The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism

Katherine Stewart investigates the rise of religious nationalism in American politics. While the Religious Right has long presented itself as a social movement focused on cultural issues like abortion and same-sex marriage, Stewart argues it is fundamentally a political movement seeking to impose its vision on society and undermine democratic norms and institutions. Stewart examines the movement's inner workings, exposing a network of think tanks, advocacy groups, and pastoral organizations connected through international alliances. She traces funding to wealthy ultraconservative donors and family foundations, and connects contemporary Christian nationalism to longstanding antidemocratic strains in American thought. The movement aligns with global efforts to replace liberal democracy with nationalist, theocratic, and autocratic forms of government. Stewart documents the movement's organization, funding, and reach across government, schools, hospitals, and other institutions. She presents the book as an examination of religious nationalism as a significant threat to American democracy and democratic freedoms.