Religion and politics are two hotbed topics known to change the nature of a conversation in an instant. The subjects can be polarizing and incite fierce debate. Many of us have heard the term “Evangelical”, but what does it mean, exactly? I saw this book by Frances Fitzgerald on sale, and it caught my attention because I had previously read another book authored by her regarding the Vietnam War (1954-1975) titled ‘Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam‘ in which she examines America’s role in South Vietnam as the conflict heated up. Here, her focus is on America itself and a topic which remains relevant.

I began reading the book with a limited understanding of what an Evangelical is. However, I soon learned that the concept of the Evangelical is far more nuanced than I was aware of. In fact, what we learn in the book is that there are three major religious factions which form the nexus of theological political power in the United States, each with their own views and goals. The Evangelicals take center stage as one would expect from the cover, but the author also focuses on the Christian Right and fundamentalists. All three are at times united on a subject, but as readers will earn, they are different and have varying goals in their visions to transform the United States into a Christian nation. The complex story contained within is a thorough dissection of the relationships between religious groups and what they mean to American society and its political landscape.

While the focus of the book is the Evangelicals, I found a wealth of information in the story not only about important religious leaders, but about American history in general. As a primer, the author provides an insightful recap of the country’s inception, which includes the issues of religion and slavery. The evils of human bondage are pressing issues and present unavoidable challenges to religious leaders proclaiming to follow the word of God. Today their names are footnotes to history but in their time, their voices helped change a nation. Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) and Charles Finney (1792-1875) have significant roles in the book, and their stories are spellbinding and I was glued to the book as I read Fitzgerald’s account of their lives and actions in the name of faith. However, they are a fraction of figures who later appear in the story as religious groups attain power, wealth, and political influence.

The book is a “who’s who” of religious icons in American history. All the big names are presented here with the author tracing their humble origins to the stardom they later embraced. We have seen the televangelists rise across the nation, largely due to the legacies of Oral Roberts (1918-2009), Billy Graham (1918-2018), Pat Roberston (1930-2023), Jerry Fallwell (1933-2007) and the controversial Jim Bakker (b. 1940) and wife Tammy Fae Bakker (1942-2007). Their stories are also presented in the book, and some are even more surreal than I recall. However, their roles in shaping faith across America cannot be overlooked. And although the gospel is the aspect from which their lives and careers are connected, each has their own trials and tribulations. There are some incidents which take a dark turn leaving even the most faithful to question the people who deliver the lord’s words. The Bakkers are a case in point and older readers who recall the fallout from their transgressions will find memories flooding back as Fitzgerald explains their scandals and those of others. And as the modern evangelist era heats up the story gains intensity as their reach over Americans and the Republican Party (“GOP/Grand Old Party”) comes into sharp focus.

I do not believe anyone who follows American politics will be surprised by the relationship between the religious factions and the Republicans. As we have seen in recent years, the various religious groups tend to lean towards the GOP in the belief that the part will enact legislation in tune with their religious beliefs. The full story is far from simple and reveals divides within the camps which were interesting. Further, what we learn from the author raises the long-standing concept of separation between Church and State. Regardless of opinion, politicians are aware of the importance of religion and that votes are needed to get elected. Thus develops a curious relationship between Republican candidates and religious groups which plays out in ways that may surprise readers. Even today we see the influence of religion in politics and the continued discussions regarding the relevance of faith and the dangers of extremism.

Time will tell how the nation moves forward, and in November 2026, the first test will arrive with midterm elections. The Evangelicals will undoubtedly support their candidates, as will the Christian right and fundamentalists. Politicians up for re-election or first-time election will need to understand each of these groups and scores of others as they seek votes to obtain a seat in government. Religious leaders will carefully screen candidates they believe share their vision, but we do not know what will come to fruition. But what we do know is that the Evangelicals and other religious factions will always be present and the fault lines between religion, race and politics will always exist. The challenge for America is finding common ground in ways which move the country forward for all of us. This book is another gem from Frances Fitzgerald which is beautifully written and well-researched. From the beginning I was intrigued and remained so throughout the book. It is an incredible account of faith in the United States and the history we need to know. And I strongly recommend this book for readers interested in the role of religion in America.

ASIN‏ : ‎ B01HMXV362
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Simon & Schuster, April 4, 2017