The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

Evangelical Christians represent one of America's most polarizing and misunderstood populations. In this book, journalist Tim Alberta, himself a practicing Christian and son of an evangelical pastor, examines the American evangelical movement through interviews with televangelists, small-town preachers, celebrity revivalists, and churchgoers. He describes a faith weakened by fear, corrupted by partisan politics, and damaged by scandal. Alberta traces how many conservative Christians have come to view America as a divinely blessed nation in special covenant with God. This patriotism has evolved into right-wing nationalist fervor that, according to Alberta, conflicts with Christian teachings. He documents how Donald Trump's presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated existing trends within the movement, reporting from churches across the country to show growing fractures in American Christianity. Through investigative journalism, Alberta examines how conservative Christians have pursued and exercised political power. He argues that modern evangelicals have departed from New Testament teachings, focusing on earthly political victories rather than spiritual matters. The book portrays a secularizing America that has lost trust in evangelical institutions, while individual pastors and congregations face declining status and influence. Alberta concludes by questioning the evangelical movement's purpose if it no longer glorifies God.