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

In what way do evangelists “worship America”? What would need to change for evangelists to see America as a “false idol” and change their culture accordingly? If change doesn’t appear possible, create an argument supporting this stance.

Has your perception of the purpose of evangelism in America changed after reading this book? In what ways?

How does Alberta’s personal experience with faith direct the narrative of this book? Can he be considered a truly objective analyst of evangelist culture? Explain why or why not.

The extremist evangelical movement’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic was notable in its scale. What key factors caused this opposition? Was there any way the government could have presented the issue that would’ve avoided the response, or was their reaction inevitable?

Alberta describes and identifies evangelist “shepherds” who intentionally incite and mislead their congregations. What tactics do these shepherds use to control their followers? How could more moderate evangelists, like Moore or French, regain control of the movement?

Trump won the 2016 election with large support from evangelical Christians despite behavior that misaligned with their belief systems. What reasons did evangelists have to support Trump? Argue whether this ultimately harmed or benefitted the evangelical movement.

Trump is described as a “strongman” that the evangelists are using to defeat their perceived enemies. What other historical figures could be described this way? Compare and contrast political or cultural events surrounding these figures, then build an argument about which events contributed most strongly to their rise to power.

Jerry Falwell Sr.’s “Moral Majority” is explored by looking at his evangelical movement, his foray into politics, and the rise of Liberty University. Do you think he was a “true believer” or was he aware of the “evangelical-industrial complex” Alberta asserted he was creating? What evidence supports your conclusion?