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The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power
Feel like the Bible is being misused? You're not alone. Many people of faith are heartbroken and angry watching scripture distorted to justify political power grabs, exclusion, and even violence. Christian Nationalism blurs the line between faith and politics, replacing the Gospel’s liberating message with a dangerous ideology that undermines both democracy and discipleship.
But the Bible doesn’t belong to extremists. It belongs to God’s people.
In The Bible According to Christian Nationalists, author and minister Brian Kaylor exposes the seven deceptive ways Christian Nationalists manipulate scripture for their own ends—from cherry-picking verses for gerrymandering to treating the Bible as a political prop. With clarity and courage, Kaylor shows how these tactics betray the very heart of the Gospel.
But the Bible doesn’t belong to extremists. It belongs to God’s people.
In The Bible According to Christian Nationalists, author and minister Brian Kaylor exposes the seven deceptive ways Christian Nationalists manipulate scripture for their own ends—from cherry-picking verses for gerrymandering to treating the Bible as a political prop. With clarity and courage, Kaylor shows how these tactics betray the very heart of the Gospel.
- GenresPolitics
128 pages, Paperback
Published October 7, 2025
11 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 27, 2025
There is a debate that has been going on for years about whether the United States is and/or was a Christian nation. There is a growing movement, especially among white evangelical Christians who not only embrace this idea but also seek power to implement their vision for the nation. While Christian Nationalists believe that God wants them to impose their views on the nation, others (myself included) not only believe that the United States is a secular state but that the separation of church and state is good for both church and state. To say this doesn't mean that people of faith cannot and do not bring their faith into the public square, for we do so. However, to impose one's religion on others is a different story.
Numerous books have been written on the growth and influence of Christian Nationalism, which comes in different forms. Among the authors of such books is Brian Kaylor, co-author (with Beau Underwood) of the excellent book Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism and President and editor in chief of Word and Way. He is also a Baptist minister. I need to note here that I contribute book reviews to Word and Way every week.
In Baptizing America, Kaylor and Underwood demonstrate that Mainline Protestants embraced a form of Christian nationalism long before the current crop of evangelicals. Thus, they suggested that such churches get their house in order if they wish to truly resist the current forms of Christian Nationalism, some of which threaten to undermine the nation's democratic institutions (by that I do not mean the Democratic Party but the nation's governmental system). In this brief book, which serves as a follow-up to Baptizing America, Kaylor focuses on the way the Bible is used and misused in support of the Christian nationalist agenda, which includes support for the Seven Mountains Mandate. The message here is that "Christian Nationalism distorts scripture, twisting and molding and gerrymandering the sacred texts to fit a preferred political ideology." (p. 11). With that message in place, Kaylor begins this effort to expose the ways Christian Nationalism distorts scripture, focusing on seven different problematic approaches.
The first of these seven chapters is Chapter 2, titled "The Bible as a prop." Here he starts by pointing to Donald Trump's 2020 stunt when he walked to St. John's Episcopal Church for a photo op. For many Christian Nationalists, the Bible is little more than a prop to be displayed, but not engaged with. In essence, it becomes an icon to carry around to suggest one is spiritual or perhaps as a lucky charm. The third chapter focuses on "The Bible as Numerology." Here, he points to the use of chapter numbers and verse numbers, such as Ephesians 6:11, to suggest that an event such as the attempted assassination of Donald Trump is part of God's plan. Why this passage? Well, for some reason, it points to the armor of God protecting Trump, a message endorsed by Charlie Kirk and JD Vance. There are many reasons why this effort, which is popular in some circles, makes no sense, and Kaylor takes note of them. This is only one of several strange attempts to find prophetic meaning in verse numbers and even a Strong's Concordance number.
The next chapter is titled "The Bible as Selectively Literal" (chapter 4). In this chapter, Kaylor points to the kinds of inconsistent use of biblical literalism. We see this play out in several ways, including efforts by people such as Mike Johnson to find a biblical foreign policy for the United States, especially when it comes to the modern state of Israel. What he does here is point out the penchant among Christian Nationalists to make use of proof-texting to push their agenda. Moving to Chapter 5, Kaylor focuses on "The Bible as Triumphal." Here he takes note of such efforts to root Donald Trump's presidency in the Bible, suggesting, for instance, that he is like King David -- who we're reminded was an adulterer but still a man after God's heart. Other passages and images have become useful fodder, such as the use of Esther as a metaphor, such that Trump and others have been lifted up for "a time such as this." As Kaylor notes, the use of this phrase is everywhere.
In Chapter 6, Kaylor points to the efforts made by supporters of Donald Trump and the Christian Nationalist agenda to suggest that "The Bible as Pro-America." Here, Kaylor notes the use of such passages as Jesus speaking of being a "city set on a hill" for the US or 2 Chronicles 7:14, such that "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves ... I will hear their voice ...." The message of Christian Nationalists is that the people of the US are God's people.
Chapter 7 speaks of "The Bible as Warfare." Christian Nationalists often speak of God having a prophetic destiny for America, with Trump at the center of this destiny. We see this in several places, but one of the most problematic ones involves Jehu, who overthrew the King of Israel and killed Jezebel. In this model, Jezebel stands for such female Democratic politicians as Kamala Harris, whom, metaphorically, Trump apparently slays. Again, we see the use of the armor of God imagery to support these efforts, which often include support for the Second Amendment.
The final Chapter (Chapter 9) offers a response to these distorted uses of the Bible (and I didn't cover everything Kaylor mentioned). This chapter is titled "A Non-Christian Nationalist Bible." Here, Kaylor, having shown how Christian Nationalists, most of whom are evangelicals, distort the Bible, encourages those who resist Christian Nationalism to bone up on the Bible. One of the biggest problems on both sides of the coin is biblical illiteracy. Knowing the Bible can aid in resistance, for the benefit of both the church and the state.
We are fortunate that a growing number of authors, most of whom are scholars, have addressed the growth of Christian Nationalism and its threat to both church and state. Kaylor has offered a very accessible and helpful guide to one aspect of the conversation: the use and abuse of the Bible. He does so with a bit of humor!
Numerous books have been written on the growth and influence of Christian Nationalism, which comes in different forms. Among the authors of such books is Brian Kaylor, co-author (with Beau Underwood) of the excellent book Baptizing America: How Mainline Protestants Helped Build Christian Nationalism and President and editor in chief of Word and Way. He is also a Baptist minister. I need to note here that I contribute book reviews to Word and Way every week.
In Baptizing America, Kaylor and Underwood demonstrate that Mainline Protestants embraced a form of Christian nationalism long before the current crop of evangelicals. Thus, they suggested that such churches get their house in order if they wish to truly resist the current forms of Christian Nationalism, some of which threaten to undermine the nation's democratic institutions (by that I do not mean the Democratic Party but the nation's governmental system). In this brief book, which serves as a follow-up to Baptizing America, Kaylor focuses on the way the Bible is used and misused in support of the Christian nationalist agenda, which includes support for the Seven Mountains Mandate. The message here is that "Christian Nationalism distorts scripture, twisting and molding and gerrymandering the sacred texts to fit a preferred political ideology." (p. 11). With that message in place, Kaylor begins this effort to expose the ways Christian Nationalism distorts scripture, focusing on seven different problematic approaches.
The first of these seven chapters is Chapter 2, titled "The Bible as a prop." Here he starts by pointing to Donald Trump's 2020 stunt when he walked to St. John's Episcopal Church for a photo op. For many Christian Nationalists, the Bible is little more than a prop to be displayed, but not engaged with. In essence, it becomes an icon to carry around to suggest one is spiritual or perhaps as a lucky charm. The third chapter focuses on "The Bible as Numerology." Here, he points to the use of chapter numbers and verse numbers, such as Ephesians 6:11, to suggest that an event such as the attempted assassination of Donald Trump is part of God's plan. Why this passage? Well, for some reason, it points to the armor of God protecting Trump, a message endorsed by Charlie Kirk and JD Vance. There are many reasons why this effort, which is popular in some circles, makes no sense, and Kaylor takes note of them. This is only one of several strange attempts to find prophetic meaning in verse numbers and even a Strong's Concordance number.
The next chapter is titled "The Bible as Selectively Literal" (chapter 4). In this chapter, Kaylor points to the kinds of inconsistent use of biblical literalism. We see this play out in several ways, including efforts by people such as Mike Johnson to find a biblical foreign policy for the United States, especially when it comes to the modern state of Israel. What he does here is point out the penchant among Christian Nationalists to make use of proof-texting to push their agenda. Moving to Chapter 5, Kaylor focuses on "The Bible as Triumphal." Here he takes note of such efforts to root Donald Trump's presidency in the Bible, suggesting, for instance, that he is like King David -- who we're reminded was an adulterer but still a man after God's heart. Other passages and images have become useful fodder, such as the use of Esther as a metaphor, such that Trump and others have been lifted up for "a time such as this." As Kaylor notes, the use of this phrase is everywhere.
In Chapter 6, Kaylor points to the efforts made by supporters of Donald Trump and the Christian Nationalist agenda to suggest that "The Bible as Pro-America." Here, Kaylor notes the use of such passages as Jesus speaking of being a "city set on a hill" for the US or 2 Chronicles 7:14, such that "if my people who are called by my name humble themselves ... I will hear their voice ...." The message of Christian Nationalists is that the people of the US are God's people.
Chapter 7 speaks of "The Bible as Warfare." Christian Nationalists often speak of God having a prophetic destiny for America, with Trump at the center of this destiny. We see this in several places, but one of the most problematic ones involves Jehu, who overthrew the King of Israel and killed Jezebel. In this model, Jezebel stands for such female Democratic politicians as Kamala Harris, whom, metaphorically, Trump apparently slays. Again, we see the use of the armor of God imagery to support these efforts, which often include support for the Second Amendment.
The final Chapter (Chapter 9) offers a response to these distorted uses of the Bible (and I didn't cover everything Kaylor mentioned). This chapter is titled "A Non-Christian Nationalist Bible." Here, Kaylor, having shown how Christian Nationalists, most of whom are evangelicals, distort the Bible, encourages those who resist Christian Nationalism to bone up on the Bible. One of the biggest problems on both sides of the coin is biblical illiteracy. Knowing the Bible can aid in resistance, for the benefit of both the church and the state.
We are fortunate that a growing number of authors, most of whom are scholars, have addressed the growth of Christian Nationalism and its threat to both church and state. Kaylor has offered a very accessible and helpful guide to one aspect of the conversation: the use and abuse of the Bible. He does so with a bit of humor!
October 24, 2025
I was first attracted to Kaylor through his Substack commentary, “A Public Witness,” and I have always appreciated his ability to break down matters of faith in public life in a clear and simple (not simplistic) way with humor. This book is no different - it is focused on the growing (but not new) trend towards Christian Nationalism in our nation in a way that is accessible. It’s not bed-time reading (at least not for me because really thinking about the topic would give me bad dreams, so I’ll stick to AA Milne or something!), but it’s good thoughtful stuff for anyone who’s interested in understanding the sad place our politics are at the moment.
November 8, 2025
Solid theology and history provide a strong framework for understanding how misused Christian scripture is by the MAGA crowd and others who are even more extremist.
I did have a slight unease with the tone as Kaylor’s wit and sarcasm veer easily into mocking barbs. Or at least I assume they would feel that way to anyone who doesn’t already strongly dislike Donald Trump. Is this then a book only to equip the already convinced?
Grateful for what Kaylor is doing and the clear eyed way he offers analysis and suggestions for those who want to keep the Bible from being a political weapon.
I did have a slight unease with the tone as Kaylor’s wit and sarcasm veer easily into mocking barbs. Or at least I assume they would feel that way to anyone who doesn’t already strongly dislike Donald Trump. Is this then a book only to equip the already convinced?
Grateful for what Kaylor is doing and the clear eyed way he offers analysis and suggestions for those who want to keep the Bible from being a political weapon.
October 7, 2025
unexpected spirited antidote to the way scripture is being misused politically to baptize cruel actions. Even provides helpful suggestions to countermand a range of misuses. (also humorous, because that’s who Kaylor is, so why not???
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews