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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory summary
American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism
16 mins
Brief summary
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory examines the interplay between religion and politics in America, illustrating faith's influential power on political dynamics and societal transformations through critical historical and contemporary events.
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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory
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“What the hell is wrong with these people?”
Tim Alberta didn’t want to write about religion. To him, faith was something personal and private. Politics was an easier topic – a matter of public interest rather than individual salvation.
That changed when Donald Trump ran for the presidency.
Trump was an outsider. No one foresaw his takeover of the Republican Party. Few could believe it even as it was happening. What explained his rise? How had he been able to brush aside so many seasoned and sober career politicians?
To answer those questions, you had to understand the changing mood in Middle America. Alberta’s reportage took him into communities that reminded him of the one he’d grown up in on the outskirts of Detroit. People in these places had four things in common: they were white, wealthy, conservative, and they attended an evangelical church.
These communities had been an integral part of the Republican Party’s base for half a century, but their relationship with politics was transactional. They didn’t vote for republicans so much as they voted against liberals. Politics was essentially about “lesser evilism.”
Trump was different. Granted, evangelicals hated Hiliary Clinton, but they were also genuinely enthusiastic about her opponent. Trump made no attempt to hide the salacious and ruthless reputation he had built: his campaign included casual calls to violence, mockery of disabled people, and crude sexual bragging. Still, the evangelical support for him rose. By the end of the campaign, evangelical conservatives, once Trump’s softest backers, had become his staunchest advocates. What explained this allegiance?
Trump’s character didn’t matter, evangelicals argued – God often uses imperfect instruments to pursue his ends, after all. Godless democrats, they said, were waging war on Christianity and winning. For all his flaws, Trump was a shield against the rising liberal tide. Voters had two choices in the 2016 election: Trump or “American carnage.”
Having come to see Trump as a defender of their faith, evangelicals took attacks on him personally. Alberta discovered as much when he went back to his hometown after his dad’s sudden death in 2019. The funeral was held in the church in which his father had been a pastor for 40 years. Rather than offering their condolences, however, a number of congregants berated Alberta about the book he’d recently published, a critical account of Trump’s rise.
One man repeated what Rush Limbaugh, the conservative broadcaster, had said about it on his show. Another demanded he publicly walk back his criticisms of the president. A third accused him of being a supporter of the “deep state,” a shadowy conspiracy to unseat the president.
Alberta, and his wife, were stunned. “What the hell is wrong with these people?”, she asked. That was the question he now set out to answer.
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What is The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory about?
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (2023) is an expansive and critical portrait of evangelical Christians in post-Trump America. Penned by the son of a pastor, it tells the story of a religious movement that has subordinated its faith to worldly politics – and lost its way.
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Review
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory (2022) sheds light on the epic battle within the Republican Party during the Trump era. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- Examines the complex dynamics between key political figures, revealing the behind-the-scenes power struggles and strategic maneuvers.
- Offers a deep dive into the ideological shifts and internal conflicts that reshaped American politics, providing valuable insights for understanding today's political landscape.
- The book's compelling narrative and detailed analysis ensure it's far from dull, offering a gripping account of one of the most tumultuous periods in recent political history.
Who should read The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?
- History buffs and politicos
- Readers curious about evangelical politics
- Those exploring the societal impact of faith
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The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory FAQs
What is the main message of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?
This book emphasizes the dynamics of political power and their impact on American society.
How long does it take to read The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?
The estimated reading time for The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in under 20 minutes.
Is The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory is worth reading for its insightful exploration of power dynamics in the US, offering valuable perspectives for readers.
Who is the author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?
The author of The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory is Tim Alberta.
What to read after The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Lost Art of Silence by Sarah Anderson
- Attack from Within by Barbara McQuade
- Self-Reliance by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- American Carnage by Tim Alberta
- Coach Yourself Confident by Julie Smith
- Wild at Heart by John Eldredge
- Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond
- Philosophical Investigations by Ludwig Wittgenstein
- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
- Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell