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Bring Back Your People: Ten Ways Regular Folks Can Put a Dent in White Christian Nationalism
For White folks alarmed by the rise of Christian nationalism comes this mouthy, practical guide to resisting, organizing, and holding conversations with your cousin Randy or anyone else who has been misled by White Christian nationalist ideas.
The rise of White Christian nationalism seems impossible to stop. We need a road map to countering recruitment. And we needed it yesterday.
Aaron Scott, a second-generation preacher, third-generation organizer, and leader with the Poor People's Campaign, has watched loved ones and peers get recruited into White Christian nationalism. Here, he shares strategies of relationship and conversation for those of us who don't know what to do. And he dishes out harsh words. Sure, you can invite your cousin Randy to the wine-and-cheese reception with your candidate. But Randy's pulling the night shift, and the Proud Boys are more than willing to give him a ride to their barbecue if he can't afford the price of gas. Somebody once hooked Randy with a story about the world, Scott reminds us. That story was false, but it gave Randy meaning and connection. We've got to give him something better to bring him back.
Salty, smart, and searing, Bring Back Your People offers ten ways regular-ass folks can draw others toward a better vision of faith, politics, and our common life. It answers questions Who are White Christian nationalists targeting? ( most White folks . . . and beyond.) How do I talk to my hairdresser about it? (Carefully.) Why is it gaining steam so fast? (It's not; you're just catching up.) Along the way Scott introduces a counter-history of White people organizing for real justice, and even what that ornery abolitionist John Brown can offer us today. If you're frightened by the way White Christian nationalism mesmerizes so many--grab this lifeline and hang on tight.
The rise of White Christian nationalism seems impossible to stop. We need a road map to countering recruitment. And we needed it yesterday.
Aaron Scott, a second-generation preacher, third-generation organizer, and leader with the Poor People's Campaign, has watched loved ones and peers get recruited into White Christian nationalism. Here, he shares strategies of relationship and conversation for those of us who don't know what to do. And he dishes out harsh words. Sure, you can invite your cousin Randy to the wine-and-cheese reception with your candidate. But Randy's pulling the night shift, and the Proud Boys are more than willing to give him a ride to their barbecue if he can't afford the price of gas. Somebody once hooked Randy with a story about the world, Scott reminds us. That story was false, but it gave Randy meaning and connection. We've got to give him something better to bring him back.
Salty, smart, and searing, Bring Back Your People offers ten ways regular-ass folks can draw others toward a better vision of faith, politics, and our common life. It answers questions Who are White Christian nationalists targeting? ( most White folks . . . and beyond.) How do I talk to my hairdresser about it? (Carefully.) Why is it gaining steam so fast? (It's not; you're just catching up.) Along the way Scott introduces a counter-history of White people organizing for real justice, and even what that ornery abolitionist John Brown can offer us today. If you're frightened by the way White Christian nationalism mesmerizes so many--grab this lifeline and hang on tight.
209 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2025
16 people are currently reading
1760 people want to read
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Aaron Scott
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 9, 2024
I think this book is a great idea and can help some people, but, unfortunately, I can't use a lot of this advice. I can't get my parents and grandparents to join a mutual aid group or watch an educational movie with me. I don't have the resources to found a church or similar organization.
This book also focuses solely on reaching the people with the biggest economical disadvantage. I need to know how to talk to and help people who are closer to being in the middle class.
Ultimately, I think this will be helpful to others, but it left me no closer to an idea of how to break through the haze in the lives of the people I know.
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the ARC.
This book also focuses solely on reaching the people with the biggest economical disadvantage. I need to know how to talk to and help people who are closer to being in the middle class.
Ultimately, I think this will be helpful to others, but it left me no closer to an idea of how to break through the haze in the lives of the people I know.
Thank you to NetGalley and Broadleaf Books for the ARC.
January 27, 2025
Jesus claimed the mantle offered up in Isaiah 61, declaring to the hometown folks that the Spirit of God had anointed him to proclaim good news to the poor. By that, he didn't mean offering the poor the promise of a heavenly reward if they endured their experience of poverty in this life. Now, it is true that the poor are still with us, but as liberation theologians have declared, God has a preferential option for the poor. That should mean something to the followers of Jesus.
At a time in history where far-right political movements have partnered with conservative religious groups, what has come to be understood as White Christian Nationalism, to pursue an agenda that looks to many of us as a cruel rejection of the teachings of Jesus, the question we ask is what to do about it? When we look at things as individuals, it all seems overwhelming. But, what if we join together and organize our response, reaching deep into our faith traditions? Might that offer a path forward?
Aaron Scott speaks to these questions in his book "Bring Back Your People: Ten Ways Regular Folks Can Put a Dent in White Christian Nationalism." Scott is a church worker and organizer affiliated with the Poor People's Campaign. He is also cofounder of Chaplains on the Harbor, a ministry that seeks to minister among the poor and marginalized in the state of Washington. Scott writes about responding to Christian nationalism and its impact on the poor and marginalized with passion. That passion is rooted in both his place of ministry and his own life experience as a transman who has experienced poverty in his life.
The book offers ten ways people can respond to the needs of those affected by Christian nationalism by seeking to minister to those who might be attracted to its message. Thus, the idea of bringing back people from a form of Christian nationalism that does nothing for them, but uses them for political aims. To do this he has created a composite character he calls Randy, though he acknowledges that one could speak of "Brandys" as well. He describes Randy as a poor white male who has experienced trouble with the law, is unable to find sustainable work, and may have been caught up in drugs. He notes that many small towns, such as Aberdeen, Washington, that have been left behind as industries left, and the drug trade and sex work often are the only ways of sustaining life, makes a person susceptible to nationalist messages. I will note here that the language used in the book is rather rough. It's not the kind of language I use as a white, well-educated, middle-class person. While I found the language off-putting at times, I recognize that this is the kind of language that is used by many who are left behind. If we are to reach a person like Randy we'll need to recognize that the niceties that I was raised with will not connect.
With that as an introduction to the book, I will note that Scott offers this book as an introduction to what is at stake and how to respond. He writes this for ordinary folks who seek to respond to this area of concern but don't have time to go to conferences and trainings. He draws on his own experiences in life, especially in his ministry among those who are disposed. Part of what he introduces us to is what is called the "Freedom Church of the Poor," which is an organizing effort to offer a counterweight to the pull of White Christian Nationalism in what he calls Randyland. The question that many readers may have concerns how to implement the message here. Many readers of the book will, like me, live in rather affluent suburbs. While I once lived in a town like the one Scott describes, when I was growing up it was a thriving lumber town. Things have changed for the worse as the lumber industry has dried up and tourism has blossomed further north but not in the hometown. In other words, I don't know many Randys. Still, there is guidance here that can be valuable, even as it is enlightening.
He offers ten rules, the first one being "Come Get Your Cousin Randy" (Chapter 1). Here Scott offers a brief introduction to White Christian Nationalism, along with introducing us to this character of Randy and the methodology of organizing. The second rule is a good reminder that if we're going to reach people like Randy and organize to do so, then we need "Talk to Randy Like You Actually Give a Damn about Him." In other words, listen to Randy's story, and do it in a way that lets him know that you care about him as a person not just a cause. That's not always easy because the Randy Aaron Scott describes doesn't sound very likable.
The third rule is titled "Get Real About History" (Chapter 30. Here he asks us to concern ourselves with the question of how we in the United States got to the place we're in. What are the factors influencing the growth of MAGA and the role of the church in this situation? The next rule (Chapter 4) asks us to "Know Yourself, Know Your Adversary." That makes sense. Know your situation in life so you are in a position to respond to the Randys we encounter, but also know what this White Christian Nationalism entails. Scott is aware that there are possible costs involved, some of which we may not be ready to face, so Rule 5 is titled: "Calculate Your Risks." He lets us know that it's okay to go home and live so that we can engage tomorrow.
One of the concerns Scott has when it comes progressive organizers is that they tend not to understand religious motivations. Thus, Rule 6 (Chapter 6) calls respondents to Christian nationalism to "Get a Religious Strategy, Even If You Aren't Religious." He offers this rule also because to engage in this work people will need to have an anchor, whether religious or not. Rule 7 calls respondents to "Rehome Randy." He suggests that people like Randy often get pulled into Christian nationalist groups and churches because they provide something he's looking for, so it is important to provide an alternative. He offers as an alternative what he calls the Redneck Church of the Poor. While Randy might not be lovable, he needs to be loved. Can we do that? Rule 8 (Chapter 8) moves on to argue "Stop Blaming People, Start Organizing Them." We often ask why people embrace nationalism and Trumpism, seeking to place blame. He suggests that they need to be organized so they can address the kinds of concerns poor people have. Rule 9 declares: Pledge Allegiance to the Bottom." This is a bit like the preferential option for the poor. He reminds us that Jesus was born in Nazareth. Finally, Rule 10 (Chapter 10) declares: "Never Forget Revolution Comes to Randyland Too." This is a reminder that people on the bottom will do what they need to do to survive. Thus, churches need to decide on whose side they will be.
This is an intriguing book. As I read it, I realized I don't have too many Randy's in my life. The MAGA folks I know tend to be white middle-class folks not poor folks like Randy. Nevertheless, these are the folks who have been left behind, and as such they will join groups and movements that offer to alleviate the pain, even if it is a false hope. Scott offers to help us understand that pain so that we might work with those on the bottom to find a path of hope.
At a time in history where far-right political movements have partnered with conservative religious groups, what has come to be understood as White Christian Nationalism, to pursue an agenda that looks to many of us as a cruel rejection of the teachings of Jesus, the question we ask is what to do about it? When we look at things as individuals, it all seems overwhelming. But, what if we join together and organize our response, reaching deep into our faith traditions? Might that offer a path forward?
Aaron Scott speaks to these questions in his book "Bring Back Your People: Ten Ways Regular Folks Can Put a Dent in White Christian Nationalism." Scott is a church worker and organizer affiliated with the Poor People's Campaign. He is also cofounder of Chaplains on the Harbor, a ministry that seeks to minister among the poor and marginalized in the state of Washington. Scott writes about responding to Christian nationalism and its impact on the poor and marginalized with passion. That passion is rooted in both his place of ministry and his own life experience as a transman who has experienced poverty in his life.
The book offers ten ways people can respond to the needs of those affected by Christian nationalism by seeking to minister to those who might be attracted to its message. Thus, the idea of bringing back people from a form of Christian nationalism that does nothing for them, but uses them for political aims. To do this he has created a composite character he calls Randy, though he acknowledges that one could speak of "Brandys" as well. He describes Randy as a poor white male who has experienced trouble with the law, is unable to find sustainable work, and may have been caught up in drugs. He notes that many small towns, such as Aberdeen, Washington, that have been left behind as industries left, and the drug trade and sex work often are the only ways of sustaining life, makes a person susceptible to nationalist messages. I will note here that the language used in the book is rather rough. It's not the kind of language I use as a white, well-educated, middle-class person. While I found the language off-putting at times, I recognize that this is the kind of language that is used by many who are left behind. If we are to reach a person like Randy we'll need to recognize that the niceties that I was raised with will not connect.
With that as an introduction to the book, I will note that Scott offers this book as an introduction to what is at stake and how to respond. He writes this for ordinary folks who seek to respond to this area of concern but don't have time to go to conferences and trainings. He draws on his own experiences in life, especially in his ministry among those who are disposed. Part of what he introduces us to is what is called the "Freedom Church of the Poor," which is an organizing effort to offer a counterweight to the pull of White Christian Nationalism in what he calls Randyland. The question that many readers may have concerns how to implement the message here. Many readers of the book will, like me, live in rather affluent suburbs. While I once lived in a town like the one Scott describes, when I was growing up it was a thriving lumber town. Things have changed for the worse as the lumber industry has dried up and tourism has blossomed further north but not in the hometown. In other words, I don't know many Randys. Still, there is guidance here that can be valuable, even as it is enlightening.
He offers ten rules, the first one being "Come Get Your Cousin Randy" (Chapter 1). Here Scott offers a brief introduction to White Christian Nationalism, along with introducing us to this character of Randy and the methodology of organizing. The second rule is a good reminder that if we're going to reach people like Randy and organize to do so, then we need "Talk to Randy Like You Actually Give a Damn about Him." In other words, listen to Randy's story, and do it in a way that lets him know that you care about him as a person not just a cause. That's not always easy because the Randy Aaron Scott describes doesn't sound very likable.
The third rule is titled "Get Real About History" (Chapter 30. Here he asks us to concern ourselves with the question of how we in the United States got to the place we're in. What are the factors influencing the growth of MAGA and the role of the church in this situation? The next rule (Chapter 4) asks us to "Know Yourself, Know Your Adversary." That makes sense. Know your situation in life so you are in a position to respond to the Randys we encounter, but also know what this White Christian Nationalism entails. Scott is aware that there are possible costs involved, some of which we may not be ready to face, so Rule 5 is titled: "Calculate Your Risks." He lets us know that it's okay to go home and live so that we can engage tomorrow.
One of the concerns Scott has when it comes progressive organizers is that they tend not to understand religious motivations. Thus, Rule 6 (Chapter 6) calls respondents to Christian nationalism to "Get a Religious Strategy, Even If You Aren't Religious." He offers this rule also because to engage in this work people will need to have an anchor, whether religious or not. Rule 7 calls respondents to "Rehome Randy." He suggests that people like Randy often get pulled into Christian nationalist groups and churches because they provide something he's looking for, so it is important to provide an alternative. He offers as an alternative what he calls the Redneck Church of the Poor. While Randy might not be lovable, he needs to be loved. Can we do that? Rule 8 (Chapter 8) moves on to argue "Stop Blaming People, Start Organizing Them." We often ask why people embrace nationalism and Trumpism, seeking to place blame. He suggests that they need to be organized so they can address the kinds of concerns poor people have. Rule 9 declares: Pledge Allegiance to the Bottom." This is a bit like the preferential option for the poor. He reminds us that Jesus was born in Nazareth. Finally, Rule 10 (Chapter 10) declares: "Never Forget Revolution Comes to Randyland Too." This is a reminder that people on the bottom will do what they need to do to survive. Thus, churches need to decide on whose side they will be.
This is an intriguing book. As I read it, I realized I don't have too many Randy's in my life. The MAGA folks I know tend to be white middle-class folks not poor folks like Randy. Nevertheless, these are the folks who have been left behind, and as such they will join groups and movements that offer to alleviate the pain, even if it is a false hope. Scott offers to help us understand that pain so that we might work with those on the bottom to find a path of hope.
January 4, 2026
An honest and sometimes harsh look at our state of politics. It urges us all to open our eyes to all the injustices built into our system. An important book for our time.
January 2, 2025
Bring Back Your People is a book we need in a time like this. While I don't think it is the best book for this area, it is a start. As the author said, no one else had written it, so he decided to.
This book is about helping to get your "Randy's" (aka pro-Trump, working class neighbors) to actually vote for their best interests and to help prevent them from falling into White Christian Nationalism. The author was raised in a poor, working class town (the author page on Goodreads is wrong, it seems), and he gives the reader ways to communicate effectively with these kind of people. This is clearly something worth discussing, as the country as a whole is slowly moving rightward despite people not agreeing with the majority of right-wing policies. This book has a lot of helpful information, but a majority of its advice is something I won't really be able to use. I think the author is correct that we need to actually LISTEN to people who disagree with us, rather than just snub our noses at them and laugh behind their backs about how they voted for things that are going to hurt them in the long run. However, this book is for those with activist energy, and I don't really have that. I think I can have conversations with people, but I don't live in a small town, so I can't really get my brother in law to join a mutual aid group. Regardless, I think this is a great starting point in an area that is very much lacking, book-wise.
I will say, I think this book is being 'review bombed' unnecessarily either by White Christian Nationalists or transphobes. So take the book's overall rating with a grain of salt.
Thank you to Netgalley and Broadleaf Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is about helping to get your "Randy's" (aka pro-Trump, working class neighbors) to actually vote for their best interests and to help prevent them from falling into White Christian Nationalism. The author was raised in a poor, working class town (the author page on Goodreads is wrong, it seems), and he gives the reader ways to communicate effectively with these kind of people. This is clearly something worth discussing, as the country as a whole is slowly moving rightward despite people not agreeing with the majority of right-wing policies. This book has a lot of helpful information, but a majority of its advice is something I won't really be able to use. I think the author is correct that we need to actually LISTEN to people who disagree with us, rather than just snub our noses at them and laugh behind their backs about how they voted for things that are going to hurt them in the long run. However, this book is for those with activist energy, and I don't really have that. I think I can have conversations with people, but I don't live in a small town, so I can't really get my brother in law to join a mutual aid group. Regardless, I think this is a great starting point in an area that is very much lacking, book-wise.
I will say, I think this book is being 'review bombed' unnecessarily either by White Christian Nationalists or transphobes. So take the book's overall rating with a grain of salt.
Thank you to Netgalley and Broadleaf Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 15, 2025
Summary: A blunt discussion of how to reach out to those who have embraced Christian nationalism.
You might know “Randy.” He (or she, in this case Brandy) may be a sibling or relative. Maybe a next door neighbor. Or it could be your auto mechanic, or hair dresser, or a favorite waitstaff at a restaurant you frequent. Randy embraces ideas of American greatness, often coated with an icing of Christianity. As I write, Randy is probably in hog heaven. And you may be dismayed and wondering where do you go from here.
Aaron Scott has worked with a lot of Randys in his ministry. He helped start a church among the rural poor on coastal Washington State, many of whom have been attracted by Christian nationalism. He offers a blunt, plain-spoken ten-step guidebook to talking with the Randys in our lives. He begins by discussing the tenets of Christian nationalism and why they attracted Randy. Often it came down to someone talking to Randy and caring about him and offering a vision and ground game of how his life and community could be better. And sadly, more progressive folk probably never did.
That’s the starting place: talking to Randy and caring about his life. Sometimes, that means getting past the things that get under your skin to see the person and taking time to really listen. Scott also takes a deep dive into American history and how white supremacy, nationalism, and white evangelicalism have sadly walked together. Randy may well be where he is because a church embracing Christian nationalist ideas has taken him in and provided a place of belonging. Many progressive folk have nothing nearly as compelling to offer.
Scott shows how so much of the political rhetoric of both parties tries to recruit the poor while preserving the wealth of a tiny number. He believes the answer is mobilizing a people’s movement that calls both to account. He also recognizes this could be emotionally and physically dangerous. He discusses honestly assessing these to navigate both safely and strategically. He also argues that progressives need a religious strategy. Spirituality matters to Randy, yet progressives often shun it like the plague. All of this so that you can offer Randy a new home, one speaking compellingly into the real-life issues of one’s own community. He argues that we have to stop blaming people and “pledge allegiance to the bottom.”
In sum, Scott seeks to rally the church, not to the cause of American greatness, but to the 140 million poor in our country. He offers a bracing call to get to work. Christian nationalism has succeeded by relentless organizing that has extended into poor communities. Yet they are not delivering for the poor, an opportunity to “bring back” people like Randy. But it means talking to Randy, organizing to reach and serve Randy, and taking Randy seriously rather than dismissively.
As I mentioned, Scott speaks bluntly. His writing is laced with profanity (but that’s often the language Randy uses). While progressive both theologically and politically, he is critical of the abandonment of the rural poor by many progressives. His approach is one that goes beyond the church truly being the church to community and political organizing. It doesn’t strike me as an approach to healing the divides but rather of outdoing the opposition. I’m not sure I agree with that but Scott makes me ask hard questions about how we are caring for the Randys in our lives.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.
You might know “Randy.” He (or she, in this case Brandy) may be a sibling or relative. Maybe a next door neighbor. Or it could be your auto mechanic, or hair dresser, or a favorite waitstaff at a restaurant you frequent. Randy embraces ideas of American greatness, often coated with an icing of Christianity. As I write, Randy is probably in hog heaven. And you may be dismayed and wondering where do you go from here.
Aaron Scott has worked with a lot of Randys in his ministry. He helped start a church among the rural poor on coastal Washington State, many of whom have been attracted by Christian nationalism. He offers a blunt, plain-spoken ten-step guidebook to talking with the Randys in our lives. He begins by discussing the tenets of Christian nationalism and why they attracted Randy. Often it came down to someone talking to Randy and caring about him and offering a vision and ground game of how his life and community could be better. And sadly, more progressive folk probably never did.
That’s the starting place: talking to Randy and caring about his life. Sometimes, that means getting past the things that get under your skin to see the person and taking time to really listen. Scott also takes a deep dive into American history and how white supremacy, nationalism, and white evangelicalism have sadly walked together. Randy may well be where he is because a church embracing Christian nationalist ideas has taken him in and provided a place of belonging. Many progressive folk have nothing nearly as compelling to offer.
Scott shows how so much of the political rhetoric of both parties tries to recruit the poor while preserving the wealth of a tiny number. He believes the answer is mobilizing a people’s movement that calls both to account. He also recognizes this could be emotionally and physically dangerous. He discusses honestly assessing these to navigate both safely and strategically. He also argues that progressives need a religious strategy. Spirituality matters to Randy, yet progressives often shun it like the plague. All of this so that you can offer Randy a new home, one speaking compellingly into the real-life issues of one’s own community. He argues that we have to stop blaming people and “pledge allegiance to the bottom.”
In sum, Scott seeks to rally the church, not to the cause of American greatness, but to the 140 million poor in our country. He offers a bracing call to get to work. Christian nationalism has succeeded by relentless organizing that has extended into poor communities. Yet they are not delivering for the poor, an opportunity to “bring back” people like Randy. But it means talking to Randy, organizing to reach and serve Randy, and taking Randy seriously rather than dismissively.
As I mentioned, Scott speaks bluntly. His writing is laced with profanity (but that’s often the language Randy uses). While progressive both theologically and politically, he is critical of the abandonment of the rural poor by many progressives. His approach is one that goes beyond the church truly being the church to community and political organizing. It doesn’t strike me as an approach to healing the divides but rather of outdoing the opposition. I’m not sure I agree with that but Scott makes me ask hard questions about how we are caring for the Randys in our lives.
____________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.
July 24, 2025
This book deals with talking to people who accept the White Christian Nationalism view of the world. Where I live this does not seem to be a problem like other places. The problem is identifying the people from their places of worship. I think, unfortunately there are many of these people in every church. Also, most denominations have people that hold some of these beliefs which is sad.
The reason I gave it such a low score is Mr. Scott does not mention names, I have an idea where and who some of the people are, I think. If pointed out who and where at least some of the biggest churches are I am able to follow and see are the work and notice them. When that doesn't happen I'm left guessing.
The reason I gave it such a low score is Mr. Scott does not mention names, I have an idea where and who some of the people are, I think. If pointed out who and where at least some of the biggest churches are I am able to follow and see are the work and notice them. When that doesn't happen I'm left guessing.
January 11, 2025
Scott skillfully weaves together his personal experiences, historical and theological research, and a compassion and passion for dignity for all people. Compulsively readable, a must-read for anyone who knows and loves someone taken in by white Christian nationalism. This will be a key textbook for the next four years (and beyond).
July 16, 2025
A good book and I appreciate its existence. It does feel very repetitive and I did seek it out so it didn't feel very groundbreaking but definitely has some things to think about and a good book to recommend to others.
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