The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is a divisive figure in American politics. His campaign and subsequent election in 2016 were the impetus for this book. Trump’s relationship to the American evangelical movement, the main research focus of Alberta’s work, has been controversial and subject to much analysis and interpretation. His appeal to evangelical voters, particularly during his presidential campaigns and tenure in office, has raised questions about the intersection of politics, religion, and morality in American society.

Despite Trump’s reputation, many evangelicals aligned themselves with him because of his publicly stated stances on issues such as abortion, religious freedom, and support for Israel. Though he likely became so outspoken on these issues specifically to court their votes, Trump has nonetheless garnered support based on these values. Trump’s appointment of conservative judges who are perceived as likely to uphold socially conservative principles further solidified his support among evangelicals. Additionally, Trump and Pence’s rhetoric often invokes religious themes and language, appealing to the shared values and beliefs of many within the evangelical community. Positioning himself as a defender of Christianity in the face of perceived threats, both domestically and abroad, Trump’s campaign has resonated with some evangelical voters who feel marginalized or under attack in an increasingly secular society.

Trump’s personal conduct and character have raised some issues within the evangelical community. His history of controversial statements, allegations of infidelity, and brash demeanor stand in contrast to the traditional moral values espoused by many evangelical leaders. Despite these concerns, some evangelical leaders and voters have been willing to overlook or excuse Trump’s personal behavior in favor of his perceived policy achievements and defense of their shared values. Some even endorse him specifically because of these traits, seeing Trump as a “barbarian” who can combat enemies. Others see Trump as a Biblical figure like the ancient king Cyrus, who defended the chosen people from attack despite his sins and his non-Hebrew status.

Jerry Falwell Sr., a prominent evangelical leader and founder of the Moral Majority, exerted a significant influence on the American evangelical movement during the latter half of the 20th century. His rise to prominence coincided with Reagan’s administration, a period of cultural and political upheaval in the United States.

Falwell’s most enduring legacy is as a catalyst for the politicization of evangelism. Through the Moral Majority, founded in 1979, Falwell mobilized evangelical voters around conservative social and moral issues, such as opposition to abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and secularization. The Moral Majority played a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the 1980s, helping to elect conservative candidates at both the state and national levels and influencing public policy debates. Additionally, Falwell famously introduced the strategy of courting “co-belligerents” or non-evangelicals with similar values to form alliances. This marked a notable departure from evangelical separatism and foreshadowed the future endorsement of Trump despite differing behavior and values.

Falwell’s advocacy for a more active and engaged role for Christians in the political sphere galvanized a generation of evangelical activists and leaders who saw themselves as similar defenders of traditional values and champions of a moral agenda. His blending of conservative theology with conservative politics helped to solidify a powerful voting bloc that continues to shape American politics. His strident rhetoric and uncompromising stance on social issues often polarized public opinion and alienated moderate and progressive Christians. Falwell Sr. is famous for promoting a narrow and exclusionary vision of Christianity that prioritizes political power over compassion and social justice.