The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Summary

"What the hell is wrong with these people?" This question drives Tim Alberta's exploration of how political fervor has upended the evangelical church in America.

1. Faith and Politics: An Uneasy Alliance

The relationship between faith and politics has long been a subject of debate among Christians. Alberta notes that while Jesus advocated for separating God’s kingdom from earthly power, American evangelicals increasingly merge the two. This integration is most evident in their treatment of America as a modern-day “promised land,” uniquely blessed and chosen by God.

Historically, evangelicals voted based on what they saw as the “lesser evil,” aligning themselves with conservative politics primarily to counter liberal policies. For decades, their political engagement was defensive rather than proactive. But with Donald Trump’s rise, this dynamic changed. Evangelicals didn’t just tolerate Trump’s flaws; many embraced him as a divine instrument fighting against threats to Christianity, such as secularism and liberal ideologies.

This shift wasn’t without consequences. Alberta recounts how evangelical voters became Trump’s most loyal supporters, even defending behavior and rhetoric that conflicted with Christian values. By conflating faith with political power, their focus veered away from spiritual renewal and toward earthly battles—a direction many pastors and theologians argue distorts Jesus’s original teachings.

Examples

• Evangelicals rallied around Trump in 2016, seeing him as a defender of their faith against “godless liberals.”
• In Alberta’s hometown, church members criticized him for challenging Trump, rather than offering support after his father’s passing.
• Trump’s claim that Democrats “want to hurt God” resonated deeply, fueling evangelical fears and loyalty.

2. The Rise of Conspiracy Thinking

Conspiracy theories have found fertile ground among some evangelical communities, especially during times of crisis. Alberta highlights how beliefs such as Obama being a secret enemy of Christianity and the pandemic being a hoax grew from preexisting mistrust of liberals and global elites.

The pandemic served as a tipping point. When lockdowns and church closures were ordered, many evangelicals interpreted them as an attack on their religious freedoms. Social media amplified these fears, spreading theories that the virus was part of a larger, sinister plot. Pastors like Chris Winan recount how congregants shifted from quiet political conservatism to vocal participation in conspiracies like QAnon.

By elevating conspiracy theories, some believers began to view Donald Trump as a near-messianic figure. The alignment of faith with such beliefs weakened churches, dividing congregations and, for some leaders, raising questions about the compatibility of Christianity with evangelicalism’s trajectory.

Examples

• Facebook posts alleging the pandemic was a hoax became widespread in evangelical circles.
• A church leader promoted QAnon conspiracies, leading to division in her congregation.
• Evangelicals carried crosses and Bibles during the Capitol riots on January 6, signaling their fusion of faith with political rebellion.

3. America as the New Israel

American evangelicals often frame their nation as a “new Israel,” chosen by God for greatness. This belief puts politics and patriotism on spiritual footing, where defending the country becomes analogous to defending faith itself.

Alberta explores how this view takes biblical concepts out of context, merging earthly governance with eternal salvation. The New Testament teachings emphasize building a heavenly kingdom and rejecting worldly power, but many evangelicals reinterpret scripture to justify America’s status as a divine covenant nation. This theological error leads to idolatry, where nationalism replaces core Christian values.

This mindset is further reinforced by America’s global power, which some evangelicals see as evidence of divine blessing. Alberta argues that such thinking not only distorts the faith’s core message but also validates exclusionary politics, where outsiders and nonbelievers are seen as existential threats.

Examples

• The belief in America’s unique covenant with God mirrors ancient Israel’s significance in the Old Testament.
• Patriotic church events often blur the line between God’s kingdom and national pride.
• Evangelical leaders frequently frame elections as spiritual battles to “save the nation.”

4. The Leadership Crisis

Evangelical pastors face growing challenges as churches become more divided by politics. Alberta highlights how political disagreements have pushed many leaders out of ministry or forced them to choose sides.

Statistics show a dwindling number of pastors under the age of 40, reflecting discouragement among younger leaders. Many church leaders feel unprepared to navigate the political expectations of their congregations, leaving some to exit ministry altogether. Churches tied to contentious movements, like those aligned with QAnon or far-right ideologies, see rapid declines in membership due to fractured congregations.

This leadership vacuum means fewer voices advocate for a return to theological priorities over political battles, accelerating the evangelical church’s fragmentation.

Examples

• The number of evangelical pastors under 40 has dropped from 33% in 1990 to 16% today.
• Churches like the United Methodist Church are splitting due to disagreements over political direction.
• Russell Moore blames the church’s politicization for driving leaders and members away.

5. Decline in Evangelical Numbers

Evangelical Christianity is not only losing pastors but also members. Alberta explores data showing a steep decline in those identifying as Christians, while secular affiliations have surged.

Conservative theologians like Russell Moore argue that the politicization of evangelicalism has alienated potential followers. For many Americans, evangelical Christianity appears more like a political faction than a faith community. Younger generations, in particular, reject faith traditions seen as vehicles for social or political power.

This decline signals an urgent need for outreach and renewal. Without addressing the perception that evangelicalism is overly partisan, the church risks losing relevance with the broader public.

Examples

• The percentage of Americans identifying as Christian dropped from 90% in 1991 to 63% in recent years.
• Self-identified “mainline Protestants,” a more progressive group, now outnumber evangelicals.
• Many Christians have turned away from evangelicalism toward secularism or alternative expressions of faith.

6. Evangelicalism’s Shifting Mission

At its heart, Christianity involves outreach: spreading the gospel to all people. Yet, Alberta shows how some evangelicals have turned this inclusionary mission into an exclusionary one.

Too many evangelical institutions focus on defending their political or cultural purity, treating outsiders as threats rather than prospective converts. This stands in stark contrast to Jesus’s own actions, which prioritized reaching sinners, outcasts, and enemies. Alberta critiques this inward-looking mindset, arguing that it has replaced the church’s broader call to evangelism.

The evangelical movement’s social and political battles have, in this way, obscured its foundational purpose, leaving it ill-equipped to grow or adapt in an increasingly diverse society.

Examples

• Alberta describes many churches as “castles with high walls” rather than open sanctuaries for all.
• Jesus’s outreach to sinners and outcasts contrasts sharply with some churches’ exclusivity.
• The exvangelical movement reflects disillusionment with the lack of universalism in evangelicalism.

7. Theological Drift

Evangelicals are not just losing members—they’re also drifting from their theological roots. Alberta points out that sermons and teachings increasingly focus on political matters rather than spiritual growth.

This theological shift divides congregations and undermines the core teachings of the gospel. Pastors who resist this politicization often find themselves at odds with their congregants, leading to tension and even resignation. Without a strong theological foundation, the evangelical church risks becoming indistinguishable from a political lobby.

Examples

• Alberta observed pastors pressured to politicize sermons at the expense of scripture.
• Younger Christians report feeling disconnected from churches overly focused on politics.
• Theological debates within denominations like the Southern Baptist Convention illustrate this drift.

8. The Cost of Political Deals

Jesus avoided political power, emphasizing service and sacrifice instead. Yet many evangelicals have embraced the opposite, seeking influence through alliances with politicians and movements like Trumpism.

Alberta critiques this approach, arguing that it compromises the church’s integrity. By aligning too closely with secular power, evangelical leaders risk losing their credibility while alienating potential followers. The pursuit of influence, he argues, cannot replace the mission of faith.

Examples

• Evangelicals’ unwavering support for Trump exemplifies this alliance.
• Leaders promoting Christian nationalism often face backlash.
• Historical warnings against merging church and state remain relevant today.

9. Finding Renewal

Alberta maintains that hope for renewal lies in reclaiming evangelicalism’s original mission: spreading the gospel and embracing a universal, inclusive faith.

This requires rejecting exclusionary nationalism and refocusing on eternal values over current events. By prioritizing Jesus’s teachings of love, compassion, and outreach, the church could reverse its decline and rediscover its relevance in modern society.

Examples

• Churches that emphasize community service and inclusion attract younger members.
• The rise of mainline Protestant identities reflects a desire for apolitical faith.
• Alberta draws on personal anecdotes to show how spiritual focus can heal divisions.

Takeaways

1. Refocus on Jesus’s teachings rather than political agendas to rebuild the church’s credibility.
2. Cultivate inclusivity by working to see the church as a welcoming sanctuary rather than a political stronghold.
3. Address theological drift by emphasizing scripture and spiritual growth over social and political battles.