The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory; American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: A Deep Dive into the American Evangelical Movement

Instant New York Times Bestseller
One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of the Year
A Best Book of the Year – The Economist & Air Mail

"Brave and absorbing." —The New York Times
"An astonishingly clear-eyed look at a murky movement." —Los Angeles Times
"A vibrant writer, capable of rendering a farcical scene in vivid hues." —The Washington Post

Evangelical Christians are among the most polarizing—and often misunderstood—groups in America today. In The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, journalist Tim Alberta—himself a practicing Christian and the son of an evangelical pastor—delivers a sweeping and deeply unsettling portrait of the modern American evangelical movement. Through the perspectives of televangelists and small-town pastors, celebrity revivalists and everyday churchgoers, Alberta unpacks a faith reshaped by fear, corrupted by political power, and tarnished by scandal.

For many conservative Christians, America itself is their kingdom—a nation uniquely blessed and set apart. But in recent years, this devotion has evolved into fervent nationalism, blending faith with ideology in ways that often contradict the very teachings of Christ. Tracing key moments in the movement’s history, Alberta explores how Donald Trump’s presidency and the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its transformation, highlighting the growing fractures within American Christianity. From empty pews to packed political rallies, he documents the shift from a gospel of grace to a culture war mentality where "loving your enemies" is dismissed as weakness and "owning the libs" has become the modern-day answer to What Would Jesus Do?

With access to the highest levels of evangelical leadership, Alberta investigates how conservative Christians have sought, wielded, and at times misused power in their pursuit of an earthly kingdom. He reveals how many within the movement have prioritized political influence over spiritual integrity, focusing on battles that stray from biblical teachings. As a rapidly secularizing America increasingly distrusts the evangelical church, Alberta weaves together the stories of pastors and congregations grappling with lost influence, disillusionment, and a crisis of faith.

Amidst the scandals and political entanglements, Alberta asks a fundamental question: If the American evangelical movement is no longer centered on glorifying God, then what is it truly fighting for?