No Love in War: a story of Christian nationalism

by Valerie H. Hobbs

This deeply reflective book situates the author's experiences as a woman in a world that belongs to Men. 
- Professor Julie Ingersoll

This book is an auto-ethnographic account of the everyday realities of life without love, among those who pursue war. It documents the ways that Dominionist theologies (the recovery of a theocratic state, with Christians in key positions of influence in all institutions) manifest in interpersonal relationships, resulting in manipulative, often violent misogyny, racism and homophobia. It follows the disordered and erratic trajectory of a woman's life - the author's life - moving through three concentric circles of influence in the Dominionist movement, from extremist middle to outer, softer rim, focusing in particular on the New Apostolic Reformation, Christian Reconstructionism and Neo-Calvinism in the United States.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

276 pages, Paperback

Published June 14, 2023

Reviews

[Skyhawkd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three Words: Heat, Restraint, and Fortitude

The first word I would use to describe this book is 'heat.' And people need heat. Although at times shocking, Dr. Hobbs presents a deeply personal, zoomed-in view of her childhood and early adulthood.
The book is a combination of "Hillbilly Elegy" and "Jesus and John Wayne," while displaying the beautiful writing style embedded in narrating suffering found in "Good Morning, Destroyer of Men's Souls." It gives readers a perspective that is often difficult to capture and it is offset with quotes from those bold enough to spell out their prejudices.
I particularly appreciate the author's maturity and restraint. The writing is detailed and easily draws the reader into the events but without making it an event-driven narrative. Dr. Hobbs genius with language is evident as she skillfully depicts her inner state, balancing the external descriptions with the complexities of her internal world. One thread I followed was her tension of feeling trapped yet continually rejected.
The book's scope is focused on what you first assume is a micro-culture but then realize isn’t actually all that micro… which makes the hair stand up on your arms at points. Similarly, you won’t miss the fact that this book showcases misogyny in its most successful and malignant form—disesteem, indifference, disrespect, and disregard for women – by intelligent and accomplished professional men. You are given a front-seat view to her normal. Dysfunctional. Destructive. Yet for many women, their normal.
This book is not vague in the least. Subtly may have its place but not here. But one need not fear coming face-to-face with the darkness seen here in real people, real events, real places, and real churches.
If I were forced to offer any criticism, it would be the slight degree of universalizing found a few times. However, considering the raw and personal nature of the author's reality, this over-generalizing isn’t actually a problem for me. It is not a philosophy textbook or a social psychology article, but a genuine expression of her own suffering and journey.
Dr. Hobbs deserves commendation for her courageous execution of No Love in War. She tells her story and shares her vulnerabilities without a safety net, showcasing a fortitude that many must discover for themselves.

[Shasta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a survivors lament. A call to others to leave and let it go. A Constant reminder that it's not that easy. A brave mirror held bluntly before the world of dominion patriarchal Christianity. It can feel tedious, the long list of grievances, but bear with her. There is hope .

[Sarah P · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many of us share similar stories. I hope you read it.

[Amanda Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe her.

[Matthew Hodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of this one. Growing up in Australia, my father was interested in Christian Reconstructionism, the particular niche brand of Christianity that Valerie Hobbs' grew up with. In Australia, it felt extreme. But clearly it could have been much worse.

Hobbs takes us through her story from girl through to young adult growing up in a particular church school and Bible college system and draws a line between the teaching of the church - particularly with regards to men and women - and the increasing levels of misogyny she faced as she got older. It should grieve us that her treatment got to this level, and yet I would assume that her story is far more common than we think.

I doubt everyone will agree with everything - and it is more of a tale of Hobbs' subjective experience rather than a theological critique of the Reconstructionist movement - but our beliefs and theology have an impact on others, and this story was important to be told.

[J Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie Hobbs's "No Love in War" is a powerful personal reflection on the intersection between religious extremism (Christian Nationalism) and straight-up misogyny, set against the backdrop of a patriarchal church and school community. I didn't love the book immediately. At first, it seemed like another axe-grinding deconstructionist critique of evangelicalism. However, I found that Hobbs skillfully navigates beyond stereotypes, delivering a nuanced and deeply sympathetic narrative that I found compelling from beginning to end. I mean, she was put through the wringer time and again by "well-meaning" men. Hobb's ability to continually connect the dots between the endless misogyny she experienced from her church community and dominionist theology was both eye-opening and ultimately convincing. As an evangelical Christian man, I found myself deeply affected by Hobbs' personal account of growing up in a patriarchal environment, shedding light on the devastating impact it had on her as a young woman. It forced me to consider ways I once used conservative theology to devalue the women in my life when I was younger. It is the kind of book I want everyone to read, especially Christian dads. I think Hobbs' story is a poignant reminder of the importance of standing against hurtful cultural norms, and it made me want to keep my daughter and my son as far from cultures like that, like the one I was once a part of. No Love in War is not just a compelling narrative; it's a thought-provoking journey that prompts self-reflection and a call to action against entrenched ideologies.

[EJ Olsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential document of a sort of venom that's poisoned an untold many and bears out across generations. For a time of my life I found myself in the same orbit as a family who was connected to the church at the center of this book, unknowing of the truly alarming tenets that formed their theological bedrock. As I got closer to this family, even living with them for a season, their true colors became known to me, and the pain I experienced and witnessed there pushed me closer to death than I've ever been. All things considered, I got off easily, but it's still been a difficult chapter of my story to parse. Hearing an account from someone more deeply entrenched and violently impacted by the narcissism, bigotry, and control of this community—and has emerged from the other side of it with some clarity—has been very helpful in making sense of the forces at work behind the suffering I endured. I am very very grateful that Dr. Hobbs has shared her story. There are so many like it that remain unseen.

[Liz Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's hard to overstate how much this book moved me. I initially picked it up for the sake of research for an article I was writing, intending to skim. But I found I could not. The story, the poetry and power of the language hooked me. I was drawn in. With great clarity, Hobbs tells her own story and the story of the movement of Christian Reconstruction through the lens of women. For all those who were stepped on, discarded, and abused by white American evangelical conservatism, this book will resonate deeply. I highly recommend.

[Rachel Esser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook read by the author. Extremely eye opening and thought provoking. Highly recommend to anyone seeking understanding and reflection after leaving any harmful environment, relationship, community, workplace.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sad tale of the misogyny within Reconstructionism. A sobering read.

[Kelsey]

I listened to this book. It was read by the author, and I think listening to her tell her story was very impactful. Dr. Hobbs gives a real look at the underbelly of the reconstructionist movement.