A review by kurtwombat
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense medium-paced

5.0

 I had some concerns beginning this book. It’s been an overwhelming election year—practically an election decade—and I was afraid this book would just add to that stress. Somewhat amazingly it managed to do the opposite. Evangelicals were no longer a monolithic mass all voting mindlessly one way but instead a complicated mosaic of people at odds with each other over the direction of their church (which is likely in the process of becoming two separate churches). The history of this schism does not go that far back—pretty much born out of the Reagan era—so stemming from politics & power and not religion & faith. Deep research and dozens of interviews synthesized through the author’s personal life in and out of the church create a fantastic overview and detailed analysis of the Evangelical Church and how it became what it is. 
 
I have never been a fan of organized religion—preferring instead nature based belief systems. 
While I consider traditional Christian myths to have value, I have always felt let down by those delivering the message. So imagine my surprise when finding myself moved by the passion of the author and some interviewed for this book. I was not moved by those who consider America their Kingdom on earth.  I find them short sighted and empty hearted. I was moved by those who consider the Kingdom they seek not of this earth or this life. They had the courage of a faith not designed for an immediate payout. Realizing the difference between these two groups helped the whole book fall into place. It also spurred a compassion for those fighting to hold onto a genuine faith in the face of golden calf idolatry. Or at least a spray tanned idolatry.