Tim Alberta, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory," dives deep into the evangelical church's profound influence on American politics. He shares insights from his upbringing as a pastor's child and how that shaped his understanding of faith and politics. Alberta discusses the dynamics of evangelical support for Trump, the tension within families over this allegiance, and the emerging cautious voices among younger Christians. His reflections uncover the moral complexities and shifting landscapes of today's evangelical movement.
The evangelical movement is divided between those who prioritize religious beliefs and those who prioritize political power.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the division within the evangelical movement, with some viewing restrictions on church gatherings as an attack on their faith.
There is a worrisome trend within the evangelical movement of support for political violence and idolization of Donald Trump, despite his questionable character.
Deep dives
The Influence of Jerry Falwell on the Evangelical Movement
Jerry Falwell was a key figure in the rise of the evangelical movement, launching the Moral Majority and merging his Baptist church with Liberty University. He played a significant role in weaponizing Christianity for political and cultural domination. The focus on money and the evangelical industrial complex also contributed to their influence. His son, Jerry Falwell Jr., exemplifies those seduced by earthly idols, with controversial remarks about Liberty University's religious foundation. The evangelical movement is divided, with some staying faithful to their religious beliefs, while others prioritize political power.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Evangelical Congregations
COVID-19 has further fractured evangelical congregations, particularly when faced with restrictions on church gatherings. Many evangelicals view these restrictions as an attack on their faith and a fulfillment of prophetic warnings. This division stems from the belief that Christianity is under threat from secular forces. The COVID-19 pandemic has amplified this belief, leading to internal conflicts and debates about the role of faith in relation to politics.
Concerns about Trump Idolatry and Political Violence
There is a worrisome trend within the evangelical movement, with some evangelicals demonstrating support for political violence to protect their vision of the country. The marriage of conservative politics and religion has led to a dangerous idolization of Donald Trump, where loyalty to him is sometimes placed above religious principles. While there are voices within the movement calling for a separation between faith and political power, the deep-rooted beliefs and theology of many evangelicals make it unlikely for a significant break from Trump idolatry to occur.
Jerry Falwell Jr.'s Vision and Behavior at Liberty University
Jerry Falwell Jr., former president and chancellor of Liberty University, built a culture war Republican empire that aligned with the vision of his father, Jerry Falwell. Despite his controversial personal behavior, such as excessive drinking and provocative social media posts, he was able to maintain his position due to his business acumen and the financial success of Liberty University. The university's assets grew by 900% in a decade, its student base surpassed 100,000, and its sports teams reached Division One status. The prosperity gospel played a part in their success, perpetuating the idea that wealth is a sign of God's blessing. Falwell Jr.'s behavior and success highlight the tension between personal conduct and financial achievement within the evangelical community.
Evangelical Support for Donald Trump and Hidden Fear
The support of white evangelicals for Donald Trump, despite his questionable character, reveals a mix of fear-driven psychology and the influence of media outlets like Fox News. Many evangelicals see partisan politics as a battle between good and evil, where leftists are portrayed as agents of the devil. Trump's election transformed evangelical identity from a spiritual signifier into a political punchline. This shift from a focus on faith to a devotion to political ideology is connected to a deep-seated fear within the evangelical community. Fear and faith are seen as powerful forces, and some evangelicals, despite their differences with Trump, felt that he was a means to protect their values against perceived threats. The politicization of religion through media platforms like Fox News has intensified this sense of fear and created a divided church.
Tim Alberta is a fantastic reporter whose profiles of 2024 hopeful Nikki Haley and former CNN boss Chris Licht proved illuminating and impactful (Licht lost his job days after). In his latest book, Alberta has profiled not a person but a movement: the evangelical church. It’s a community that rallied around Donald Trump in 2016, 2020 and will likely do so in 2024. And it’s one Alberta knows well: his father was an evangelical pastor. Alberta’s new book, “The Kingdom, The Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism” takes him back to his hometown church to understand how the evangelical church has reshaped American politics.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza
