Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies

by David P. Gushee

American democracy is in danger. How do we protect it from authoritarian reactionary Christianity? 

On January 6, 2021, hundreds of Americans stormed the Capitol to prevent the certification of their political opponent’s election. At the forefront were Christians claiming to act in the name of Jesus Christ and his supposed representative on earth, Donald Trump. How can this have happened? 

David P. Gushee tackles the question in this timely work of Christian political ethics. Gushee calls us to preserve democratic norms, including constitutional government, the rule of law, and equal rights for all, even as many Christians take a reactionary and antidemocratic stance. Surveying global politics and modern history, he analyzes how Christians have discarded their commitment to democracy and bought into authoritarianism. He urges us to fight back by reviving our hard-won traditions of congregational democracy, dissident Black Christian politics, and covenantal theology.  

Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies makes a robust case for a renewed commitment to democracy on the part of Christians—not by succumbing to secular liberalism, but by drawing on our own best traditions.  Any concerned Christian will leave its pages with eyes wide open to the dangers of our current form of political engagement. Readers will gain insight into what democracy is truly meant to be and why Christians once supported it wholeheartedly—and should do so again.

Genres: Politics, Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, History, Spirituality, Theology

244 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 3, 2023

About the author

Rev. Prof. Dr. David P. Gushee is Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University, Chair of Christian Social Ethics at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, and Senior Research Fellow, International Baptist Theological Study Centre. He is also the elected past-president of the American Academy of Religion and the Society of Christian Ethics. Dr. Gushee is the author, co-author, or editor of 28 books, including the bestsellers Kingdom Ethics and Changing Our Mind. His other most notable works are After Evangelicalism, Righteous Gentiles of the Holocaust, Introducing Christian Ethics, and The Sacredness of Human Life. He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading Christian moral thinkers. Gushee and his wife, Jeanie, live in Atlanta, Georgia.

Reviews

[David Crumm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scholars critical of Donald Trump target the ‘Christian Nationalist’ movement supporting him

In 2021, more than 1,000 historians, including a number of Pulitzer Prize winners, signed an open letter calling Donald Trump "a threat to American democracy." Among scholars, they were followed by a growing number of sociologists who have targeted one of Trump's strongest pillars: right-wing American Christians who for various reasons have staunchly supported his strongman promises. Now, just months before America's crucial Iowa primary elections, another kind of scholar—best-selling Christian ethicist Dr. David Gushee is weighing in with this book, which raises a similar alarm but from a more global perspective.

This is a book that I'm giving 5 stars for its careful and research-based analysis of the sometimes dangerous inter-twining of authoritarian Christianity with reactionary politics—both historically and in today's contemporary world.

Even readers who might have voted for Trump are likely to find this book fascinating as it examines patterns of populist power and traditionalist faith that sometimes have formed explosive alliances around the world.

So, the first thing that may surprise readers of Gushee's new book—given the general way it is being described in American media—is that there’s relatively little analysis of Trump himself and his staunchest Christian allies. Gushee does quote, at length, an astonishingly violent prayer from one of the pastors supporting the January 6 attack on the Capitol that Trump helped to launch with his fiery rhetoric. The text of that prayer is a vivid example of the almost apocalyptic appeal for a Christian strongman to take over America. While Gushee identifies that pastor as an example, he does not address most of Trump’s Christian stalwarts by name—nor does he offer a detailed description of what they have done and said in recent years.

That’s because Gushee has a different purpose in this book. It’s intended to find a home in small-group discussions in thousands of congregations nationwide, which has been Gushee's home turf for discussions of his earlier best-selling books, including Changing Our Mind and Introducing Christian Ethics. That's one reason readers will find a detailed discussion guide in the final pages of this newest book.

Half of the book—about 100 pages—is valuable background about the meaning of “democracy” and its complicated relationship with religious movements down through the centuries.

On the first page of this book, Gushee promises to:

“Offer descriptive accounts of relevant Christian political movements and historical movements in different countries, mainly involving examples of Christians drifting into authoritarianism and reactionary politics that undercut democracy.” And, he writes, he will “offer a diagnosis of why many Christians are tempted toward or explicitly prefer authoritarian reactionary politics to democracy as part of their negative reaction to modern cultural developments.”

Finally, he will “offer an argument for today’s Christians to support a particular vision of democratic politics, and traditional Christian resources to undergird that vision.”

Significant sections of this book look at the dangers of these authoritarian reactionary Christian movements in Germany that helped fuel the Third Reich, as well as in France before and during World War II, Poland in recent years, Orbán’s Hungary, Bolsonaro’s Brazil and Putin’s Russia.

Like all books that address issues in our daily news headlines, the life of this book may be only a few years. As global events change and new trends emerge, I'm sure Gushee will be writing more books about those new "urgencies." But, for now, especially for American readers but perhaps for readers in other countries around the world, this is a very timely and compelling book.

[Zach Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What happened in late 2020 and early 2021 was that, for the first time in US history, a president threatened democracy itself.”

Defending Democracy From Its Christian Enemies by David Gushee is a MUST READ as we approach the 2024 election. He outlines 7 different countries where democracy was threatened (and eventually killed) by Christian fascists and how what is happening in our country today is eerily similar. He also gives three ways that Christians can fight for democracy. It's so good!

[Robert D. Cornwall · Rating 5 out of 5]

On January 6th a mob broke into the US Capitol following a Trump rally intent on disrupting the finalization of the 2024 Presidential election. Among those who participated in this effort were people carrying Christian flags. Many in the crowd would call themselves Christians but in that moment, in service to a narcissistic President who had lost the election, they participated in a riot. While the United States has prided itself on being an exemplar of democracy, it appears that many Christians have decided to embrace authoritarianism. The question of the moment, with Donald Trump having a good chance of winning the Presidency, will this be the end of democracy in America?

Among Christian writers who have taken notice of current trends and have addressed them is David Gushee. Gushee is a well-regarded Christian ethicist who is by tradition a Baptist, a tradition that until recently has stood for religious liberty and expressed itself in democratic forms. Currently, he is a Distinguished University Professor of Christian Ethics at Mercer University and the author of numerous books on matters of Christian ethics and contemporary concerns. In "Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies," Gushee (David is a friend) addresses the current nationalistic trends within white evangelicalism, raising the alarm and offering resources to stem the tide.

Gushee understands that no political system is perfect but democracy is the best we have and is worth defending. Like me, he is disturbed by the support given to anti-democratic movements and the embrace of Christian nationalism present within evangelicalism. While many talk of Christian nationalism, David has suggested an alternative descriptor that gets to the heart of the problem. That descriptor is "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity." I like this descriptor as it is much more specific and is less confusing than Christian nationalism, which some equate with patriotism. Note the emphasis here on authoritarianism, a characteristic we see present in figures such as Victor Orban and Vladimir Putin, both of whom have their admirers in certain sectors of the American body politic. It tends to be populist and seeks power over others. It is also reactionary in that it seeks to push the nation back to an earlier golden age (generally an age when white men ruled). It is committed to winning culture wars.

Before he gets to this authoritarian reactionary Christianity in Chapter 2, Gushee first defines and defends democracy (Chapter 1). He acknowledges that defining democracy is not simple as it has taken different forms throughout history. He has chosen to start with the definition offered by Bruce Russert of Yale University, who speaks of democracy as a political system "in which nearly everyone can vote, elections are freely contested, the chief executive is chosen by popular vote or by an elected parliament, and civil rights and civil liberties are substantially guaranteed." (p. 8). That is a good definition, though we have yet as a nation fully embodied it. He points out that democracy is more than simply the rule of the people, which could be simply mob rule. That's not what is meant here. Thus, Gushee goes into some detail in defining democracy, as a political system that requires strong values and virtuous people. Though not perfect it is the best we have. Unfortunately, this system is being challenged such that the future of democracy in America is not guaranteed.

In Chapter 2 Gushee examines the alternatives and threats to democracy, especially as they emerge out of religious movements, including American democracy. I've already mentioned Christian nationalism and Gushee's more descriptive "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity." He explores in this chapter the reasons why authoritarianism has returned and is threatening democracy. He dives deeper into defining "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity," his preferred descriptor in Chapter 3, pointing out how culture wars and reactions to immigration and LGBTQ inclusion, have galvanized certain segments of the population who believe that Christianity is losing its hold on the nation.

In Chapter 4, Gushee contrasts the secular revolutions of the 20th century and the religious counterrevolution. He follows here the work of political philosopher Michael Walzer. He lifts up the case of the secular Zionist movement that led to the founding of Israel and the religious movements that have taken the lead in Israel. He includes in the discussion the apocalyptic element as well. From there he moves to current trends in the USA and elsewhere, that are seeing similar religious reactions. David writes that he believes it is reasonable to "suggest that the perceived secular revolutions(s) of the 1960s finally created the motivation necessary for the United States to have its first experience of an organized religious (mainly Christian) counterrevolution." (p. 70). That counterrevolution is threatening American democracy. What many had assumed was stable and unsusceptible to collapse is now showing signs of possibility.

Having raised the question of secular revolutions and religious counterrevolution, Gushee spends the next six chapters taking note of reactionary political movements that sought to sweep aside secular states. He begins with France from 1870 to 1944 (chapter 5) and then moves to what he calls the "The Politics of Cultural Despair in Germany, 1853-1933," a political period that gave way to Hitler's Nazi movement in 1933. Many of the seeds of Hitler's movement were planted during this period, including anti-Jewish sentiment. Part of this reaction is the emergence of a "corrupted, quasi-Christian nationalist religion" that bears "little resemblance to Jesus or historic Christian moral political norms." (p. 195). From there we move in Chapter 7 to "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity in Putin's Russia." As we watch the war between Russia and the Ukraine we've seen authoritarian reactionary Christianity on full display as Putin has made common cause with the Russian Orthodox Patriarch, couching the war in religious terms. Although not nearly as reactionary as Russia, chapter 8 lifts up the situation in Poland, where politicians had sought to align with the Roman Catholic Church in ways that have degraded Poland's democracy (though a recent election seems to have stemmed this trend for the moment). More disconcerting is Victor Orban's Hungary (Chapter 9), as Orban has essentially established one-man rule rooted in reactionary Christianity. His motto is "illiberal democracy." This is an important chapter because Orban has become a hero to many on the American Right, with Donald Trump and many GOP leaders idolizing him. Tucker Carlson has broadcast from Hungary and conservative movements have held conventions there. Orban's Hungary has become the model for what some would like to see happen in the United States. Chapter 10 takes note of the former President of Brazil, who embraced a similar version of authoritarian reactionary Christianity. Although he lost re-election, like Trump he rejected the results of the election.

The situations discussed in chapters 5 through 10, lead to a discussion of "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity in Trump's United States." While neither David nor I see Trump as a true believer, he has galvanized a significant portion of the electorate who are true believers. They serve as Trump's enablers. One of the dimensions of this movement is an attempt to contrast democracy and a republic, something the current Speaker of the House and other Republicans have sought to do. While the Constitution speaks of the United States being a republic, the distinction being made is not a legitimate effort.

So what are the resources, especially religious resources that can help us turn the tide? Gushee devotes several chapters to answering this question. He begins in Chapter 12 by laying out "The Baptist Democratic Tradition," drawing in large part on the work of his mentor Glen Stassen. He lays out how Baptists embraced democratic principles and expressed an allergy toward authoritarianism. The second tradition that he points to is the Black Christian Democratic Tradition (Chapter 13). He points to slavery as America's Original Sin, such that the voice of the African American Christian Community needs to be heard since "authoritarian reactionary Christianity" here and abroad is wrapped up in white racism, even if many if not most white folks don't see this reality. The Black struggle for equality can serve as inspiration to movements seeking true equality. The third element may seem surprising to some because you might think that the Enlightenment movements of the late sixteenth century would be the key to restoring democratic principles, but Gushee finds that Lockeian democracy has lost steam. However, in Chapter 14 he points us to the covenantal vision that the early Puritans developed. While he recognizes the baggage the Puritans carry, the concept of covenant could be quite useful in renewing democracy in America. He notes that covenant relationships understood that God served as the witness and guarantor. He points out that democracy requires "covenant fidelity," for our citizenship, at least theoretically, is not based on blood lineage, but on allegiance. This is a fascinating idea, that renewal begins by reclaiming covenant language and ideas.

Now, you might think that Gushee is suggesting that the renewal of democracy requires Christian theological concepts. In a way, he is, but not in a way that imposes Christianity on others. What he is suggesting is a way for Christians to reengage with the political system, embrace democracy and pluralism, and draw from Christian traditions that support democracy. This is a word of hope at a time when many are discouraged by the political situation of the moment. For this, we can be thankful for the work of scholars who bring their scholarship to bear on the practical concerns of the time. So, please read and discuss this important work.

[Brady Kronmiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Many Christians are tempted toward or explicitly prefer authoritarian reactionary politics to democracy as part of their negative reaction to modern cultural developments.”

“Hitler and the Nazis seized on a profound vulnerability of democracy—they used democratic elections to gain power, while fully intending to destroy democracy once in power.”

“Religious counterrevolutionaries sometimes consider their cause so important that they do not always respect democratic boundaries.”

“Societies in which groups of people are openly described in dehumanizing language are ripe for violence, even for genocide.”

“Jews were more likely to be rescued by local religious minorities than majorities…It is hard not to draw the conclusion that being in the religious majority often has negative moral consequences.”

“One of the most obvious and most painful vulnerabilities of democracy is racism.”

[Ellen Melson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Gushee explains why sometimes Christians are drawn more toward reactionary authoritarian regimes to "reinstitute" a past that never really existed. Instead, some Christian traditions are based firmly within a democratic one and Gushee explains why we should return to those actual traditions instead of an idyllic past that never really existed for all and why Christians should not feel threatened by that. He looks at a few examples in history to make these points. I really appreciated how he advocated for a return to a covenant view of democracy wherein the whole promises the one and vice versa. The book is quite academic but gives the reader some good talking points and food for thought on how to listen and respond to those who think our country needs a Christian dictator.

[Mindi Cromwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Gushee approaches the subject from the perspective of an ethicist. He also makes the argument that instead of Christian Nationalism a better term (more encompassing of how this functions in other parts of the world and within other religions) is Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity.

[Dave Coles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am sure that this book deserves more than 3 stars, and I am sure that readers who are more fluent in the language of government will, rightfully so, give it a higher rating. Even though I am an educated person, most of this book was “over my head.” What I am planning on doing is searching for podcasts in which Gushee is talking about this book and hopefully will articulate its points in a more “level 101” way where I can understand them better.

[Cheryl Beseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gushee gives us an important overview on the role of Christianity, especially Puritan and Baptist, in the development of democracy. He makes a very important point about the US never being a true democracy because of its failure to overcome racism. This book intelligently argues for why Christians need to support democracy and why it is critical to governance and faith.

[Cory Raynham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is groundbreaking and very readable. It is written by a seasoned Christian leader of strong ethical, academic, and ministry credentials. When I first read the book’s title, “Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies,” and saw that it was David Gushee’s newest book, I immediately pre-ordered it.

I had read books and articles by David Gushee, and I heard him interviewed on various podcasts. Dr. Gushee’s book titled “After Evangelicalism: The Path to a New Christianity” (published in August 2020) had significantly helped me in my painful journey out of decades of strongly being involved in the (white) American conservative evangelical subculture. That book provided well-researched analysis and a hopeful alternative for me as a lifelong Christ follower who could no longer remain in what has become a politically corrupted and toxic religious faith. I had to leave my “tribe” to follow Jesus into something better and truer to God.

Following my professional service (and later volunteering) as a writer, researcher, and editor for Christian organizations, in 2016 I turned to research regarding the condition of the United States and American Christianity. The dark years of Trump and the selling of the Christian Right’s soul for political power had grieved and disgusted me to the point where I needed to find out how all this Christian compromise could have ever happened. Along the way, I learned about key issues in American and modern Christian history that opened my eyes on multiple topics, including white supremacist racism and the false narrative that America was ordained by God to be a “Christian nation.”

When I saw David Gushee’s newest book title, I couldn’t imagine a more relevant and needed book. Right now, the United States (including its huge Christian population) faces a very momentous choice: defend democracy and the rule of law for all or move into a Trumpist autocracy that will destroy this country’s almost-250 year commitment to democracy, bringing untold chaos, breakdown, and corruption. I believe that white conservative Christians, and especially the evangelical American subculture I left, bear great responsibility for the terrible reality of Trumpism bringing this nation to a breaking point. As a white Christian, I believe those like me have a special responsibility to fight in every law-abiding and democratic way possible to stop Trumpism. We must oppose the unChristlike, autocracy-supporting movement coming from the American Religious Right—this movement continues to endanger America, its Constitution, the rule of law, and the Christian witness.

This newest David Gushee book—focusing on what he insightfully calls “authoritarian reactionary Christianity” (ARC)—couldn’t come at a more critical time. It’s a detailed yet readable expose of how ARC can be found in seven different countries in modern or current history. Shockingly, those countries include the United States. Dr. Gushee provides excellent background information and definitions. He then moves into thorough descriptions of the troubling reality of ARC in these seven different countries. However, Dr. Gushee doesn’t leave us only with the sobering threat of ARC today; he provides three separate chapters that delve into Christian faith traditions in America that give a strong alternative to ARC and that promote robust support for democracy.

David Gushee gives us a very clear and stark choice: pursue pluralistic democracy and the love of neighbor or choose dark and destructive autocracy that will lead to widespread oppression and great harm. American Christians will play a pivotal role in what that choice will be and how it will profoundly affect the United States and its Christian witness. Dr. Gushee’s latest book is a must read in understanding what we are facing in destructive American and global ARC and in encouraging a viable and necessary alternative. I believe that everyone who wishes to follow Christ and love one’s neighbor, and who cares about freedom for all people, needs to defend democracy from its Christian enemies.

[Josh Olds · Rating 3 out of 5]

For all that it does, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies doesn’t really do what the title says. Gushee acts as a historian rather than a social commentator. He gives readers a diagnosis, but not much a plan of action. Gushee is an ethicist and I honestly expected something more in line with his previous work. Instead, this gives more of a Jesus and John Wayne vibe (and Kristin Kobes Du Mez does offer a cover page endorsement). This is a historical look of how we got to where we are, not just in America but the world over.

After an introductory section that defines democracy and lays the groundwork for everything to follow, Gushee turns to what is mostly a historical/factual presentation of on the development of reactionary politics in the past (France and Germany in particular) and an outline of present-day authoritarian reactionary Christianity in several countries—Russia, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, and the US. This is a clear reminder to Gushee’s primarily American audience that Christian Nationalism is not a strictly American thing. Rather, it is a global phenomenon that presents itself within right-wing politics the world over.

The strength of the book is Gushee’s term “Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity.” He takes a chapter to define the phrase by each of the terms, positing that Christian Nationalism, in all its forms, can be described as an 1) authoritarian movement that consolidates power in one person/group, 2) comes about as a reaction to a secular revolution in social sphere, and 3) uses Christianity as its religious basis for action. American ARC, then, is authoritarian in its adherence to the Republican party, particularly Donald Trump; it is reactionary to the social changes wrought by the Civil Rights movement, extending out to the recognition and inclusion of sexual/gender diversity; and it uses evangelical Christianity as the religious arm of its body politic.

One criticism I have with these chapters is that, with the exception of Poland, Gushee ties the nations to their leaders. The chapter titles says “Putin’s Russia,” “Orban’s Hungary,” “Bolsonaro’s Brazil,” and “Trump’s America.” I feel like this falsely fingers the cause of the problem on a singular leader. It’s 2024. Is it Trump’s America? He has not been president for three years, though he certainly looms large over the 2024 election and the Republican party. Similarly, Bolsonaro, while president at the time this book was written, lost the 2022 presidential election (and perhaps inspired by US events, his supporters stormed federal buildings and called for a coup). If we reduce the movement to one person (or even one political party) we can become fooled into thinking that removing them from power fixes the problem. While it certainly mitigates some issues, I daresay that Christian nationalism and what Gushee terms “authoritarian reactionary Christianity” is still alive in well in American halls of power—perhaps most clearly seen in US support for Israel in their genocide of Gaza.

The concluding chapters offer a brief sketch of how to “save democracy,” but like most democratic plans, actually require the will of the people. Democracy requires community and I don’t think that Gushee went deep enough into how Americans address their deep divisions and achieve a sense of togetherness that is necessary for democracy to thrive.

Altogether, Defending Democracy from Its Christian Enemies is to be commended for its historical overview of the problem, but it leaves readers in want of any solution—particularly a solution that truly addresses the fears and the desires of those attempting to undermine democracy. The way forward won’t be easy and, if I’m to be honest, I don’t see much a way forward that does not include the death of the American empire. But death is the only way you get to resurrection.

[Scott Holstad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Admittedly, I've taken a lot of time to get to this book and then through this book, not because it's difficult, but because I'm always reading so many books simultaneously (over 100, used to be well over 150 at a time) and because of my past, family, fundie church upbringing, and various ties, I'm familiar with much of the material, as well as the fact that a rash of similar books started appearing a few years ago and some really stood out more to me. That said, I think this book serves a purpose and might speak to an audience better than many of its peers, and obviously that would be any ignorant, delusional, in-denial, feeling guilty evangelical/fundie Christian who might be receptive or even objective enough to face some ugly realities and consider some choices and actions they might not have had previously considered. It is to them I recommend this book. Others will and have found it instructive, which is great, but as I said, there are numerous good resources out there now -- it's those who have lusted for and taken power as "Christians" whose agendas have been cleared as little more than white nationalism, and now with Elon Musk and others throwing Nazi salutes around which in terms of guilt by association, would include all American evangelicals/fundies, most of whom get quite angry when accused of being American Christian Nazis despite the overt, obvious evidence of such. I grew up in that environment and like all of them, got the contradictory message drilled in to me that we were all victims (as by far the largest percentage of Americans would naturally be thought of), we were destined to become martyrs, yet we dedicated much of our lives to affecting radical social and political change with the end game of taking over the country. Which they have. And now these past two weeks we've seen the beginnings of what that has wrought, but even I have to admit to some surprise that while those I grew up with wanted to accelerate the coming of the Apocalypse cause then "Jesus would come back" (which always sounded more like a threat to me than anything else), I never anticipated it would be through the rampant destruction of their own country, America. That one caught me off guard, sadly. So think about including this book as a read to see what some real "patriots" have had in store and are already enacting with the help of 2025 and other such shit as they destroy this country from within. Yeah. Recommended.

[Ken Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fueled Donald Trump's rise to power (and may again)? News outlets, out of touch with the wild and wooly American religious scene, don’t have the language to describe it. Uneasy with God-talk, most call it “Christian Nationalism,” when they call it anything. A label that illuminates too little of what’s going on. Today’s defenders of democracy need to know what they are up against. David Gushee names it: Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity.

In the US, conservative Christians (Catholic and Protestant) have been nursing a grudge against democracy for decades. Democracy doesn’t stop all that is woke and broke about America—modern secularism, liberalism, gender and sexual politics, uppity elites, and minority rights movements. A strong leader is needed, democracy be damned. Enter Donald Trump to channel their long-simmering grievances.

With pinpoint accuracy, Gushee traces the role Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity has played in the rise of authoritarian regimes over the last century (France and Germany after WW1) and around the world (Putin’s Russia, Orban’s Hungary, etc.) All were brought to power by Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity. This is not going away on its own, especially if democracy’s defenders don’t know what it is.

There is so much packed into this brief, straight-talking, accessibly scholarly manifesto. But its mission is simple. To convey to the non-religious what they don’t know: the roots and driving forces of Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity. Matt Gaetz, Ted Cruz, Marjorie Taylor Green, Jim Jordan, Tom Cotton, Lauren Bobert, Ron DeSantis, Steve Bannon, all know what it is. The people turning school and library board meetings into scream-fests around the country know. Every sheepish MAGA enabler cowers before it. Many who oppose this threat to democracy and civil society, don’t have a clue. Defending Democracy From its Christian Enemies is a splash of cold water on the face. I hope it’s in time.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

TBH, I am concerned about the 2024 elections. Trump's calls for revenge are concerning. His assertions that he is immune from any prosecution suggest his actions will have no limit, and his last presidency demonstrated he barely had limits. Plus he led the charge for the claim that the election was stolen, and he actually won. (And lots of people believe this.) However, is Biden up to the task?

When I'm concerned, I read. I want to understand: How did we get here as a nation? Why are Evangelicals so at the center of this?

This is personal for me. I was a registered Republican until Trump took the nomination. I identified as an Evangelical until the values began to seem so different than the values of Jesus. I attended an largely white Evangelical church until the response to the George Floyd murders convinced me I couldn't pretend anymore. (There's more there, but this is a book review and not a personal history.)

At any point, my reading list includes several books that explore these topics. Gushee's is a well-researched academic argument. He lays out his research and develops a sequential, multi-stage argument, defining and tracking the history of democracy, from before the birth of the US to the present time. He advocates a change from discussing "White Christian Nationalists" to "Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity."

It's all very heady stuff, and I won't lie, sometimes my eyes glazed over. Perhaps that's because I read early in the morning, or perhaps my deep dive into light fiction has diminished my ability to read academic prose.

At any rate, there is definitely good stuff in here, mixed in with the more dense deductive reasoning.

I'm on to the next book. It won't change the outcome of the election, but it does help mitigate the anxiety.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of attending a conversation between David Gushee and Kristin Kobes Du Mez recently in Grand Rapids. When I got a chance to talk to David Gushee after the event, I explained that though I no longer identify as a Christian, I have struggled with understanding the current thinking of the multitude of Christians who surround me. The conversation and the audience in attendance served as a reminder to me that there are many wonderful, Christlike Christians in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Though I now consider myself an atheist, I was raised in a very Christian religious community. I now believe that my values are more reflective of the teachings of Jesus than many of my so called "Christian" friends and family members. This book would have been more meaningful to me if I still identified with the Christian community, but it was helpful in understanding the Christian right, or autocratic reactionary Christian movement with more clarity.

[Erika Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up because I think this topic is so important, because he accurately defines the problem as “authoritarian reactionary Christianity” and not just Christian nationalism, and because the last 3 chapters prescribing how Christians should respond are so good. Not a 5 ⭐️ because I don’t think he goes into enough depth on anything enough. While it’s nice to not have a 400 page tome to slog through, I found myself wanting more details and examples throughout the sections about other countries and the last 3 chapters. He discusses “How Democracies Die,” which feels like the more in depth, secular counterpart to this book. HDD is an amazing book and if I hadn’t read it already, I would have felt like this book really was missing a lot. Gushee is great, though, and he continues to speak up where few other Christians do. I’m glad he wrote this book and I’m glad I read it.

[Sue Fellows · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was attracted to this book because it appeared to give some good information, especially with the volatile present setting regarding democracy. I will say that Gushee did a lot of work to present his ideas in relationship to other countries. I personally found this information to take away from the subject at hand. I was also not a fan of his personal bias toward past leadership – I felt it was not necessary and took away from the topic.

I know there are those who are praising his work, but I am afraid I am in the opposite camp on this. I went away confused. I would like to write a review with more positive reactions, but I am afraid I can’t do that in good conscience.

[Jacob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciate any book that gets its thesis across efficiently. This book succeeds royally in that regard — Gushee’s words pack a powerful punch. Great summary of important parts of history. Great arguments for why we (Americans) should be deeply concerned about the degradation of democracy in our society.

Three main critiques/ follow-up points:
(1) Gushee lost me toward the end when trying to connect the dots between democracy and God.
(2) I wonder if he doesn’t consider that what he proposes might indeed be impossible (as I believe it is).
(3) Is there room here to also cover the massive dangers posed by the Far Left?

[Gregory · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a challenging book to read. Some good insights, but Gushee is a liberal progressive and so his reading of the Bible and history is of course skewed by those commitments. Of course, he'd say the same thing about me. What conservatives can, and should, learn from his book is that we should not play by the rules of the world. In our resistance to authoritarian and repressive liberalism, we don't need to go to the other extreme of conservative authoritarianism. That will simply sow the seeds of the next revolution.

[William Weld-Wallis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sobering look at the foundations of democratic theory, both in society and in the church, some history of democracy, and the current threats to it. Gushee focuses on threats in Russia, Poland, Hungary, Brazil, and the United States, with an emphasis on Christian support for the autocratic politics of Trump. The book is academic at times, but compelling in arguing its case. Highly recommended for those looking to make sense of the American Christian Right.

[David Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating book, not simply about America's problem with Trumpism, but about how a reactionary authoritarian mindset has come to prevail over many so-called Christian communities around the world. Fear of the 'other' has led to distrust, anger, and the demonizing of whole groups. While the solutions here are slim, they at least deserve consideration.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is “must read“ good in the genre of books on the subject of Christian nationalism. Should be read by all American, Brazilian, Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Christians, to understand the peril, posed by Christian nationalism of any sort. Read it!

[Donna Church]

Gushee provides a deep history of authoritarian leanings in Christianity and offers examples from several countries. The later part of the book looks at the Baptist and Black theologies that could provide a way of countering what he calls Authoritarian Reactionary Christianity.

[Steve Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sobering review of Christians' global love affair with authoritarian, reactionary, undemocratic religion and politics that also excavates traditions and values within the faith to encourage Christians to preserve, defend, and enhance democracy.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit to broadstrokes to me to be useful for more to just discussion. Won't convince anyone not already drawn in by the title with similar leanings.

[Miles Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

A silly, unserious book that Im going to keep just as a reminder of what silly unserious books look like.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful look into today's political situation as compared to countries which have struggled at various times with authoritarianism, as supported by "authoritarian reactionary Christianity." Gushee packs relevant information into a smallish readable book. I recommend it!