The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory

3.5 stars. For a change of pace from commiserating with other liberal Democrat snowflakes about Trump's odious behavior, I turned to this book about Trumpism and the Church written by a Republican, evangelical, pro-life son of a minister. Alberta and I wouldn't agree on most issues, but his insider's perspective provides unique insight about how Christians can acknowledge the Orange One's weaknesses but support him anyway. As Alberta describes it, the pretzel logic of avid Christian Trumpers goes something like this:

1. America is God's favorite country. We're #1! #winning!
2. America has been under attack for the past 50 years, ever since prayer was outlawed in public schools. (See also Bill Clinton's affairs, Barack Hussein Obama's race, and legalization of gay marriage.)
3. Abortion.
4. The government shutdown of houses of worship during the early days of COVID was the beginning of the final frontal assault on Christianity.
5. The only way to save America is to find a strong leader who will rescue our nation and make it safe again for Christians.
6. Abortion.
7. Okay, so Trump isn't perfect. But who said that you need to be perfect to take down Evil? Let he who is without sin cast the first stone, etc. Besides, Trump is going to stop his immoral behavior once he is elected.
8. Okay, so he's still doing the Bad Things (and worse!), but he loaded the Supreme Court so Roe v. Wade could be overturned. Whether Biden stole the 2020 election or not, Trump is still our only hope to vanquish the secular humanists and woke liberals.
9. Abortion.

Alberta profiles ministers who lost their pulpit because they preached the gospel of Christ's glory and sacrifice instead of warning their congregants that America is doomed unless they vote Republican. He also interviews some of the church's worst hypocrites, including the ministers at the Southern Baptist Convention who fought to cover up a report on sexual abuse because it would hurt the denomination's image; and the christo-fascist reign of Jerry Falwell Jr, at Liberty University that ended only after revelations of a bizarre sex triangle with his wife and their pool boy. Alberta makes his case firmly in the first few chapters, and after a while the stories become repetitive, making it a struggle to finish 400+ pages. Also I was annoyed that there was only one measly chapter devoted to evangelical women who are fighting the good fight.

Alberta is cautiously hopeful that in many evangelical churches the tide is turning away from hate-based fear-mongering and towards renewed interest in Christ's teachings. But as we mark six months until the 2024 election, I'm afraid that, when push comes to shove, evangelicals will all vote for Trump anyway. Because abortion.