Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor

by Caleb E. Campbell

Pastor Caleb Campbell has watched as Christian nationalism has taken over large swaths of the United States. And he's suffered the relational fallout of standing against it, both in his community and his church. While it's possible to be both a Christian and hold Christian nationalist ideas, Christian nationalism itself is an un-Christian worldview, rooted in ideas about power, race, and property that are irreconcilable with Christian faith. Campbell has come to see himself as a missionary to Christian nationalists, reaching out to them with the love and freedom of Jesus Christ.

In Disarming Leviathan, Campbell equips Christians to minister to their Christian nationalist neighbors. He introduces the basics of Christian nationalism and explores the reasons so many people are attracted to it. He also addresses a variety of American Christian nationalist talking points and offers questions and responses that humbly subvert these claims and cultivate deeper, heart-level conversations.

Christian nationalism is an established feature of the American landscape. Disarming Leviathan can help prepare us to confront it with compassion and hospitality, and with the truth of the good news of Jesus.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Religion, Christian, Christianity, Faith, Audiobook

Audible Audio

Published August 27, 2024

Reviews

[Jillian B · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been reading a lot about Christian nationalism this year in an effort to wrap my head around a phenomenon that is so puzzling to me as a Christian living outside the U.S. This book stands out among others I’ve read, because it suggests a way of thinking about it that I hadn’t seen before. The author encourages his readers to view Christian nationalists as a mission field. Just as cross-cultural missionaries must study the group they’re working with to learn about their beliefs and what motivates them, rather than making assumptions, readers are urged to learn more about their Christian nationalist neighbours and try to find commonalities in order to have real conversations.

I appreciate that this book humanizes Christian nationalists while still standing firmly against their most toxic beliefs. It includes practical guides for engaging with nationalist misreadings of scripture, like the idea that America is the new Biblical Israel. I also appreciate that the author acknowledges that members of marginalized groups stand a greater chance of being harmed by encounters with Christian nationalists, and thus should use extra care and discernment in deciding whether to engage.

I was very impressed by this book and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Carmen Imes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm grateful for this book. Campbell does a wonderful job showing us how to love our neighbors who have been caught up in the siren call of Christian Nationalism. Rather than burning bridges, Caleb offers practical tools for meaningful conversations that will build bridges with those on the other side of an ideological divide.

This book is the fruit of years of thinking, learning, and living out what he teaches.

[Reid Parrish · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hate Christian Nationalism. I think it’s a malignancy which distorts the goodness of the gospel and the beauty of the church.

I hate how it and its leaders demonize people/people groups who disagree with them.

But don’t I do that too? Don’t I take Christian Nationalists—leaders and followers—and dehumanize them? That’s certainly a direction I could aim my anger.

Campbell presents a very Biblical and ancient alternative: don’t dehumanize or hate the people created in the image of God. Hate the chaotic forces that utilize deception and manipulation to create hatred and violence in the world; hate the Leviathan.

But the people? Love the people. Pursue the people. We all need the grace and love of God presented through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Nothing else will change the head or the heart.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an important and needed book, that challenges the increasingly visible Christian Nationalist viewpoint from an author who shares the religion but is increasingly dismayed by a decent segment of its adherents. Campbell walks the walk and talks the talk as a religious believer, and is thus uniquely qualified to speak with this community. If you're like me, and not particularly interested in religious matters, you may find your eyes glazing over when he starts getting into specifics about Bible quotes and figures.

The ideal audience for DISARMING LEVIATHAN would be Christians who are feeling alienated and disturbed by family members and church friends who are gravitating to increasingly fringe and aggressive ways of belief.

I've found this book offers quite helpful and insightful advice regarding speaking with anyone who seems to be your polar opposite, on not just religion, but any highly emotional/controversial matter.

[Miles Smith · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just a completely confused mess of a book filled with category confusion and general historical ignorance. I get what the author is trying to do but I’m not sure the former YRR guys have the historical and political theology background to do this w/out it becoming dueling proof-texts.

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book.... But I found it really difficult to get through.
Maybe I just don't know enough people in the Christian Nationalist world, but I can't imagine using a lot of these talking points and tactics on even friends who side a little more towards the right... Possibly due to being a younger woman, I just don't feel like I would be heard, or respected enough to even open that conversation.
I also struggled with the author's lack of mentioning, even in passing, that the far left also has its issues. I understand that that's not what this book is about, but a lot of the criticism of the Christian Nationalist party could also be made about the other side, so recognizing that fact might have made this book a little more accessible for someone who finds themselves more in the "politically homeless" camp...

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about how to be a missionary to American Christian nationalists. It is not about how to debate with them, but how to reach them with the gospel and lovingly lead them into repentance. Wow. This book challenged me.

Warning: A lot of this book resurfaced a lot of my past trauma, especially in the chapter in which he discussed how to lovingly respond to popular American Christian nationalist statements. It’s still worth reading, but pay attention to your body and take breaks as needed.

[Joshua Biggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounding up.

I really appreciate the authors intention for writing this book. I agree with him that the rise of Christian Nationalism/Theonomy is quite dangerous. I’m also thankful how he bangs the drum of biblical conviction of the truth and biblical compassion toward those you’re trying to reach. But the book felt repetitive at times (I think this book could have been a long blog post tbh) and I would have appreciated a stronger critique of the theology of Christian nationalism. My hunch is proponents of Christian nationalism would have felt straw-manned.

Nonetheless, this book would probably be helpful for someone struggling with how to engage close friends or family members engrossed in a TPUSA/Fox News brand of Christianity.

[Grace Hilbelink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Would definitely recommend for anybody banging their head against the wall after having the same conversation over and over again about politics with their Christian nationalist friends and family. Maybe not a magic bullet but a good reorientation of humble conversation and love of neighbor.

[Danita · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a breath of fresh air in the chaos and fatigue of the American political climate. The author drew heavily from his experiences pastoring in Arizona, as well as from personal research of the Christian nationalist movement from the "inside." I think there is great wisdom here for any American who has a relationship with someone espousing Christian nationalist ideas. This book is kind, straightforward powerful, practical, and discipleship-in-the-way-of-Jesus oriented.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars for challenging my priors. Review (and by review I mean personal reflection) forthcoming.

[Katie Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated the humble tone with which this book was written, and the approach the author takes on how to engage with this topic. I learned a lot!

[Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio. This book was really excellent and is really 4.5. The approach is clear and practical with a “code” (what’s helpful, what’s not) at the end of most instructional chapters.
What I appreciated most is the author using the lens of “what methods would make for a good approach in any cross-cultural settling.” This is what made the book most valuable. In our current pre-election political climate I’m interested in Christian nationalists, but moreover I’m interested in all my neighbors. This book gave me some strategies that could be effective with Christian nationalists but also universally.

It starts and ends with love, with remembering all our neighbors are also humans made in the image of God.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most critiques of Christian nationalism give off the same vibe as Jesus's parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector. I'll be reading something that is thoughtful and true, but which also conveys the attitude, "Thank you, Lord, that I am not like other men!" This book charts a refreshingly different course, without self-congratulatory moral elitism. Caleb E. Campbell writes about this issue with compassion, curiosity, and empathy. It's clear how burdened he feels by the relationships he has lost to political disagreements, and he shows sincere concern for the people involved within the Christian nationalism movement.

At the beginning, Campbell provides a brief history of this mostly far-right political movement, and he clears up some common myths. Throughout the book, he shares examples from Christian nationalist seminars and teachings, helping people understand the movement from the inside. He contrasts key tenets and moods of this ideology with the teaching and attitudes expressed in Scripture, and provides guidelines for how people can approach constructive conversations with the Christian nationalists in their lives. Campbell encourages people to view this as a mission field and shares advice from that vantage point, writes about preparing your own heart for the work, and includes samples and ideas for how people can pursue constructive conversations about several specific hot-button topics.

However, even though this book is refreshing and helpful, Campbell doesn't always adequately distinguish between the tenets of Christian nationalism and general conservative views. This will bother conservative readers who feel lumped in with something contrary to their beliefs, and can mislead progressives who don't understand the distinctions. Also, there is a difference between worshiping the idol of nationalistic power, versus worshiping Jesus while also holding to some questionable political beliefs. In one hypothetical example, Campbell shows how someone is living out a mix between Christianity and vague American civil religion, and he presents this person as needing to experience true conversion. Maybe so, but maybe they are a sincere believer who needs some additional discipleship. Going into conversations with people with the assumption that they're not saved at all is likely to cause needless offense and alienation, and I wish that this book had provided more nuance around this.

Throughout this book, Campbell uses the language of Leviathan to talk about dark spiritual powers, saying that there is more happening in our current political scene than meets the eye. He explains that as Christian nationalist leaders stoke the fears and anxieties of their followers, Satan is working behind the scenes to distort God's word, fuel anxiety and rage, divide people, and direct people's allegiance way from God. He provides a very serious and believable rationale for this, but then cuts his argument off at the knees by repeatedly saying that people shouldn't ascribe evil or demonic influence to the far left. Why shouldn't we see Leviathan at work there, too? Harmful dynamics like fostering fear and division are happening on both sides of the political aisle. Why should we call out demonic influence behind one movement, while being forbidden to see it elsewhere?

Granted, I understand his actual point. He's expressing concern about the ways that conservatives often accuse liberals of having evil motives, and he's challenging the idea that someone who is a Democrat can't also be a Christian. He's also expressing that saying, "Oh, they're evil and trying to destroy the country!" isn't constructive public discourse. However, even though some people need to hear this, he needed to say it in a way that didn't undermine his entire premise. After all, in his critique of the Christian nationalism movement, he is questioning the faith of people who claim to be Christians, and he is seeing evil spiritual machinations behind politics. Why is he telling his readers to stop questioning and observing similar things? This weakens the book significantly, and will make it vastly less credible to skeptics.

This is a helpful, insightful book that expresses true care and compassion for people the author disagrees with. He provides clear information about the Christian nationalism movement, and he shares wisdom and encouragement for how people can engage with Christian nationalists in their lives. He writes in a conversational tone that makes this book highly readable, in spite of the stressful topics, and shares helpful advice. This book has some disappointing weaknesses that I felt a need to unpack in detail, but the book has enough value as a whole that I would still recommend it.

I received a free copy from the publisher, and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Sarah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was both encouraging and convicting. I appreciated the summaries of Christian Nationalist beliefs as well as practical ways to lovingly communicate with people who follow the ideology. I’m glad that the author emphasized that not everyone is called to have Christian Nationalist spaces as a mission field and it may be unsafe for them. As someone with many loved ones who have taken on at least some of these beliefs, I am looking forward to have God-honoring conversations with them.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars rounded up.

I knew going into this book that the author is a pastor, that he views himself as a missionary to those ensnared by Christian Nationalist ideas, and that this book is meant to act as a guide to engaging with Christian Nationalists in a compassionate yet purposeful manner. If that's what you're looking for, this book is pretty much as advertised. I expected that I would cringe at the author's "missional" approach as I'm coming from an ex-evangelical (but still Christian) perspective, and I did. But I figured the topic would be worth reading about anyway, and it was.

Having said that, I was still a bit disappointed. The author clearly cares about the people he is trying to reach, and it's obvious he's done his research (I especially appreciated his insights into the core beliefs that motivate otherwise decent people to join and remain in extremist groups), but after a strong first half the book devolved into a series of proof-text-based sales pitches and deceptive strategies designed to manipulate people into thinking you're their friend. This was despite the author having stated earlier in the book that proof-texting is ineffective, and that his goal is not to win debates but to love people. But when you love people with an ulterior motive, even if you have good intentions, it's not really love. When you only befriend a Christian Nationalist so you can change them, it's not love. It feels dishonest and not at all like the unconditional love modeled by Jesus.

[Emily]

Speaking as someone who is NOT a Christian Nationalist, but who IS a Christian, and who has friends/family who maybe haven't explicitly stated (in my hearing) that they thought Christian Nationalism was good but who I have reason to think that they might be thinking so - people I do care about a lot... This book really resonated with me. I had made it a purchase request for my local library, unsure before I began just what kind of a perspective or advice it would offer, and unsure if it was something I wanted on my bookshelves. Fortunately for me, my library granted that request for purchase, which I then read, and now I know that yes, I do want it on my shelves. I feel like the author considers everyone - both Christian Nationalists and not - with compassion and caring. And while I have yet to try to test any of the advice it offers, it strikes me as likely to be solid advice overall. I seriously took a lot of notes, and would like my own copy to keep for reference.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for people who take their faith seriously and are bewildered by Christian Nationalism. One of the big mindset shifts is in treating them not as people to be convinced by facts, which doesn’t work, but as people to be converted. I wish I had discovered this book before the 2024 election, but here we are. Leviathan has a stranglehold on America, but that just means the field is ripe for the harvest.

[Sarah Sheppard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a unique perspective on how to deal with America's Christian nationalism problem- to treat it as a mission field rather than an adversary. I was pleasantly surprised to read the series of calm, politically moderate, reasonable arguments used to explain the modern American Christian nationalist movement and how to approach our Christian nationalist neighbors. The book is written from an Evangelical perspective- and as a former Evangelical, I expected that to rub me the wrong way eventually, but it never did. Although he writes from an Evangelical missionary perspective, there is no holier-than-thou pretentious schtick. I got the impression that the author is much more concerned with doing his best to follow the example of Jesus than pandering to stereotypical Evangelical ideals. As an ex-vangelical, progressive Methodist, this book was a wonderful, informative, and hopeful read. It is the first book I've read on Christian nationalism that has inspired any hope in me at all.

[Maggie Woodhill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found this to be a super engaging and practical read. I think the book is an important reflection on how to both love my neighbor and to also encourage them to seek the truth, while also seeking the truth myself. I will certainly be returning to this book for re-reads in the future.

Campbell focuses heavily on how to continue conversations and build relationships among people who hold very different convictions and ideologies. He encourages readers not to be combative, but to humbly listen and engage. I was encouraged by his statement:

“This is not an alternative way to fight the culture wars. It is refusing to fight the war altogether, to lay down the way of the sword, and to pick up the way of the cross. This is the way that ultimately leads to redemption, restoration, and complete victory over evil.”

This book also served as a great reminder to consider one’s own posture. It is a powerful truth that humility goes a long way in engaging with our neighbors.

[Robin Crow · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I read this book together, and paused often to discuss and digest the wisdom offered. Caleb Campbell’s research was extensive, thorough, and often directly experienced as he attended Christian Nationalist events, and engaged with people first hand.

Campbell keeps the focus on a Christian perspective, always maintaining a compassionate heart, even as he explores the seduction, reasoning, and flaws of the Christian Nationalist movement. His insight into tribalism was especially insightful, leading us to understand how easy it is to adopt second-hand, or borrowed attitudes and convictions. This section resulted in a lot of self-reflection for us too. He then leads us to consider what the cost may be of discovering one’s own convictions or changing our minds.

Campbell then provides a guide for engaging with Christian Nationalists with a missionary mindset. He continually reminds us to seek the fruits of the Spirit as we engage in heart-to-heart conversations with people. Campbell suggests clarifying questions, always seeking shared values, and paths back to scripture to keep the focus on the Jesus way.

In this divided and often hostile world, it is so refreshing to read a book with such an emphasis on loving our neighbors and keeping the focus on the heart of Jesus.

[Jayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Campbell does a great job of reframing the emotions which many feel towards Christian Nationalism and specifically Christian Nationalists. There was not a lot of entirely new information in this book to me, but I really appreciated his approach, and it’s a timely read for those who encounter the fear and rhetoric in their church communities. Campbell pushes us to see the nationalist as a part of our mission field. He gives great insights into how to engage with those who share antagonistic views. A fairly easy read for those who find themselves frustrated with the way Christian nationalism has influenced those who claim to be a part of the body of Christ.

[K.B. Hoyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good entry-level approach to Christian Nationalism and treating that landscape as a mission field. There were parts I found engaging and helpful and others that were too basic for me—and I felt a little too (I hate to use this word) naive to the great cult of evils and issues we are facing today. But I genuinely appreciated how Campbell always points the reader back to love of neighbor and Christ as victor.

[Kim Koi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is both a primer on good missional practice and a strong call to engage American Christian Nationalists understanding their beliefs and engaging them with the love of Jesus. While I don’t feel called to this particular mission field, I appreciated the guidance on how to engage those already in my life.

[Meg Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read if you know one. Helpful framework of the Christian nationalist being a “mission field.” I wasn’t fully comfortable with how Campbell emphasized finding your shared values and even using the word “ally,” and at times I was betting that most of these conversations would likely be fruitless, but overall this was a book I needed to read.

[Porter Sprigg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the best thing I can say about this book is that it was encouraging, and that’s a huge blessing when reading a book about a topic that so usually heightens my emotions. Thank you Caleb Campbell for writing a book that empowers care towards those trapped in nationalist idolatry.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful toolkit for our time.

[Cassie Gonyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn’t *want* to read this book at the beginning….which means that I needed to read it! The framework of a missionary to a mission field was very helpful!

[Ben K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a helpful, timely, and important book that critiques American Christian nationalism from a biblical perspective and offers a gracious missional approach to engaging with those who are ensnared by it.

Campbell describes American Christian nationalism as a “Leviathan,” a mythical monster that the Bible often uses as a picture for the spiritual forces of evil and chaos that set themselves against the ways of God. This metaphor is central to his argument, because he claims that Christian nationalism is not merely a political ideology, but is undergirded by evil spiritual powers that deceive people and lead them away from God.

Since those who are caught up in American Christian nationalism are ultimately ensnared by spiritual forces, a biblical response is not one that fights back with human arguments, but one that embraces the ways of God, one that is Spirit-led, humble, missional, and committed to truth. One of the great strengths of this book is the Christ-like posture that Campbell brings to the table. This is noteworthy, as the book itself came about after a season where Campbell experienced considerable hurt and relational loss at the hands of American Christian nationalists, many of whom had been longstanding and dear friends. Initially, his inclination was to fight back. But he soon came to realize that he was adopting the same posture that made Leviathan so loathsome. He concluded that those “influenced by American Christian nationalism were not an enemy to attack. They were a mission field to reach” (p. 8). He says, “They are not monsters to destroy or enemies to slay. They are people made in the image and likeness of God, worthy of our dignity and respect” (p. 115).

The first step of any missionary endeavor is to understand the mission field. That is what Campbell sets out to do in the first half of the book. American Christian nationalists, like any group with a common identity, have a culture complete with values, rituals, customs, and narratives. Campbell presents a fair and well-researched summary of its basic tenets and the bitter fruit that it produces while acknowledging that the group is not by any means monolithic. Only rarely did I feel that he fell into stereotypes.

The rest of the book unpacks an approach to engage with American Christian nationalists with the aim of leading them to the true gospel. His approach is “humbly subversive,” seeking not to attack, but to engage in relationship. As he puts it, this involves not table flipping, but table setting. Beginning with hospitality, Campbell encourages that we become good listeners, seeking first to understand before we open our mouths. When we do speak, he encourages us to use our language to honor the good in their views and assure them that we are not enemies. Only then will the door be open for heart-level conversation that may allow the gospel to come in. Really, this is a great method for engaging with anyone with whom we disagree!

I love how Campbell puts this method to use in such a practical way. In a later chapter, he offers a “field guide,” applying this methodology to a number of statements that American Christian nationalists may make, scripting out things that we may say (or not say) in response. While this is obviously not comprehensive, it provides a helpful template to follow in engaging on other issues.

As with any other “Leviathan” that rears its ugly head in our world, our natural response is to fight back. But ultimately, what Campbell reminds us here is that “our job is not to defeat Leviathan. That’s God’s job…Leviathan is subdued, not by human domination, not by the might of the sword, but by the self-sacrificial power of the Lamb of God” (p. 181-182). I wholeheartedly agree. I hope that many people will read this book and follow Campbell’s instruction and example.

[Nancy B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disarming Leviathan is an ambitious book. Its goals include:
- define American Christian Nationalism (this alone is complicated; hardly anyone agrees on a definition)
- explain its unifying core values
- justify the author’s usage of Leviathan imagery as applied to ACN
- Communicate ACN’s anti-biblical methods of manipulation and fear-mongering
- Prove the emptiness of ACN’s promises to its followers
- Coach followers of Jesus toward loving, welcoming engagement with ACNationalists
- Provide ACN’s commonly cited Bible verses, theological statements, and catchphrase political statements and then offer examples of sample questions/comments to promote open dialogue and finding common ground with the ACN.

It’s a tough book to review because for every incisive observation Campbell makes, he would follow it up with language that was either unnecessarily provocative or confusing. One example: in mentioning “hot-button” or “culture warrior” issues, he cites the age of the earth and the authority of Scripture. These two things have no business being cited in the same category with one another. As a pastor, he should know better than that.

What worked:
- in chapter 4, Campbell catalogs many of the ways in which ACN opposes biblical principles or fails to live up to its promises. This was one of the strongest chapters and made excellent points about ACN promoting syncretism and relying on worldly political power rather than the power of God.
- Some of the most compelling passages contained quotations from speakers at Turning Point USA events, including a TPUSA Pastors’ Conference that Campbell attended. It was alarming to read what Pastors proclaimed on those stages. (Sample quotes: “The Lord is a nationalist. Look at the Tower of Babel.” “The US Navy is the standard of righteousness in the world.”) Frankly, hearing ACN leaders butcher Scripture stands as one of the most powerful arguments *against* ACN.
- The book’s subtitle reads: “Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor”, and Campbell succeeds in meeting this goal. The latter half of the book focuses on loving, hospitable engagement with our ACN friends, family members, and neighbors, and he encourages the reader to view them as worthy of dignity and respect. Campbell rightly emphasizes that the people with whom we have political disagreements are not enemies to be defeated but image-bearers to love.

What didn’t work:
- I prefer Paul D. Miller’s definition of ACN (“ACN is believing America is a Christian nation, and it is the government’s job to keep it that way.”)
- In chapter 2 Campbell clarifies that he believes that some ACN adherents are saved and some are unsaved. But by referring to ACN as “our mission field” throughout the book, he muddies the waters considerably.
- If you’re not paying close attention, you’ll miss brief references to anti-Biblical concepts (eg, mention of the phrase “reproductive rights”)
- Campbell employs Leviathan imagery as a symbol of ACN and I’m not fully convinced that it works.
- Despite the good in the latter half of the book, I would often cringe at the whiff of the sales pitch in his sample comments and questions

Just like any other “Christian book”, approach Disarming Leviathan with a discerning eye.