How evangelicalism got hijacked
With Tim Alberta
American evangelicalism’s pull towards the far right is felt by anyone that comes into contact with the movement. But how did this happen? Who did the pulling? What were the motivations? What were the pre-conditions that made evangelicals so susceptible? With his latest book, The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism, Tim Alberta has written the definitive book that answers these questions. He and Curtis discuss the key types of individuals, the organizations, the strategies, and especially the hidden incentive structures that lie beneath the headlines.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta (Harper)
Subscribers to Redeeming Babel will receive a discount on all Redeeming Babel courses, a monthly newsletter, and exclusive access to member only forums.
Curtis, thank you so much for this podcast, it was recommended to me by a longtime friend who now identifies as an EXvangelical. Like many Americans I have had contact throughout the years with Evangelicalism through people at school, work, and neighborhood. I was raised in both the Catholic and Episcopal traditions, and even though I am an outsider to you, I also have witnessed institutional rot and the subsequent deconstruction of faith. My heart goes out to those who find themselves there now. My personal experience with Evangelicals, one on one, has been mostly positive. However, I found the larger movement to which they belonged odd and disorienting. As the layers were peeled back I remained unable to wrap my head around their world view, largely bent towards paranoia, conspiracy, and persecution. And these views came from White and mostly affluent Americans. This made no sense to me. Listening to Alberta’s interview provided context and insight into a place I didn’t understand. I will definitely read the book as it may be a good companion to Andrew Whitehead’s work.
I remain grateful to you.
Celia Marquis, California
Tim Albert’s book is a blessing; I’m so grateful he wrote it. It is through this book that I discovered the Good Faith Podcast. Tim’s book and the Good Faith Podcast have helped me to keep a saner, more Christian attitude and outlook in dealing with our crazy, politically divided country. Thank you so very much Curtis, David French and Tim Alberta.