The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. By Katherine Stewart

Extract

Stewart’s text is part of a growing cottage industry of books studying Christian nationalism. Known for her liberal examination of Christian Right politics, Stewart clearly reveals the interlocking of various Christian Right organizations and political initiatives. She illustrates that these entwined organizations are not just mobilizing against abortion or gay marriages, but intend to establish a theocracy rooted in their religious beliefs. This work should be of interest both to journalists and academics studying religion and politics, and its case studies are useful for undergraduate religion and politics courses.

The text is at its best in showing the systematic political mobilization, especially through media, by Christian Right groups such as the Family Research Council, Campus Ministries Bible, Church United, United in Purpose, Alliance Defending Freedom, World Congress of Families, Child Evangelism, and the Edgar Prince/Richard and Betsy Devos attempt to transform public education through the private sector. Key players featured at length by Stewart include Tony Perkins, Ralph Drollinger, Paul Weyrich, David Barton, Bill Dallas, and P.J. Smyth, among others. Each of these organizations is well funded, and Stewart is persuasive in her contention that these groups intend to set up a Christendom, not just in the United States, but internationally.