Key Takeaways
1. Christian Nationalism: A Political Movement Disguised as Religion
This is not a "culture war." It is a political war over the future of democracy.
A movement for power. Christian nationalism is not primarily a religious or cultural movement, but a political one aimed at gaining control over American society. Its ultimate goal is to replace democratic principles with a state grounded in a particular version of Christianity that serves the interests of its wealthy funders and allied political leaders.
Characteristics of the movement:
- Claims to represent America's "Christian heritage"
- Seeks to implement laws based on their interpretation of the Bible
- Opposes separation of church and state
- Aims to privilege conservative Christians in government and law
The movement has gained significant influence within the Republican Party and has played a crucial role in recent elections, including the 2016 presidential race.
2. The Origins: Slavery, Segregation, and Anti-New Deal Sentiments
The roots of the present crisis in the American political party system lie at the juncture of money and religion.
Historical foundations. The ideological roots of Christian nationalism can be traced back to proslavery theology and opposition to the New Deal. Key figures like R.J. Rushdoony drew inspiration from these sources to develop a theocratic vision for America.
Key historical influences:
- Proslavery theologians like Robert Lewis Dabney
- Opposition to civil rights and desegregation
- Resistance to New Deal economic policies
This historical context reveals that Christian nationalism is not a new phenomenon, but a continuation of longstanding efforts to maintain social hierarchies and economic privilege through religious justification.
3. Abortion: A Strategic Political Tool, Not a Moral Imperative
It wasn't until 1979—a full six years after Roe—that evangelical leaders, at the behest of conservative activist Paul Weyrich, seized on abortion not for moral reasons, but as a rallying-cry to deny President Jimmy Carter a second term.
Political strategy. The anti-abortion stance of the Christian nationalist movement was not primarily driven by moral concerns, but was adopted as a political strategy to unify conservatives and mobilize voters.
Key points:
- Before 1979, many conservative Christians were ambivalent about abortion
- The issue was chosen to create a clear dividing line between conservatives and liberals
- It has since become a litmus test for political candidates and judicial nominees
This strategic use of abortion as a political tool has dramatically reshaped American politics and continues to be a central issue for the movement.
4. The Takeover of Public Education Through Charter Schools and Vouchers
Vouchers are also favored among disciples of the free market advocate Milton Friedman, who saw them as a step on the road to getting government out of the education business altogether.
Undermining public education. Christian nationalists have sought to weaken public education and promote religious schooling through charter schools and voucher programs. This effort is often framed as promoting "school choice" but serves to funnel public funds to religious institutions.
Key tactics:
- Promoting charter schools with minimal oversight
- Advocating for school voucher programs
- Inserting religious curriculum into public schools
- Homeschooling and private religious academies
These efforts not only serve to promote religious education but also to undermine support for public education more broadly, aligning with the movement's anti-government ideology.
5. Data-Driven Voter Mobilization and Political Manipulation
We have about 200 million files, so we have pretty much the whole voting population in our database. What we do is we track to see what's going to make somebody either vote one way, or not vote at all.
Sophisticated targeting. Christian nationalist organizations have developed advanced data operations to identify, mobilize, and influence voters. These efforts often operate through church networks and religious organizations.
Key strategies:
- Building massive voter databases
- Targeting messaging based on religious affiliation and other factors
- Mobilizing pastors and congregations for political action
- Exploiting tax-exempt status for political purposes
These data-driven efforts have given the movement significant political influence, often operating below the radar of traditional political analysis.
6. "Religious Liberty" as a Weapon Against Civil Rights and Healthcare
The "religious liberty" of Christian nationalists can cost you your dignity, your health, your job, and even your life.
Redefining religious freedom. Christian nationalists have co-opted the concept of religious liberty to justify discrimination and deny healthcare services, particularly in areas of reproductive health and LGBTQ+ rights.
Examples of impact:
- Denying reproductive healthcare services in Catholic hospitals
- Allowing pharmacists to refuse to fill prescriptions based on religious beliefs
- Permitting businesses to discriminate against LGBTQ+ individuals
- Restricting access to end-of-life care options
This redefinition of religious liberty prioritizes the beliefs of certain religious groups over the rights and healthcare needs of others, effectively establishing a form of religious privilege.
7. The Global Holy War: Christian Nationalism's International Reach
Global liberalism, as the warriors see it, is a hydra. It has "multiple faces," says Ignacio Arsuaga, the founder and president of the ultraconservative Christian activist group CitizenGO.
International movement. Christian nationalism is not confined to the United States but is part of a global network of right-wing, religious nationalist movements. These groups share common enemies and strategies across national borders.
Key aspects:
- Collaboration between U.S. and international religious right groups
- Shared opposition to "global liberalism," feminism, and LGBTQ+ rights
- Efforts to influence politics in multiple countries
- Growing ties between religious conservatives and far-right political movements
This global dimension demonstrates that Christian nationalism is part of a broader international trend challenging liberal democracy and secular governance.
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FAQ
What's The Power Worshippers about?
- Focus on Christian Nationalism: The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart examines the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S., highlighting its influence on politics and society.
- Political Strategy: The book details how Christian nationalists use grassroots mobilization and legislative initiatives to gain political power.
- Historical Context: Stewart traces the movement's roots to earlier conservative religious movements, identifying key figures and organizations that have shaped its development.
- Impact on Democracy: The book argues that this movement poses a significant threat to democratic values and pluralism in America.
Why should I read The Power Worshippers?
- Understanding Politics: It provides insights into the influence of religious ideologies on U.S. policy and governance.
- Informed Citizenship: The book equips readers with knowledge about Christian nationalists' motivations and tactics, enhancing civic engagement.
- Comprehensive Research: Stewart's extensive research and firsthand accounts offer a well-rounded perspective, valuable for both scholars and general readers.
- Call to Action: The author encourages readers to engage in the democratic process and resist authoritarian tendencies.
What are the key takeaways of The Power Worshippers?
- Political Movement: Christian nationalism is portrayed as a political movement aiming to reshape American democracy.
- Manipulation of Religion: Leaders manipulate religious sentiments to mobilize support and influence legislation, often under the guise of "religious liberty."
- Historical Revisionism: The movement promotes the idea that America was founded as a Christian nation, legitimizing their political goals.
- Consequences for Society: The rise of religious nationalism could lead to societal changes, including the erosion of civil rights.
What are the best quotes from The Power Worshippers and what do they mean?
- “Not a ‘culture war’”: This quote emphasizes that the conflict is about power and governance, not just social issues.
- “Device for mobilizing”: It highlights the strategic use of religious identity to rally support for political objectives.
- “Creature of present circumstances”: This points to the irony that while the movement claims to uphold traditional values, it responds to contemporary changes.
- “Cause for alarm”: This serves as a warning about the potential dangers posed by the movement to democratic principles.
How does Katherine Stewart define Christian nationalism in The Power Worshippers?
- Political Ideology: Christian nationalism is defined as a political ideology asserting that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation.
- Myth of Founding: The movement promotes the myth that America’s founding principles are inherently Christian, justifying its political ambitions.
- Mobilization Tool: It is described as a tool for mobilizing and manipulating large segments of the population.
- Threat to Pluralism: The movement poses a significant threat to the pluralistic nature of American democracy.
What is the significance of Project Blitz in The Power Worshippers?
- Coordinated Legislative Strategy: Project Blitz aims to flood state legislatures with bills promoting Christian nationalist values.
- Phased Approach: It starts with symbolic legislation and moves towards more substantive laws embedding Christian values into public policy.
- Impact on Democracy: Stewart argues it represents a threat to democratic principles by imposing a specific religious ideology.
- Focus on Religious Freedom: The project frames its agenda as protecting religious freedom, often leading to discrimination.
How does The Power Worshippers address the relationship between money and Christian nationalism?
- Funding Sources: Wealthy donors and organizations fund the movement, shaping political agendas and influencing elections.
- Economic Interests: The movement aligns with economic elites who benefit from policies favoring deregulation and tax cuts.
- Grassroots Mobilization: Despite the influence of money, grassroots mobilization remains crucial, engaging ordinary citizens.
- Data-Driven Strategies: Organizations use data to identify and mobilize conservative Christian voters, maximizing electoral impact.
What role does education play in The Power Worshippers?
- Hostility to Public Education: The movement opposes public education, viewing it as a vehicle for secularism and liberal values.
- Promotion of Christian Education: There is a push for school vouchers and charter schools that align with Christian values.
- Curriculum Control: The movement seeks to influence curricula to reflect a Christian nationalist perspective.
- Impact on Students: These efforts could lead to a generation educated in a manner prioritizing religious doctrine over critical thinking.
Who are the key figures in The Power Worshippers?
- Katherine Stewart: The author, a journalist, provides a critical lens on the Christian nationalist movement.
- Rousas John Rushdoony: A foundational figure whose ideas about theocracy have influenced contemporary Christian nationalism.
- David Barton: Known for revisionist interpretations of American history, promoting the idea of a Christian nation.
- Bill Dallas and Ralph Drollinger: Key players involved in voter mobilization and influencing lawmakers through religious study groups.
How does The Power Worshippers illustrate the movement's grassroots efforts?
- Local Engagement: Local pastors and congregations mobilize communities for political activism.
- Training and Resources: Programs and resources help pastors influence congregations and encourage political participation.
- Community Impact: Grassroots efforts impact local and state elections and public policy decisions.
- Voter Mobilization: Data-driven strategies are used to identify and mobilize conservative Christian voters.
What are the implications of the Christian nationalist movement for American democracy according to The Power Worshippers?
- Threat to Pluralism: The movement seeks to impose a singular religious identity on the nation.
- Erosion of Democratic Norms: It undermines democratic norms, including the separation of church and state.
- Future of Governance: The movement’s goals could lead to a theocratic system prioritizing religious doctrine over democratic principles.
- Global Influence: The movement forms alliances with like-minded groups worldwide, posing a threat to liberal democracies.
How does The Power Worshippers connect Christian nationalism to global movements?
- International Collaboration: American Christian nationalists form alliances with global groups, creating a worldwide movement.
- Shared Ideological Goals: They oppose global liberalism, targeting issues like abortion and LGBTQ rights.
- Threat to Democracy: The global movement poses a threat to democratic values and pluralism.
- Impact on Policy: This collaboration seeks to promote conservative values and undermine liberal democracies.
Review Summary
The Power Worshippers is a well-researched, eye-opening examination of Christian nationalism's rise and threat to American democracy. Stewart exposes the organizations, leaders, and tactics behind this movement, which seeks political power rather than religious freedom. The book reveals how Christian nationalists manipulate politics, education, healthcare, and the legal system to impose their ideology. While some readers found the content disturbing and anger-inducing, many praised Stewart's thorough investigation and engaging writing style. Critics noted the book's potential bias against Christians and difficulty following the numerous organizations involved.
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