Introduction
Summary of the book The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim Alberta. Before moving forward, let’s briefly explore the core idea of the book. Step into a world where faith and politics no longer rest peacefully side by side, but collide like stormy waves against a fragile boat. In this unfolding story, you’ll encounter believers who once cherished simple devotion, now locked in passionate struggles for national control. There are pastors who kneel in prayer, torn between ancient commandments and modern pressures. There are congregants who whisper conspiracies in holy places, convinced that enemies lurk behind every law. As the threads of trust unravel, some flee from the evangelical identity they once embraced, while others cling desperately to old certainties. Guided by the observations of Tim Alberta, a writer who dared to enter these turbulent waters, we witness how American evangelicalism has drifted into unfamiliar territory. Yet within this tension lies the seed of renewal. By understanding the roots of this crisis, readers may discover a path back to faith’s truest, most compassionate core.
Chapter 1: Unraveling the Mysterious Forces that Relentlessly Bound American Evangelicals to Political Power .
Imagine growing up in a quiet suburban community where neighbors share apple pies and Sunday mornings are spent singing hymns in a cozy wooden church. In this familiar setting, faith feels private and personal, guided by the teachings of Jesus and love for family and neighbors. For many years, politics remained distant, considered something that existed outside the sanctuary. But as time passed, something began to change. Preachers who once focused on kindness and forgiveness started mentioning enemies and threats. Suddenly, the nation’s political struggles were not just outside; they had marched straight into the heart of the congregation. Tim Alberta, a journalist who was raised in a Christian household, remembers when faith and politics were separate worlds. As he observed more closely, he saw American Evangelicals growing strangely fascinated with political might. He set out to understand why people who once aimed to save souls now seemed so eager to wield power.
Alberta never intended to write deeply about religion. He came from a family where faith was a warm, guiding presence, but it was personal—almost too personal to dissect in writing. Instead, he was drawn to cover the straightforward realm of politics, with its elections, debates, and policy papers. Yet as he followed the rise of Donald Trump, he found himself puzzled by the unexpected enthusiasm of so many conservative Christians for a leader whose words and behavior were often at odds with the values he remembered from his own church upbringing. These believers weren’t simply tolerating a politician they thought less harmful than the alternative; they were embracing him passionately. Alberta realized that to understand Trump’s ascent, he needed to step inside the evangelical world he thought he knew. He needed to see how devotion to a political figure had taken root within communities guided by the Gospel.
As the 2016 presidential race unfolded, political experts and long-time insiders were shocked. Here was a billionaire businessman, known more for reality TV and flashy skyscrapers than Sunday worship, capturing the hearts of devout believers. Traditional politicians fell away like dry leaves in autumn, leaving Trump at the center of America’s conservative landscape. Evangelicals, many of whom had previously focused their votes on candidates with strong Christian credentials, now stood firmly behind a man who hardly pretended to be a saint. To grasp why this happened, Alberta journeyed into towns and cities across Middle America. He visited church gatherings, spoke to parishioners, and listened closely to sermons. He discovered a profound shift: faith communities that once voted primarily against liberal policies were now wholeheartedly championing a candidate who seemed to promise something they desperately craved—protection from cultural change and defense against supposed enemies of their cherished values.
Before long, Alberta uncovered a pattern. In many of these churches, the love for America itself seemed intertwined with love for God. Congregants spoke of the United States as if it were a new Holy Land, favored by the Creator. The idea that God might have specially blessed this country ignited a sense of moral duty. If America was chosen, then any threat to traditional American values felt like an attack on faith. In this mindset, Trump became a champion who promised to guard that blessed nation. Alberta noticed that believers who had once urged forgiveness, compassion, and humility now roared against perceived enemies. Their energy and passion had shifted from the question What would Jesus do? to How can we keep America strong? This puzzle—how pious people became soldiers in a political battle—launched Alberta’s deep exploration into the heart of American evangelicalism’s complicated relationship with power.
Chapter 2: When Pious Congregations Turned Toward a Leader Who Broke Conventional Moral Codes .
Back in the days before Trump’s rise, evangelical voters often cast their ballots reluctantly. They did not hold up candidates as heroes; they picked the one who seemed least threatening to their religious way of life. Politics was seen as an unfortunate necessity to preserve moral standards in a rapidly changing world. Yet something altered dramatically when Donald Trump arrived on the political stage. Instead of simply choosing a lesser evil, many evangelicals began to celebrate him. They praised him openly, giving him standing ovations at Christian conferences, and praying for his success from their pews. This shift was not subtle—it was a thunderous applause for a leader who openly mocked opponents, bragged about questionable behavior, and proposed harsh policies that felt utterly removed from the gentle teachings of Jesus. How did a figure so unconventional become a darling of communities known for moral strictness?
To understand this transformation, consider that many evangelicals felt cornered. They believed that American culture had drifted so far from its supposed Christian roots that a bold, even abrasive guardian was needed. They feared that liberal politicians, activists, and cultural figures aimed to rewrite the rules of society—challenging traditional family structures, allowing freedoms they disapproved of, and showing little respect for their faith-based ethics. For them, Trump’s blunt talk was not a flaw but a feature: he spoke in a way that signaled strength and an unwillingness to back down. His rough edges made him seem like a warrior. In their eyes, he was the person who would stand up to so-called godless influences, restore a sense of national greatness, and defend the faithful against humiliation. This is how a man who openly shattered conventional moral standards could become a spiritual hero in certain evangelical circles.
Yet this devotion came with costs. Alberta discovered that when he dared to criticize Trump, even in subtle ways, he met fierce resistance from people who once knew his family intimately. After his father, a long-serving pastor, passed away, Alberta returned to the hometown church expecting comfort. Instead, some congregants attacked him verbally because he had previously written critically about Trump. They accused him of betraying the Christian cause and siding with hidden, dark forces aiming to topple the president. Alberta’s personal grief was overshadowed by accusations and anger. This revealed a startling reality: loyalty to Trump had become, in some communities, a litmus test of one’s faithfulness to God. Doubt the chosen leader, and you risked being labeled as part of the dreaded Deep State. Such encounters forced Alberta to ask hard questions about what had happened to the soul of the evangelical movement.
Some observers tried to explain this shift by pointing out that evangelicals believed God could use flawed vessels. Just as the Bible recounts instances where imperfect individuals carried out divine plans, these believers saw Trump as another imperfect tool chosen by God. Whether Trump’s personal character matched biblical standards mattered less than his willingness to champion their interests. In their reasoning, if progressives were advancing agendas that threatened religious liberty and moral order, then Trump’s boisterous leadership was justified. This mindset allowed them to overlook troubling remarks and behaviors. The pursuit of political victory—winning crucial court appointments, protecting traditional social values, and fending off cultural changes—became paramount. In that atmosphere, the question no longer centered on imitating Christ but on ensuring that America did not slip into what they perceived as moral chaos. Alberta recognized that this reorientation of priorities had profound implications for American Christianity.
Chapter 3: Whispers in the Pew: How Conspiracies and Suspicion Quietly Invaded Sacred Spaces .
In earlier decades, many evangelical churches focused on timeless themes—loving one’s neighbor, personal redemption, forgiveness of sins, and humble service to others. Though political differences existed among parishioners, these were not typically the driving force of Sunday sermons. Over time, however, strange whispers began circulating between hymn verses and coffee hour conversations. Suddenly, topics like global conspiracies, hidden plots against Christianity, and secret enemies within government corridors seeped into fellowship halls. Once, believers might have shrugged off such wild rumors as fringe ideas unworthy of serious attention. But by the time Trump took office, these conspiracies had found fertile ground. Dark claims that a shadowy network of global elites wanted to silence churches and strip away religious freedoms were increasingly believed. This infiltration of suspicious thinking did not happen overnight; it blossomed slowly, like weeds growing in the cracks of a previously well-tended garden.
One reason these conspiracies took hold lies in the painful sense of loss and uncertainty many evangelicals experienced. Past decades had seen prayer removed from classrooms, changing attitudes toward marriage, and growing secularization in public life. Some believers felt their religious worldview was being pushed to the margins. Every news headline that celebrated diversity or scientific advancement without mentioning God seemed to confirm their fear that faith was losing its honored place. Into this void of anxiety stepped voices—politicians, commentators, and even some pastors—claiming that sinister forces aimed to destroy Christianity from within. These voices offered simple explanations for complicated cultural changes. Instead of viewing shifts as the natural evolution of a pluralistic society, they painted them as cunning strategies engineered by enemies of the faith. The more these conspiracies spread, the more they fed a cycle of mistrust, suspicion, and anger toward those outside their moral community.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, these conspiratorial narratives exploded. Safety measures and temporary church closures recommended by health authorities were instantly painted as attacks on religious freedom. In many evangelical circles, legitimate medical advice was met with suspicion, and voices calling for caution were accused of plotting to weaken the church. Some believers claimed the virus was a hoax created by political elites to control and oppress faithful Americans. Others insisted liberal leaders were using the pandemic to turn society away from God. Pastors who chose to follow health guidelines struggled. If they did not align with the conspiratorial viewpoint, congregants sometimes saw them as cowards or traitors. Alberta learned of preachers who lost church members, friendships, and even their sense of purpose because they would not endorse these unproven claims. Misinformation and paranoia unraveled trust, leaving wounded faith communities struggling to understand what had happened.
The entanglement of suspicion and faith reached a devastating peak in January 2021, when some Trump supporters stormed the United States Capitol. Among them were individuals brandishing crosses and Bibles, mingling symbols of faith with an act of political violence. For many observers, this shocking image represented the painful transformation of parts of American evangelicalism. Instead of remaining true to the message of Christ—who taught peace, love for enemies, and humble obedience—some believers had been swept into a storm of anger, fear, and falsehoods. Alberta spoke with pastors who witnessed the collapse of trust within their congregations. They saw people leave churches because the pastor refused to denounce political opponents, or refused to endorse increasingly wild conspiracy theories. Whispered rumors had become a roar, and the quiet sanctuaries that once nurtured spiritual growth now resonated with anxiety and division.
Chapter 4: A Kingdom Not of this World Yet Deeply Desired in Earthly Realms .
To grasp why evangelicals felt so fiercely defensive, one must return to a central tension in Christian teaching: the difference between God’s heavenly kingdom and human-made political systems. The Bible’s narrative begins with the ancient Israelites and their covenant with God. They were called to be a holy nation, distinct from others, following divine laws rather than human whims. Yet time and again, they strayed, placing their trust in earthly powers and idols. Eventually, Israel fell, and its people were scattered in exile. Centuries later, Jesus of Nazareth entered the scene with a radical message: salvation was no longer tied to a specific land or nation. His kingdom would not be found on a map. Instead of clinging to earthly political structures, followers of Jesus were called to place their hope in a divine realm beyond human borders. This shift challenged the traditional idea of a nation specially favored by God.
Early Christians, living under Roman authority, did not expect their faith to overthrow Caesar’s empire. They understood themselves as spiritual exiles—citizens of a higher kingdom who journeyed through earthly lands as strangers. The words of Jesus My kingdom is not from this world, and His advice to Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s underscored this separation. Christians owed earthly authorities respect and obedience in matters of governance, but they reserved their ultimate loyalty and worship for God alone. To confuse political power with divine favor risked placing one’s faith in human leaders rather than the Creator. Yet in modern America, some believers blurred this line, viewing their country as a new Israel—a chosen nation whose laws and policies should reflect their moral convictions. This mindset encouraged them to see national decline as a spiritual crisis rather than a natural cultural change.
For evangelicals who embraced this viewpoint, America’s success, wealth, and global influence seemed like evidence of God’s special blessing. The nation’s founding documents, Christian symbolism in its past, and widespread religious traditions all fueled the idea that America was set apart. If it was indeed chosen by God, then protecting it from perceived threats became a holy duty. Political struggles were no longer about differing opinions on taxes or healthcare—they were battles for the soul of God’s favored land. Any leader who promised to restore America’s former glory or keep it on the straight and narrow could be seen as doing God’s work. Thus, the earthly realm began overshadowing the heavenly one. Instead of viewing themselves as pilgrims passing through a temporary world, these believers behaved like warriors defending sacred territory. The result was a faith shaped more by national interests than by the universal message of Christ.
Such a posture alarmed many theologians and moderate pastors. They warned that mixing devotion to a country with devotion to God risked turning the state into an idol. Just as ancient Israelites worshipped golden calves, modern believers might be worshipping the American flag rather than the cross. By imagining the United States as a holy project, they placed their hope in a kingdom that would inevitably disappoint them. Humans are flawed, and no nation, however well-intentioned, can perfectly embody divine standards. The more believers tied their spiritual identity to a political program, the more they strayed from the central teachings of Jesus—mercy, humility, and love that transcends borders and alliances. Alberta realized that the tension between heavenly hope and earthly power lay at the heart of American evangelicalism’s current crisis. They had lost sight of the difference between Caesar’s sword and Jesus’s cross.
Chapter 5: Beneath the Sanctuary Roof: Fractures, Loyalties, and the Price of Political Devotion .
As political fervor spread through evangelical communities, churches that once stood as pillars of stability began to crack under the strain. Pastors found themselves caught between competing pressures. On one side were congregants demanding outspoken support for certain politicians, policies, and conspiracy theories. On the other stood traditional believers who worried that the gospel was becoming a political weapon rather than a source of spiritual nourishment. When pastors tried to remain neutral or focus solely on preaching the Bible, many found that members walked out, seeking congregations aligned with their political identities. One large denomination after another reported internal divisions, and some splintered into separate groups. Congregational meetings turned into heated debates over masks, elections, and social justice issues. Instead of uniting to care for the poor, feed the hungry, and comfort the sorrowful, believers were locked in struggles over who held the moral high ground in earthly politics.
This turmoil was not limited to a few churches. Across the nation, researchers observed significant changes in religious affiliation. Mainline Protestant denominations—traditionally more moderate or progressive—began attracting evangelicals disillusioned by the intense political climate. Younger believers especially turned away from evangelical churches that seemed obsessed with cultural battles rather than Christ-centered mission. The data revealed that fewer Americans now identify as Christian than in previous decades, and of those who remain Christian, fewer are willing to accept the evangelical label. To them, the term evangelical is no longer simply about believing in Jesus and the authority of the Bible; it has come to imply a certain political stance. This politicization alienates those who do not fit neatly into conservative ideologies. It drains the church of spiritual vitality and narrows its focus, making it harder to reach new generations who long for genuine compassion and authentic faith experiences.
Many pastors find themselves exhausted. A generation ago, a young pastor might enter ministry full of hope, eager to spread the message of love and redemption. Today, fewer young people feel called to lead churches divided along partisan lines. This shortage of younger pastors signals deep trouble for the future of evangelical communities. Without fresh voices, innovative thinking, and a willingness to adapt, many churches risk stagnation. Meanwhile, established pastors who refuse to join the political chorus face accusations of cowardice or liberal compromise. Some have even been dismissed from their pulpits. This climate of suspicion and struggle saps the spiritual energy needed to deal with real human problems: depression, loneliness, poverty, and injustice. The church, once a haven of healing and reconciliation, now looks more like a battleground where only the loudest political voices are heard. Alberta found this trend deeply disheartening.
Yet, not everyone has given up hope. Some faith leaders believe that the current crisis could pave the way for renewal. They argue that hitting rock bottom—where politics has nearly overshadowed piety—may force believers to reflect on what truly matters. If churches want to remain relevant and help people navigate life’s hardships, they must rediscover their spiritual roots. This involves refusing to worship political power and returning to the gentle voice of the Gospel. It requires an honest admission that fear and anger have often replaced love and understanding. Only by acknowledging past mistakes can evangelicals begin to mend broken relationships and refocus on Jesus’s teachings. As fractures spread beneath the sanctuary roof, some pastors and congregants are quietly gathering the pieces, determined to rebuild with a humble spirit. The question that remains is whether enough believers will join them in this journey toward a more authentic faith.
Chapter 6: Searching for Identity Amid Eroded Trust, Weary Pastors, and Fleeing Faithful Souls .
The idea of being an evangelical once carried a clear meaning. It implied a passionate commitment to sharing the Good News of Jesus, a belief in personal conversion, and a focus on Scripture as life’s guiding truth. But as politics seeped into the very fabric of evangelical identity, that clarity vanished. Now, the term often conjures images of partisan rallies, culture wars, and aggressive rhetoric. Disenchanted believers, feeling betrayed or embarrassed by the politicized tone of their communities, have adopted the label ex-vangelical as they move away. They lament that what should have been a loving invitation to follow Christ has turned into a stern demand for political allegiance. Alberta found that many who leave are not rejecting Jesus; they are rejecting a twisted version of faith, one shackled to party platforms. For these exiles, a new spiritual path may involve seeking quieter corners of Christianity or exploring entirely different faith traditions.
Meanwhile, those who remain inside the evangelical fold struggle with questions of identity. They wonder how to define themselves now that their brand has been tarnished. Some try to reclaim the original meaning of evangelicalism, insisting that it must return to a Christ-centered focus. Others argue that the damage is done, and the evangelical label might never recover its former spiritual purity. Caught in this identity crisis, many believers feel uncertain. They remember the community potlucks, the heartfelt prayers, and the sense of purpose that once filled their churches. They long for that simpler time, before polarized news outlets and social media echo chambers eroded trust. Yet they also know that ignoring the problem will not make it disappear. The question they face is how to move forward, how to redefine faith communities so that they reflect divine values rather than political talking points.
Pastors and lay leaders who dare to challenge the politicization of faith discover that the path to renewal is neither easy nor quick. They must patiently restore trust, one conversation at a time. They must address the misinformation and conspiracies that have unsettled so many hearts. They must remind their congregations that faith is not a commodity to be traded for influence. These leaders often feel overwhelmed, but they persist because they believe in something deeper than politics: the transforming power of grace. Their work involves listening compassionately to those who have been hurt or confused, guiding them back toward the heart of the Gospel. They point out that the Good News is not tied to any nation’s fate; it is a universal message of hope available to all people, at all times. By gently peeling away layers of political identity, they hope to reveal a purer faith underneath.
As people wrestle with identity, trust, and meaning, some find comfort in returning to the fundamentals of their faith tradition. They dive into the Bible not seeking ammunition for cultural fights, but spiritual nourishment for weary souls. They revisit the life of Jesus, noting how He did not chase after earthly crowns or armies. Instead, He healed the sick, welcomed the outsider, and showed mercy to sinners. This example stands in stark contrast to the noisy political arena, where pride and hostility dominate. By refocusing on such stories, believers rediscover their true calling. Alberta’s investigation reveals that beneath all the turmoil, many evangelicals are simply searching for a way back to that sacred simplicity. They want to be known as people of faith, hope, and love, not as soldiers in a political war. This struggle with identity may be painful, but it could also birth a more genuine devotion.
Chapter 7: Rediscovering the True Light: Turning from Worldly Power to Higher Eternal Purpose .
In the midst of confusion and anger, a quiet but persistent question arises: Is it possible for evangelicals to return to the heart of their faith? To rediscover the message that made Christianity compelling in the first place—love for God and neighbor, patience, kindness, humility—believers must step back from the frenzy of political theater. This shift does not mean ignoring real-world problems or ceasing to care about justice. Rather, it involves understanding that faith does not depend on winning elections or passing certain laws. God’s kingdom, as Jesus taught, transcends human institutions. It invites believers to show compassion even to their enemies, to forgive rather than seek revenge, and to trust that ultimate hope rests in divine hands, not in the next candidate. To turn from worldly power is to look upward and inward, embracing the eternal purpose that shaped Christianity’s earliest communities.
This rediscovery begins with honest reflection. Churches may need to hold open forums, encouraging members to voice concerns and regrets. Leaders might publicly acknowledge past errors, such as promoting division or conflating faith with nationalism. Repentance, a cornerstone of Christian teaching, can guide believers back to humility. Many evangelicals have already started down this path, distancing themselves from shrill voices that demand loyalty to political figures. They are writing books, hosting podcasts, and sharing testimonies that emphasize loving relationships over partisan battles. This process is not instant. Just as mistrust and suspicion took time to spread, healing requires patience. Nonetheless, each step taken away from political obsessions and toward spiritual authenticity kindles fresh hope. Where bitterness once reigned, understanding can grow. Where anger prevailed, empathy can blossom. In turning away from the unstable realm of worldly power, believers reclaim the timeless truths that their faith is founded upon.
As evangelicals rebuild their spiritual community, they may discover unexpected allies. Christians from other traditions, as well as people from different faiths and backgrounds, might appreciate a gentler, more open-hearted evangelical voice. When churches focus on serving the poor, comforting the lonely, and guiding the broken-hearted, they align themselves with the mission Jesus modeled. Instead of defining themselves by who they oppose, believers can define themselves by what they stand for: grace, honesty, and mercy. Such a reorientation does not remove Christians from the world; it allows them to engage with it more faithfully. It calls them to influence culture not through force, but through the quiet power of example and service. By doing this, the evangelical movement can earn back its credibility, offering hope in a time when many feel spiritually homeless. Alberta’s journey suggests that true renewal lies in returning to Jesus’s life-giving message.
In the end, Alberta’s exploration shows that evangelicals stand at a crossroads. They can continue down a path that ties faith to political struggles, risking a hollowed-out spirituality fixated on earthly battles. Or they can choose the more difficult path of spiritual rejuvenation—one that dares to trust in God’s greater plan, even if it means losing some worldly advantages. Those who choose renewal reject the illusion that a single nation or leader can guarantee eternal security. Instead, they invest in relationships, communities, and compassionate engagement with the world’s problems. They find purpose not in victory over enemies, but in caring for the least among them. The future of American evangelicalism may depend on this brave decision to let go of worldly power and seize the eternal promise that Jesus offers. In doing so, they may rediscover the bright, guiding light that first drew them to faith.
All about the Book
Explore the intricate relationship between religion and politics in ‘The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory.’ Tim Alberta offers deep insights into contemporary America’s faith-driven landscape, enriching readers’ understanding in just 40 engaging words.
Tim Alberta, an acclaimed political journalist, examines critical intersections in American culture. His unique perspective sheds light on the influence of faith in today’s political discourse, making him a vital voice in contemporary commentary.
Politicians, Journalists, Theologians, Political Analysts, Sociologists
Political Commentary, Reading Non-fiction, Attending Lectures, Engaging in Faith Discussions, Exploring History of Religion
Influence of religion on politics, The rise of political extremism, Secularism vs. religious values, Civic engagement and faith
Faith is not just a personal matter; it’s woven into the very fabric of our democracy.
Barack Obama, Malcolm Gladwell, Kristen Powers
National Book Award Finalist, George Polk Award, Edward R. Murrow Award
1. How does political power shape religious beliefs today? #2. What role does media play in political perception? #3. Can personal faith influence public policy decisions? #4. How do political leaders manipulate religious sentiments? #5. What impact does polarization have on modern communities? #6. How can we reconcile faith and political ideology? #7. What historical events shaped the current political landscape? #8. How does social media affect civic engagement levels? #9. What are the consequences of political tribalism today? #10. How does fear drive political and religious rhetoric? #11. In what ways can faith promote social change? #12. What lessons can we learn from past political conflicts? #13. How does populism redefine traditional political values? #14. What role does doubt play in religious conviction? #15. How can dialogue bridge gaps between opposing views? #16. What strategies can improve political discourse today? #17. How do cultural narratives influence political action? #18. In what ways can empathy enhance political discussions? #19. How do faith leaders navigate political landscapes? #20. What is the future of faith in politics?
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