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meganpbell's review
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
This 75-year-spanning study by a Christian historian traces American evangelicals’ takeover of the Republican Party and shows how their highest values—militarism and masculinity, patriarchy and patriotism—turned a modest Jesus Christ into a macho John Wayne, and made voting for Donald Trump not a necessary evil, but a natural conclusion. As disturbing as it is revelatory, this book is a must read for anyone seeking to make sense of this political era.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexual harassment, Child abuse, Sexism, War, Domestic abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Incest, Adult/minor relationship, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, and Rape
erinbeingliterate's review against another edition
4.0
Super interesting, helped me understand how the evangelical movement has infiltrated and shaped the right wing of this country. It is incredibly well researched. I did listen to it in audiobook and the reader was awful, almost no emotion, if i found out it was not a person I would not be surprised. I did have trouble paying attention at times, not sure if it was the writing or the reading.
katmindae's review
challenging
informative
slow-paced
4.75
Listened to this book on audiobook while I happened to also be reading The Testaments (Handmaid's Tale sequel) on e-book. It made Margaret Atwood's 'predictions' feel so much more grounded in religious/political reality. You can make connections to the "separate spheres" teaching of evangelicals to the society in HT. Really freaky to read together.
I felt a bit bogged down at the beginning but that's my fault for 'reading' audiobooks at much faster speeds than I need to. Heavy content but good nonfiction for people trying to like nonfiction more. Great for anyone like me who has left the church and didn't know why they felt so strongly against the doctrine when the individual people they knew were so nice... Great for even religious people who can go in with an open mind to understand how the power dynamics and decisions of others have poisoned the well for personal gain. Big rec for people on a journey of deconstruction.
I felt a bit bogged down at the beginning but that's my fault for 'reading' audiobooks at much faster speeds than I need to. Heavy content but good nonfiction for people trying to like nonfiction more. Great for anyone like me who has left the church and didn't know why they felt so strongly against the doctrine when the individual people they knew were so nice... Great for even religious people who can go in with an open mind to understand how the power dynamics and decisions of others have poisoned the well for personal gain. Big rec for people on a journey of deconstruction.
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
Very well-researched and very insightful. Definitely a weighty book, both because of its dense subject matter and its disturbing content.
eamcmahon3's review against another edition
5.0
I am begging someone to buy me a shirt that says "Jesus loves me and my guns"
But in all seriousness, this is my favorite book I've read this year due to the meticulous research and cataloging of Christian extremism, it's roots, and it's cultural implications.
I loved the tie in to masculinity, Focus on the Family, IBLP, Mars Hill, and so much more. There's a lot of trauma wrapped up in these events and education through research and empathy is a good first step.
The Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and John Wayne. Amen
But in all seriousness, this is my favorite book I've read this year due to the meticulous research and cataloging of Christian extremism, it's roots, and it's cultural implications.
I loved the tie in to masculinity, Focus on the Family, IBLP, Mars Hill, and so much more. There's a lot of trauma wrapped up in these events and education through research and empathy is a good first step.
The Father, Son, Holy Spirit, and John Wayne. Amen