It is well documented. It was 10 years in the making. It is terrifying...." Read more
"...2. A fascinating and important topic, Christian nationalism’s threat to democracy. 3. Clearly explains upfront what this movement is all about. “..." Read more
"...the full history of the movement – the roots, origins, ideology, methodology, tactics, funding, and the major individuals and institutions at the..." Read more
Customers find the book readable and informative. They describe it as a must-read for politics enthusiasts who want proof of how America has been hijacked by theocracies.
"...This book is sane. It is well documented. It was 10 years in the making. It is terrifying...." Read more
"...Stewart writes with conviction and authority. It reads very well and it informs the reader. 2...." Read more
"An essential read for those concerned about our nation as we race down the 'road' towards a national religion." Read more
"...Especially given the terrifying subject matter! It is truly a must read! Theocracies are good for no one!!" Read more
Customers find the writing style informative and well-researched. They appreciate the author's conviction and authority. The alarms are expressed clearly and accurately. The book is recommended as a tough but worthwhile read, with detailed quotes in context.
"...perspicacity, and with persuasiveness based on the fact that she quotes at length, and in context, the words of the anti-democratic Christian Right..." Read more
"Important information in very readable form...." Read more
"...The book is written so well, clear and concise - I wish this could be said about most political books...." Read more
"This is a highly informative book, deeply researched and well-written...." Read more
Customers find the book provides an engaging look at Christian nationalism. They say it's well-researched and provides a frightening picture of the forces undermining religious beliefs.
"...This book is a frightening and compelling picture of the forces undermining democracy within our country as well as a growing menace in other parts..." Read more
"This book was an interesting look into the bigwigs pulling the strings on the religious right...." Read more
"This is a highly researched look inside the growing Christian Nationalism movement and the threat to the Democratic republic in the United States..." Read more
"Amazing look into "christian" (nationalism)..." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's writing quality. They find it well-written, impressive, and mention it's a must-read. The author does a great job describing the financial supporters throughout the book.
"...Positives: 1. A professionally written book. Stewart writes with conviction and authority. It reads very well and it informs the reader. 2...." Read more
"...This is actually scary and so well done...." Read more
"The author truly does an impressive job in Showing not only how Christian nationalism is Attempting to change the United States into it's own..." Read more
"Outstanding! Right up there with Dark Money. A MUST read." Read more
Customers like the book. They say it's one of the most important books about democracy and spirituality. Readers mention it's a good read for Christian nationalists who are fighting for democracy and equality.
"...organizations fighting the Christian nationalists and fighting for democracy and equality." Read more
"...Recommended for all who care about freedom, democracy and true spirituality." Read more
"One the most important books about democracy written..." Read more
Customers find the book disturbing and alarming. They describe it as a realistic and troubling review of how America has progressed. The information is described as shocking, surprising, and infuriating. However, some readers found the content enlightening and a little scary.
"...This book is a frightening and compelling picture of the forces undermining democracy within our country as well as a growing menace in other parts..." Read more
"...This is actually scary and so well done...." Read more
"...It is well documented. It was 10 years in the making. It is terrifying...." Read more
"...and contains a lot of important information that will surprise and infuriate the reader, but is definitely not a beach read." Read more
Customers dislike religion. They find it nihilistic, frightening, and a menace to democracy. They oppose secularism and atheism, as well as religious ideologies they view as bad beliefs that drive extremists and hurt the planet. They also mention the deceptive alignment of religion with right-wing politics, Christian nationalism, and cultish dominionism.
"...7. Bad beliefs that drive extremists and hurt the planet. “..." Read more
"...They oppose secularism and atheism, as well as religious ideologies they view as anything from permissive to "witchcraft" but may include everything..." Read more
"This book seemed well-researched. Christian nationalism is indeed a threat. Not Christianity, but Christian nationalism...." Read more
"...The author writes about people, who I believe have a warped interpretation of Christianity and their attempts to change our government...." Read more
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 4, 2020Sometimes you see things happening but just don’t quite understand what is really going on. Well, in this book, the author certainly cleared up a lot of misunderstandings concerning the polices of the religious right. For example, the drive to end public education always baffled me. But I have learned this is part of a much broader effort to “transform the defining institutions of democracy in America.” In the case of education, one can make way for a system of religious education more to one’s liking. This is not a social of cultural movement, but a political movement, in fact. Its ultimate goal is power. The goal is not to add to America’s pluralistic democracy, “but to replace the foundational democratic principles and institutions with a state grounded on a particular version of Christianity.” Interestingly, this also happens to serve the interests of the plutocratic funders and their allied political leaders. So then, this is a political war of the future of democracy. It consists of an ecosystem of a whole host of various entities, religious and nonreligious, and a leadership cadre of interconnected activists, politicians, and funders – some of which belong to hyper-wealthy families. So this Christian nationalism turns out not to be a religious creed, but, in the author’s view, a political ideology. The author has been following this movement for over a decade as an investigative reporter and journalist. The root source of the movement’s political strength is the foot soldiers – the millions of church-goers who will dutifully cast their vote for the favored politicians and flood the coffers with small-dollar donations. But it is important to note that they are not the source of its ideas.
Some other unusual things caught my attention. Public assistance for the poor is opposed as a matter of principle – that is the responsibility of the believers. I also learned that the Bible votes against environmentalism, which a Cultural Impact Manual stated is “one of the greatest threats to society and the church today.” Don’t worry the Cornwall Alliance for the Stewardship of Creation has asserted that there is no convincing scientific evidence for global warming. Gun regulation is opposed and same-sex relationships are an abomination according to the CIT manual. This is just incredible. Aggressive gerrymandering was called by the Faith & Freedom Coalition president “the Republican reapportionment advantage.” We also learn that “free market and minimal government best supports prosperity.” Well, this all sounds more like politics than religion. And then there are the dominionist groups who think Christians should occupy all positions of power in the government. We can see this happening in the current administration. Activists who would have been identified as extremist in nature now lead “Bible Study” sessions with officials at the highest levels of executive and legislative branches. We now see how one political party endorses ultraconservative varieties of religion in order to lock in power. As the author states, “This is how the Christian nationalist movement works.” Did you know that God believes in deregulation? A Bible study aid published by a prominent member in this movement spoke of incentivizing individuals and industries by unencumbering them from the unnecessary burdens of government regulation. Citing the story of the Tower of Babel, it is maintained that nations must be kept separate through borders and boundaries as God frowns on illegal immigrants.
I also learned that there was more to this obsession with the abortion issue we see today. As noted in the book, from the beginning, it was never about abortion, but about dividing and uniting to mobilize votes for the purpose of amassing political power – interesting. In fact, some believe that God, through the pro-life movement, put Trump in the White House. The transformation of the Republican Party into the party of life took some time – over a decade – finally becoming such in the mid 90’s. An important point made is that the modern pro-life religion that dominates America’s conservative churches is actually a political creation.
When it comes to elections, there is a strong concerted effort to influence how the church members vote. One person said, “we have to step into the culture mountain of influence of politics,” and continued clarifying by saying, “We have got to get folks in the congregations to step into this political mountain of influence.” But it doesn’t stop there. There is something referred to as Christian Reconstructionism. This is a theocratic movement that inspires to infuse society at all levels with a biblical worldview. Of course, it is their version of a biblical worldview. One place to infuse this view is in the schools. Some, such as the late Rushdoony, have stated that public education is a threat to civilization. He said it represents “primitivism,” “chaos,” and “a vast ‘integration into the void.’” As the author notes, “it is difficult to understand the ideological origins and structure of Christian nationalism in America today without taking into account Rushdoony’s ideas.” For another example, some quote the bible in support of the idea that biblical law permits voluntary slavery “because it recognizes that some people are not able to maintain a position of independence.” One individual, Barton, has even called the modern liberal government a form of slavery. How? By providing assistance to many who are unable to protect themselves, the government exerts more and more control. The cure to this secular, democratic government would, of course, be a religious or theocratic government. That’s what they want. In fact, America was a pluralistic land from the beginning, and the United States was founded as a secular republic.
By 2015, we see the emergence of something called Project Blitz, which has the strategy to flood the zone with coordinated, simultaneous bills in the hope that some will actually become law. There is no single institution behind this project just as there is no single Christian nationalist headquarters. But we should not think this in any way diminishes the movement’s ability to act effectively. Unfortunately the movement will push a “religious freedom,” which actually is code for privilege for those with the right religion. There is another entity called United in Purpose (UiP), which has amassed files on virtually the entire voting population of the United States, and yet this is just one of several entities on the right with access to such comprehensive voter data.
The author then presents some interesting information on school vouchers and charter school systems. The purpose in the religious element pushing for these things seems to be to eliminate what they refer to as nonsectarian education where humanism is taught. So the desire is to drain funding from public schools, deregulate education, and promote ideological or religious curricula. What is concerning is that eight of the twenty largest charter operations are under control of groups for whom education is part of a “clear partisan, religious, or ideological agenda.” And this is not to mention how charter schools have been turned into cash cows through multi-billion dollar business deals between charter schools and their founders. What is scary here is that we could foresee a future in which “a small number of extremely wealthy individuals control large parts of America’s system of public education.”
The author also discusses the “packing of the courts” in order to obtain ideological gains, and a chapter is devoted to religiously controlled hospitals. An interesting factoid is that an estimated one in six hospital beds in the United States is in a Catholic-run medical facility. In these places, patient care is governed by a set of Ethical and Religious Directives (ERD). This can have serious implications for patients who need palliative care and especially for female patients with pregnancy issues. Some of the stories the author presents border on horror.
Another interesting story relates to Russia. Leaders there see America’s Christian right as a “tremendously useful vehicle for influencing America politics and government in a manner favorable to Russian interests. We saw this in the last (2016) election period. Christians seem to love Russia because they hate America and its secular constitutional democracy. In the Epilogue, the author warns that the rise of the religious right should be a concern for all who care about the future of democracy in America.
- Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020At 71, I've read a lot of books. This is one that literally changed my life. I think of myself as an "informed" person but I had zero idea of what has been going on right in front of me, of us all, for three generations. This book is sane. It is well documented. It was 10 years in the making. It is terrifying. If you think that the "religious right" is a harmless little movement of some extreme believers, think again. They are right now a huge reason why our response to the COVID19 epidemic has been so awful. Their believers (25 million and counting) are against so many things that used to be considered normal that my jaw was constantly dropped. W. Bush was part of the "less government" Tea Party crowd pushed by Libertarians like the Kochs, but the people like Pompeo, Barr, Pence and DeVos are far more extreme and they are now in the highest levels of the Fed, State and Local governments and want nothing less than to be in every level, including the courts, with the delighted help of the Republicans. The book is not a diatribe. It is not an emotional attack against devout people. It is not about hurting others who do not agree with you. It is simply a report, with documentation, of what is happening right now. If you considered it your duty to be an informed citizen, particularly if you are a church-goer, it is IMPERATIVE that you read this book and ask others to do so before November. Seriously. Read it and wake up.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2022The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism by Katherine Stewart
“The Power Worshippers” is an eye-opening examination of the dangerous rise of Christian nationalism and its threat to democracy. Investigative journalist and author, Katherine Stewart provides an excellent expose of the organizations and the people behind the extreme Christian movements. This insightful and at times unnerving 348-page book includes the following twelve chapters: 1. Church and Party in Unionville, 2. Ministering to Power, 3. Inventing Abortion, 4. The Mind of a Warrior, 5. Up from Slavery: The Ideological Origins of Christian Nationalism, 6. The Uses and Abuses of History, 7. The Blitz: Turning the States into Laboratories of Theocracy, 8. Converting the Flock to Data, 9. Proselytizers and Privatizers, 10. Theocracy from the Bench, or How to Establish Religion in the Name of “Religious Liberty”, 11. Controlling Bodies: What “Religious Liberty” Looks Like from the Stretcher, and 12. The Global Holy War Comes of Age.
Positives:
1. A professionally written book. Stewart writes with conviction and authority. It reads very well and it informs the reader.
2. A fascinating and important topic, Christian nationalism’s threat to democracy.
3. Clearly explains upfront what this movement is all about. “It is not a social or cultural movement. It is a political movement, and its ultimate goal is power”.
4. Debunks the most important myth that is being spewed by the religious extremists. “Christian nationalism is not a religious creed but, in my view, a political ideology. It promotes the myth that the American republic was founded as a Christian nation.”
5. Does a great job throughout the book of describing the financial supporters (including public money) of Christian nationalism. “Since churches are subsidized with public money through tax deductions and other tax advantages, one could say that the United States now has a publicly subsidized political party that promotes an agenda of religious nationalism.”
6. Trump’s beliefs. “Trump believes in the rule of force, not the rule of law. He is not there to uphold values but to impose the will of the tribe.”
7. Bad beliefs that drive extremists and hurt the planet. “Drollinger called environmentalism a “false religion” and asserted that certain initiatives to protect animal species and preserve natural resources “miss the clear proclamation of God in Genesis.””
8. Christian nationalism and abortion. “As the historian and author Randall Balmer writes, “It wasn’t until 1979—a full six years after Roe—that evangelical leaders, at the behest of conservative activist Paul Weyrich, seized on abortion not for moral reasons, but as a rallying-cry to deny President Jimmy Carter a second term.”
9. Racial inclusivity and the religious right. “Jim Domen is one such leader. A California pastor and the founder of a group called Church United, he has built his voter-outreach machine around the idea of racial inclusiveness.” ““For the evangelical church right now, membership is no longer based on color,” Onishi notes. “It is also not really based in religion anymore, either. Your litmus test for religious belonging comes via your political beliefs.””
10. Slavery and religious extremism. “The Episcopalians of South Carolina found slavery to be “marked by every evidence of divine approval.”30 The Reverend J. C. Postell of South Carolina stated that slavery “is supported by the Bible … [T]he fact that slavery is of divine appointment would be proof enough with the Christian that it cannot be a moral evil,” adding that it “is a judicial visitation.””
11. The people behind the myth. “The error in the detail was there to provide cover for the great lie at the center of Christian nationalism. What David Barton and the leaders of the Hobby Lobby corporation don’t want you to know is that America’s founders explicitly and proudly created the world’s first secular republic.”
12. Explains how extremists have turned states into laboratories for theocracy. “The discovery of Project Blitz was a game changer for understanding the movement’s legislative strategy. It is the playbook for a nationwide assault on state legislatures in all fifty states. It does indeed describe a “blitz,” for the basic strategy is to flood the zone with coordinated, simultaneous bills in the hopes that they will, eventually, become law.2 The stated aim of the project is to advance “religious freedom”—in a late 2019 conference call, organizers discussed rebranding the initiative Freedom for All—but this turns out to be the biggest of the many deceptions that characterize the enterprise.”
13. Find out the three categories or phases of their model legislation.
14. How extremists use data to better target citizens for conversion. “Bill Dallas has not been shy in describing the massive reach of his data operation. “We have about 200 million files, so we have pretty much the whole voting population in our database,” Dallas said in a September 5, 2016, interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network. “What we do is we track to see what’s going to make somebody either vote one way, or not vote at all.”15 Other outlets, including Forbes, picked up on the stunning facts.”
15. Attacking and undermining public education with the purpose of eliminating it. “In public confusion about the nature of charters, the DeVos family and their allies saw opportunity. A lightly regulated charter school industry, they realized, could achieve many of the same goals as voucher programs.”
16. The goal of controlling the courts and extremism. “Among the many sordid legacies that the Trump/Pence administration will leave behind, perhaps the most damaging over the long term may well be the infiltration of America’s judicial system with the progeny of the Federalist Society, the Alliance Defending Freedom, and their allies.”
17. Controlling bodies by controlling hospitals. ““Catholic health institutions may not promote or condone contraceptive practices but should provide, for married couples and the medical staff who counsel them, instruction both about the Church’s teachings on responsible parenthood and in methods of natural family planning.””
18. Impact of extremism and health care. “America’s maternal mortality rate is the highest among nations in the developed world, and it is rising sharply, up over 26 percent between 2000 and 2014.5 Black women are three to four times as likely as white women to die of pregnancy complications. This report finds that “in many states women of color disproportionately receive reproductive health care restricted by ERDs” and suggests that the consequent dangers “should be evaluated against the backdrop of vastly inferior health care delivered to women of color across the board.””
19. Expanding extremism to the globe. “The global holy war now defines itself against a single common, worldwide enemy: global liberalism.”
20. Great use of links to notes.
Negatives:
1. Stewart admits that the focus of the book is on the organizations and people behind Christian nationalism and not the people who are mobilizing to confront the threat.
2. It can be hard to follow all the organizations and acronyms behind Christian nationalism.
3. Lack of visual material to support the excellent narrative.
4. No formal bibliography.
In summary, Katherine Stewart should be commended for her exhaustive research and the ability to put pen to paper. This book is very informative and reads very well. She captures the concerns that we should all have over the threat that these radical religious groups pose to our democracy. My only criticism of note is that it was hard at times to follow all the different organizations behind the extremism; visual supplements would have addressed my concerns while providing readers a tool to enhance comprehension. A high recommendation!
Further recommendations: “The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy” by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry, “One Nation Under God” by Kevin Kruse, “Founding Myth” by Andrew Seidel, “Why the Religious Right Is Wrong about Separation of Church and State” by Robert Boston, “Nonbeliever Nation” by David Niose, “The Dark Side of Christian History” by Helen Ellerbe, “Birth Control, Insurance Coverage, & the Religious Right” by A.F. Alexander, “The God Argument” by A.C. Grayling, “Freethinkers” by Susan Jacoby, “Moral Combat” by Sikivu Hutchinson, “Republican Gomorrah” by Max Blumenthal, “American Fascists” by Chris Hedges, “Doubt” by Jennifer Michael Hecht, and “Society Without God” by Phil Zuckerman.
Top reviews from other countries
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Antonio NtReviewed in Brazil on May 23, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente avaliação dos perigos do fundamentalismo religioso
O livro mostra o perigo da ascensão do fundamentalismo cristão nacionalista, sobretudo como política de estado. É grande o risco da da dominação de uma corrente religiosa/ideológica. Há que se encontrar o equilíbrio entre a secularização e a liberdade religiosa.
- MR PHILIP NORTHAGEReviewed in the United Kingdom on May 23, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant read
Quick delivery quality product
- LBReviewed in Spain on August 15, 2022
4.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening and alarming
The author knows very well the intricacies of this movement, which is Christian fundamentalism in principle, but political in practice. Definitely, their kingdom IS of this world. They try to impose their views through political influence. They are not after your heart, but after your vote. Catholics and protestants joined in search of civil power, trying to reedit the kind of church-theocracy of the Middle Ages (with its unavoidable consequence, the oppression). It is not exactly a white movement, as it appeals to the latinos as well. One area of influence is the judicial system, from the Supreme Court downwards. And yes, according to the book, the Republican party (GOP) is behind that, especially with the forty-fifth president of USA. For those acquainted with Bible prophecy, this could mean the fulfillment of Revelation 13, that is, American protestants helping the papacy to get what it wants (civil power). Worth reading.
- MumiReviewed in Germany on March 9, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Report!
I learned a lot about a part of American history that was not taught in high school, or even college. The religious nationalists are the American Taliban.
They attack Islam for wanting to rule the world with a theocratic government, yet that is exactly what these religious nationalists are striving for.
- StephoReviewed in Australia on October 21, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read, although parts already out of date
This is a great read, and a great look at the Christian-Nationalist movement in the USA. However, I do think if Stewart was writing this today, she would be more concerned about this movement than she was when she wrote it, which was a year before the Jan 6th Capitol insurrection, and before several other incidents. The Christian-Nationalist movement has evolved further, and ramped up their mobilisation - therefore I think it would be a good idea for Stewart to write a second book after the 2024 election. I presume she is tracking the changes and evolution of the movement since she wrote this book, as she assisted in the documentary movie God and Country that was inspired by this book, which came out early 2024.
Despite this (of course it is not the author's fault it is an ever evolving movement), it is still worth the read, keeping in mind that much has happened in the four years since she published.