DISCORD
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
Tim Alberta
Goodreads Choice Awards
Apple Books
95 Min Reading Time
Audio Version Available
About this book
A New York Times Bestseller and Barack Obama's Favorite Book of the Year
Tim Alberta, award-winning journalist and son of an evangelical pastor, delivers a groundbreaking and deeply unsettling portrait of American evangelicalism in The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory. Through intimate accounts of televangelists, small-town preachers, and everyday believers, Alberta exposes a faith grappling with corruption, scandal, and the seductive allure of political power.
Once a force defined by its covenant with God, the evangelical movement now finds itself fractured by right-wing nationalism and a relentless pursuit of earthly influence. Alberta traces the seismic shifts that led to this crisis, revealing how the Trump presidency and cultural flashpoints have accelerated the erosion of traditional values. From half-empty sanctuaries to packed convention halls, he uncovers a landscape where loving your enemies is "woke" and political victories overshadow spiritual tenets.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory is a vital exploration of faith, power, and identity in a rapidly changing America, asking the urgent question: What remains when the pursuit of earthly glory eclipses the divine?
Summary of Key Ideas
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The Politicization of Faith
The book delves into the transformation of American Evangelicalism, particularly its shift towards political extremism and away from core Christian values. It examines how the pursuit of power and influence has overshadowed the traditional focus on faith, community, and spiritual growth. Alberta argues that this shift has led to a crisis of identity within the evangelical movement, as it grapples with its role in contemporary American society. The book analyzes the historical, social, and political factors that have contributed to this transformation, providing a nuanced understanding of the complex forces shaping modern Evangelicalism.
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The Role of Influential Leaders
Alberta highlights the influence of key figures and institutions within the evangelical community who have actively promoted a blend of religious belief and political activism. He investigates how these individuals and organizations have successfully mobilized evangelical voters and shaped public discourse on issues ranging from abortion and LGBTQ+ rights to economic policy and foreign relations. The book explores the strategies they employ to maintain their influence and the consequences of their actions on both the evangelical community and American politics as a whole. It also examines the internal divisions and debates within the movement regarding the appropriate role of faith in the public square.
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The Impact of Media and Misinformation
The book explores the role of media, particularly conservative news outlets and social media platforms, in amplifying the voices of extremist elements within the evangelical movement. It examines how these media channels have contributed to the spread of misinformation, conspiracy theories, and divisive rhetoric, further polarizing the evangelical community and American society at large. Alberta analyzes the impact of this media ecosystem on shaping public opinion and influencing political behavior, highlighting the challenges of combating disinformation and promoting constructive dialogue in an increasingly fragmented information landscape.
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Moral Compromise and Ethical Dilemmas
Alberta addresses the moral compromises and ethical dilemmas faced by evangelicals who have embraced political power. He examines how the pursuit of political influence has led some within the movement to overlook or excuse the moral failings of political leaders, even when those failings contradict core Christian values. The book raises questions about the long-term consequences of such compromises on the integrity and credibility of the evangelical community, as well as on its ability to serve as a moral compass in American society.
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Internal Divisions and Dissenting Voices
The book explores the internal divisions and debates within the evangelical movement regarding its political involvement and its relationship with the broader culture. Alberta highlights the voices of evangelicals who are critical of the movement's embrace of political extremism and who advocate for a return to its traditional focus on faith, community, and social justice. He examines the challenges these dissenting voices face in challenging the dominant narrative within the movement and in promoting a more inclusive and compassionate vision of evangelicalism.
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Hope for Renewal and Reform
Alberta reflects on the future of American Evangelicalism and the potential for renewal and reform. He emphasizes the need for evangelicals to re-evaluate their priorities, to embrace humility and self-criticism, and to engage in constructive dialogue with those who hold different views. The book offers a call to action for evangelicals to reclaim their moral authority and to work towards building a more just and equitable society, grounded in the teachings of Christ and the principles of love, compassion, and reconciliation. It suggests pathways for the evangelical community to move beyond its current crisis of identity and to embrace a more hopeful and transformative vision for the future.
Chapter Recap
About The Author
Tim Alberta
Main Quotes
"“The great fault in the evangelical movement today, is that we're disobedient to the commands of the one we claim to follow.""
"“They had all to some extent been seduced by the cult of Trumpism: convinced of the false choices that accompanied his rise, drained of certain convictions.”"
""Our allegiance is never to a political figure. We have a king. We have a kingdom. And that the best way for us to retain our saltiness is to prioritize that...""
"“The terminology “This is the most important election in your lifetime” is used by both sides.""
""America is their kingdom—a land set apart, a nation uniquely blessed, a people in special covenant with God.""
""Pray for those who persecute you. Feed the hungry. Clothe the naked. Care for widows and orphans. Visit those in prison. Seek first the kingdom of God.""
""The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory in an Age of Extremism""
"“This is the most important election in your lifetime”"
""Aggressive use of a persecution complex mentality""
""Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump""
Who Should Read This Book
Readers interested in the intersection of religion and politics in America
Individuals interested in understanding the modern American evangelical movement
People concerned about the rise of extremism within religious communities
Readers of political analysis and social commentary
Those with a personal or academic interest in American religious history
Evangelicals seeking introspection and critical analysis of their own faith community
People interested in the changing role of religion in American society
Readers of Tim Alberta's previous work
Book Summaries Like
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
FAQ
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