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Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy
“Bracing―Jones presents a vision of America as “fallen into... apostasy.” But he remains hopeful, noting that “backsliding is not irreversible,” as “repentance is possible... with confession” and the “acknowledging of difficult truths.” It’s a potent reckoning."―Publishers Weekly
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, a clear-eyed reckoning with the moral collapse of white Christianity and a call to protect American democracy.
What happens when the church trades faith for power, and democracy for dominion? In this searing book, Robert P. Jones names our moment for what it a great Backslide. White Christianity’s devotion to Donald Trump and Christian nationalism is not only a regression into authoritarian politics but a profound act of apostasy―a betrayal of the best of the Christian tradition.
Through reflections on history, his upbringing in the white evangelical South, and decades of social science research, Jones lays bare the roots of this collapse and the dangers it poses for our future. He takes us inside a faith tradition marked by an impoverished relationship to the Bible, a rejection of a genuine search for truth, and an upside-down world where empathy is considered a vice. Yet amid the wreckage, Jones finds signs of hope in efforts to remake our national holiday rituals and recover a Christianity that remains committed to democracy.
Timely and unflinching, Backslide is essential reading for anyone unwilling to surrender the soul of faith or the promise of democracy. A prophetic summons to moral responsibility, it reminds us that time is short for deciding which Christianity, and which America, will prevail.
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy, a clear-eyed reckoning with the moral collapse of white Christianity and a call to protect American democracy.
What happens when the church trades faith for power, and democracy for dominion? In this searing book, Robert P. Jones names our moment for what it a great Backslide. White Christianity’s devotion to Donald Trump and Christian nationalism is not only a regression into authoritarian politics but a profound act of apostasy―a betrayal of the best of the Christian tradition.
Through reflections on history, his upbringing in the white evangelical South, and decades of social science research, Jones lays bare the roots of this collapse and the dangers it poses for our future. He takes us inside a faith tradition marked by an impoverished relationship to the Bible, a rejection of a genuine search for truth, and an upside-down world where empathy is considered a vice. Yet amid the wreckage, Jones finds signs of hope in efforts to remake our national holiday rituals and recover a Christianity that remains committed to democracy.
Timely and unflinching, Backslide is essential reading for anyone unwilling to surrender the soul of faith or the promise of democracy. A prophetic summons to moral responsibility, it reminds us that time is short for deciding which Christianity, and which America, will prevail.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 8, 2026
About the author
Robert P. Jones
32 books237 followersRobert P. Jones is a New York Times bestselling author and the president and founder of Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI). He is the author of BACKSLIDE: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy (2026); The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy and the Path to a Shared American Future (2023); White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity (2020), which won a 2021 American Book Award; and The End of White Christian America (2016), which won the 2019 Grawemeyer Award in Religion.
Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic, TIME, Religion News Service, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. Jones writes the popular Redeeming Democracy newsletter on Substack (https://www.redeemingdemocracy.net/).
He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.S. in computing science and mathematics from Mississippi College. Jones was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2026. He was selected by Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2013, and by Mississippi College’s Mathematics Department as Alumnus of the Year in 2016. Jones served on the editorial boards for the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, and Politics and Religion, a journal of the American Political Science Association.
Before founding PRRI, Jones worked as a consultant and senior research fellow at several think tanks in Washington, D.C., and was an assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University.
Jones writes regularly on politics, culture, and religion for The Atlantic, TIME, Religion News Service, and other outlets. He is frequently featured in major national media, such as CNN, MSNBC, NPR, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and others. Jones writes the popular Redeeming Democracy newsletter on Substack (https://www.redeemingdemocracy.net/).
He holds a Ph.D. in religion from Emory University, an M.Div. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a B.S. in computing science and mathematics from Mississippi College. Jones was inducted into the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in 2026. He was selected by Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion as Distinguished Alumnus of the Year in 2013, and by Mississippi College’s Mathematics Department as Alumnus of the Year in 2016. Jones served on the editorial boards for the Journal of the American Academy of Religion, and Politics and Religion, a journal of the American Political Science Association.
Before founding PRRI, Jones worked as a consultant and senior research fellow at several think tanks in Washington, D.C., and was an assistant professor of religious studies at Missouri State University.
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Overall, I really liked this one. Jones combines American history, his own family's history, church history, and modern day political commentary to detail the "backsliding" of American democracy. I have read a few books quite similar to this one recently, but I still learned something new in this one. The background on the history of Juneteenth and Columbus Day weren't things I knew before.
A hearty amen to every point he makes, especially the last section "In Defense of Division." That chapter put into words so many thoughts I have had for a while now but have never been able to describe so eloquently. As others have pointed out, where this book may fall short is in being written for a target audience that probably already agrees with the author. The subtitle alone may prevent those who could really learn from this from picking it up.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
A hearty amen to every point he makes, especially the last section "In Defense of Division." That chapter put into words so many thoughts I have had for a while now but have never been able to describe so eloquently. As others have pointed out, where this book may fall short is in being written for a target audience that probably already agrees with the author. The subtitle alone may prevent those who could really learn from this from picking it up.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 2, 2026
A compelling blend of firsthand experience, history, data, and theology. Backslide expertly ties the current backsliding of America’s democratic norms into an authoritarian future, alongside the apostasy of the modern white evangelical Christian movement.
The work does not presume that you grew up in an evangelical Christian household in order to see this connection. Instead, the author ties personal anecdote to American history and enriches the argument with data. This is not an opinion piece that fills a barn with straw men to make its point, nor does it chase its own tail through circular argument. What is laid bare here is as close to fact as you can hope for.
For those of us who have seen it, who are white and Christian in America, who recognize the shedding of Jesus’ teachings in order to protect whiteness, nothing in here will come as a surprise. The historical and theological context provide a helping hand in understanding what is happening before our eyes: party before politics, and politics before faith.
There is a lot here that was illuminating. The sections on Juneteenth and Columbus Day provided history I had never heard before. Similarly, the clear tie between white Christianity and America’s most shameful past, specifically slavery and the Trail of Tears, forces meditation on the philosophical quandary of professed salvation versus practiced domination.
There are people in my life, white Christians, who should read this book to gain perspective. Unfortunately, they likely won’t. Or, if they do, they will cast it aside as “woke,” or worse, say, “That’s not describing a true Christian.” Further, I worry this book may find a limited audience not only because of its subject matter, but because of its beautiful rhetoric. This is not a shot at any specific demographic, but with literacy rates declining, I wonder whether enough people can read at the level this text expects.
All in, I hope this finds an audience. It is a really well-done book, and I would have given it five stars if I felt it could find a more broad audience.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The work does not presume that you grew up in an evangelical Christian household in order to see this connection. Instead, the author ties personal anecdote to American history and enriches the argument with data. This is not an opinion piece that fills a barn with straw men to make its point, nor does it chase its own tail through circular argument. What is laid bare here is as close to fact as you can hope for.
For those of us who have seen it, who are white and Christian in America, who recognize the shedding of Jesus’ teachings in order to protect whiteness, nothing in here will come as a surprise. The historical and theological context provide a helping hand in understanding what is happening before our eyes: party before politics, and politics before faith.
There is a lot here that was illuminating. The sections on Juneteenth and Columbus Day provided history I had never heard before. Similarly, the clear tie between white Christianity and America’s most shameful past, specifically slavery and the Trail of Tears, forces meditation on the philosophical quandary of professed salvation versus practiced domination.
There are people in my life, white Christians, who should read this book to gain perspective. Unfortunately, they likely won’t. Or, if they do, they will cast it aside as “woke,” or worse, say, “That’s not describing a true Christian.” Further, I worry this book may find a limited audience not only because of its subject matter, but because of its beautiful rhetoric. This is not a shot at any specific demographic, but with literacy rates declining, I wonder whether enough people can read at the level this text expects.
All in, I hope this finds an audience. It is a really well-done book, and I would have given it five stars if I felt it could find a more broad audience.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
July 14, 2026
Needless to say I was thrilled when I was asked to read and review this book, My thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for this opportunity.
I was familiar with the author due to his involvement with Jemar Tisby., Diana Butler Bass and Kristen Du Mez on a podcast, which I highly recommend.
However having not read any of Mr Jones' books, I first read "White Too Long", which if you have not read, please do so.
I cannot say enough regarding either of his books that I have read.
Backslide is simply an amazing, enlightening as well as disturbing book, as he shines a light at the racist nature, against the Indigenous people as well as the African American population.
Once I started this book I could not put it down, as it appealed to me both as a History nerd as well as a Theology nerd. He draws attention to many events and issues that we (well, especially me) did not learn in my years in High School and College.
If you approach this book with a clear and open mind, I can assure you you will definitely learn quite a bit about this nation's history, both good and bad, as it will challenge what you have learned and what you have been told.
I highly encourage everyone to read this, but alas, those that can stand to benefit and learn from it, will.undoubtedly not do so.
I was familiar with the author due to his involvement with Jemar Tisby., Diana Butler Bass and Kristen Du Mez on a podcast, which I highly recommend.
However having not read any of Mr Jones' books, I first read "White Too Long", which if you have not read, please do so.
I cannot say enough regarding either of his books that I have read.
Backslide is simply an amazing, enlightening as well as disturbing book, as he shines a light at the racist nature, against the Indigenous people as well as the African American population.
Once I started this book I could not put it down, as it appealed to me both as a History nerd as well as a Theology nerd. He draws attention to many events and issues that we (well, especially me) did not learn in my years in High School and College.
If you approach this book with a clear and open mind, I can assure you you will definitely learn quite a bit about this nation's history, both good and bad, as it will challenge what you have learned and what you have been told.
I highly encourage everyone to read this, but alas, those that can stand to benefit and learn from it, will.undoubtedly not do so.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy is a book that made me angry, and I mean that as a compliment.
Robert P. Jones writes from an interesting position: he attended evangelical seminary and has since moved away from that expression of Christianity. Here, he offers a scathing critique of the MAGA movement, Christian nationalism, and the ways evangelical language and identity have been co-opted in service of political power. This is very much a call to action, and Jones is deeply concerned about America’s movement toward authoritarianism and what that could mean for the future of free and fair elections.
And, for the most part, I agree with him.
But here’s where I have to be intellectually honest: I have criticized Allie Beth Stuckey’s Toxic Empathy for presenting itself as a book about faith when I found it to be primarily a book about politics. Backslide does something similar. The difference is that these happen to be my politics.
That’s ultimately what kept this from being a five-star read for me.
For a book subtitled Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation, I wanted considerably more about reclaiming the faith. Jones speaks with authority and conviction about politics, and his seminary background gives him an intriguing perspective, but I wanted him to go deeper into Scripture. What does his faith look like today? How did leaving evangelicalism reshape his understanding of Christianity? What does he believe Christians are called toward, beyond resisting Christian nationalism and authoritarianism? How does his faith inform the way he believes we should care for God’s children?
I wanted more of that positive vision of Christianity—not simply what Christianity shouldn’t be.
One of the more provocative arguments in the book is Jones’s unwillingness to default to calls for “unity.” He makes a compelling case that unity isn’t necessarily virtuous when achieving it requires accommodating anti-democratic ideas. I found that refreshing, challenging, and occasionally uncomfortable.
He also puts the perceived dominance of MAGA politics into perspective by looking at the enormous number of Americans who don’t participate in elections at all. Roughly 36% of the voting-eligible population didn’t vote in the 2024 presidential election—a larger group than the share of eligible Americans who voted for either major-party candidate individually. That doesn’t make the current political moment less serious, but it does complicate the idea that any political movement represents an overwhelming mandate from the American people.
My other criticism is simply one of audience. Who is going to pick up this book?
Probably people like me.
If you already share Jones’s concerns about Christian nationalism, MAGA politics, and democratic backsliding, you’ll find a passionate and well-articulated argument here. If you strongly disagree with him, I can’t imagine this book changing your mind—mostly because I can’t imagine you’re going to pick it up in the first place. There is definitely an element of preaching to the choir.
So who would I recommend this to? People who enjoy going DEEP on a Facebook thread. 😂 People who want the long, well-written argument against the current direction of American democracy. People who aren’t looking for political neutrality or a gentle call for everyone to just get along.
This book wants you to be alarmed. It wants you to be angry. It wants you to do something.
Mission accomplished.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Thank you to the St. Martin’s Essentials Early Reader Program for sending me an early copy.
📚 Publication date: September 15, 2026
Robert P. Jones writes from an interesting position: he attended evangelical seminary and has since moved away from that expression of Christianity. Here, he offers a scathing critique of the MAGA movement, Christian nationalism, and the ways evangelical language and identity have been co-opted in service of political power. This is very much a call to action, and Jones is deeply concerned about America’s movement toward authoritarianism and what that could mean for the future of free and fair elections.
And, for the most part, I agree with him.
But here’s where I have to be intellectually honest: I have criticized Allie Beth Stuckey’s Toxic Empathy for presenting itself as a book about faith when I found it to be primarily a book about politics. Backslide does something similar. The difference is that these happen to be my politics.
That’s ultimately what kept this from being a five-star read for me.
For a book subtitled Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation, I wanted considerably more about reclaiming the faith. Jones speaks with authority and conviction about politics, and his seminary background gives him an intriguing perspective, but I wanted him to go deeper into Scripture. What does his faith look like today? How did leaving evangelicalism reshape his understanding of Christianity? What does he believe Christians are called toward, beyond resisting Christian nationalism and authoritarianism? How does his faith inform the way he believes we should care for God’s children?
I wanted more of that positive vision of Christianity—not simply what Christianity shouldn’t be.
One of the more provocative arguments in the book is Jones’s unwillingness to default to calls for “unity.” He makes a compelling case that unity isn’t necessarily virtuous when achieving it requires accommodating anti-democratic ideas. I found that refreshing, challenging, and occasionally uncomfortable.
He also puts the perceived dominance of MAGA politics into perspective by looking at the enormous number of Americans who don’t participate in elections at all. Roughly 36% of the voting-eligible population didn’t vote in the 2024 presidential election—a larger group than the share of eligible Americans who voted for either major-party candidate individually. That doesn’t make the current political moment less serious, but it does complicate the idea that any political movement represents an overwhelming mandate from the American people.
My other criticism is simply one of audience. Who is going to pick up this book?
Probably people like me.
If you already share Jones’s concerns about Christian nationalism, MAGA politics, and democratic backsliding, you’ll find a passionate and well-articulated argument here. If you strongly disagree with him, I can’t imagine this book changing your mind—mostly because I can’t imagine you’re going to pick it up in the first place. There is definitely an element of preaching to the choir.
So who would I recommend this to? People who enjoy going DEEP on a Facebook thread. 😂 People who want the long, well-written argument against the current direction of American democracy. People who aren’t looking for political neutrality or a gentle call for everyone to just get along.
This book wants you to be alarmed. It wants you to be angry. It wants you to do something.
Mission accomplished.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5
Thank you to the St. Martin’s Essentials Early Reader Program for sending me an early copy.
📚 Publication date: September 15, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Regret is an under appreciated moral sentiment.” As the first sentence in this excellent book, this grabs your attention. And as you soon learn, it can help rectify the mess religion has put us in today. Particularly powerful for me was the poem written by Martin Niemöller, a Lutheran pastor and early Nazi sympathizer who was later arrested and imprisoned for his opposition to Hitler. This poem, “First They Come for . . . .” Inscribed on the wall in the Hall if Witness at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in DC - and others around the world - is an appeal to “enlightened self interest” - at some point the fascists will come for you! And more arresting is MLK’s statement in 1963 in the Birmingham jail - “We will have to repent in this generation not only for the evil words and deeds of bad people, but for the appalling silence of good people.” WOW! Dietrich Bonhoeffer emerges later in the book to round out what it may look like to resist where we might be headed - Bonhoeffer was greatly influenced by his time with the Black church in America and this comes through in his resistance - and his establishment of the Confessing Church where it was important to call out the evils of the Hitler regime.
Deeply researched and historically centered, I so enjoyed the author delving into the past this to help me understand the “backsliding” - John Knox’s contribution to the OED in 1554 - of white evangelicals in the age of MAGA. “We are now living in a democratically backslidden nation, abetted by an apostate white Christianity.”
This is an earnest plea to defend our democracy. The “time-bound for mm of nostalgia” MAGA represents is a myth - but an emotional one because people want to believe they can return to those times they think were better for them. The watershed period of 1964-1965 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act begins that desire to return to the myth of white supremacy - and Nixon’s southern strategy moved these folks into the Republican Party. Hence why most of the MAGA are Republicans.
The MAGA administration is not preserving anything but is sliding us into fascism being supported by the white evangelical Republicans who has have backslidden into channeling a religion that is antithetical to Christ’s message found in the core foundation of Christianity: the Sermon on the Mount. The author is calling for an examination and return to the core values of our country and Christianity. In explaining his position the author entitled each of his chapters in spiritual terms: intention, examination, formation, transformation and redemption. He concludes with “bearing responsibility” - that “struggle and resistance are necessary for the preservation of a good society and a faithful church,” calling out the simplicity of James Baldwin: “I know we can be better than we are.”
This was a powerful, well written and researched book - one of the reasons for my five stars. It’s heartfelt and simple passion for truth and accuracy in religion and society resonated with me and hopefully others who read it is another reason for my rating. Finally reading the words of men like Bonhoeffer who stood up for truth was so inspiring and gave me hope in these times of hopelessness- another reason for my rating.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for granting me access to this powerful ARC.
Deeply researched and historically centered, I so enjoyed the author delving into the past this to help me understand the “backsliding” - John Knox’s contribution to the OED in 1554 - of white evangelicals in the age of MAGA. “We are now living in a democratically backslidden nation, abetted by an apostate white Christianity.”
This is an earnest plea to defend our democracy. The “time-bound for mm of nostalgia” MAGA represents is a myth - but an emotional one because people want to believe they can return to those times they think were better for them. The watershed period of 1964-1965 with the passage of the Civil Rights Act begins that desire to return to the myth of white supremacy - and Nixon’s southern strategy moved these folks into the Republican Party. Hence why most of the MAGA are Republicans.
The MAGA administration is not preserving anything but is sliding us into fascism being supported by the white evangelical Republicans who has have backslidden into channeling a religion that is antithetical to Christ’s message found in the core foundation of Christianity: the Sermon on the Mount. The author is calling for an examination and return to the core values of our country and Christianity. In explaining his position the author entitled each of his chapters in spiritual terms: intention, examination, formation, transformation and redemption. He concludes with “bearing responsibility” - that “struggle and resistance are necessary for the preservation of a good society and a faithful church,” calling out the simplicity of James Baldwin: “I know we can be better than we are.”
This was a powerful, well written and researched book - one of the reasons for my five stars. It’s heartfelt and simple passion for truth and accuracy in religion and society resonated with me and hopefully others who read it is another reason for my rating. Finally reading the words of men like Bonhoeffer who stood up for truth was so inspiring and gave me hope in these times of hopelessness- another reason for my rating.
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Essentials for granting me access to this powerful ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Every now and again one comes across a work that stops you in your tracks. Robert P. Jones, does that with Backslide. I read his earlier book White Too Long, and was impressed with his analysis of the growing racism in the USA today and the role that White Christianity plays into it. In backslide, he takes that analysis to a whole new level.
Jones, who is a few years younger than me, grew up with many of the same experiences. Even though I was in a more “progressive environment” I was surprised at the ways we have systematically built racism into our culture. Through the games we played as kids, to the comic books and TV shows, white (male) culture was demonstrated to be dominant and best. We have strayed far from the ideal of Jesus who calls us all family.
The section of Columbus and Juneteenth was, to say the least, enlightening. I had no idea of where the ideas came from and how they developed in our culture. The idea of bridging July 4 with the Juneteenth celebration is a necessary, but unfortunately naive idea. And his conclusion, celebrating division in a positive way, needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
As I read, I thought of numerous friends who really need to read this, but the sad reality is, even if they did, they would not hear the message. I appreciate what Jones is attempting to do, but I am pessimistic that the white (male) evangelical community will ever hear or embrace his message.
I highly recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me an ARC for my unbiased opinion.
Jones, who is a few years younger than me, grew up with many of the same experiences. Even though I was in a more “progressive environment” I was surprised at the ways we have systematically built racism into our culture. Through the games we played as kids, to the comic books and TV shows, white (male) culture was demonstrated to be dominant and best. We have strayed far from the ideal of Jesus who calls us all family.
The section of Columbus and Juneteenth was, to say the least, enlightening. I had no idea of where the ideas came from and how they developed in our culture. The idea of bridging July 4 with the Juneteenth celebration is a necessary, but unfortunately naive idea. And his conclusion, celebrating division in a positive way, needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
As I read, I thought of numerous friends who really need to read this, but the sad reality is, even if they did, they would not hear the message. I appreciate what Jones is attempting to do, but I am pessimistic that the white (male) evangelical community will ever hear or embrace his message.
I highly recommend this book! Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me an ARC for my unbiased opinion.
September 28, 2026
I'm not sure how to review this book, but I know that its contents are important for those who currently exist in the world of evangelical Christianity to understand and act upon. Here are a couple of things that stuck out for me:
I enjoyed reading the author's story of growing up in the SBC to his gradual and eventual awakening to what was passing as a devoted Christian life was not lining up with the Rabi of whom he (and may others) called himself a disciple.
It is important to read about historical precedent and realize that, through the research presented and evidence of how this administration is treating fellow humans, comparing present fascist behaviours to the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s is not rhetorical, nor is it a straw man argument.
I resonate deeply with the difficulty with the call to action that asks us to warn family and friends, and maybe even say goodbye to the relationships as they have been. Many of us (or our spouses) grew up in the type of space and environment described by the author. We benefitted greatly from the privilege that came along with it. Many of our families were stable, and in good standing in the church and wider community. And as I write this paragraph, I'm left with a vision of the rich young ruler being told to sell his possessions, give away his wealth and follow Jesus. Is this privilege and good standing in families of origin, churches and communities what we are called to give up at this moment in order to follow Jesus in a way he would find befitting his beloved disciples? Will those who do so become as the Confessing Church became in Nazi Germany? I don't have the answers, but I expect to be wrestling with these questions for a minute. Many thanks to the author for raising the important questions for this age.
I enjoyed reading the author's story of growing up in the SBC to his gradual and eventual awakening to what was passing as a devoted Christian life was not lining up with the Rabi of whom he (and may others) called himself a disciple.
It is important to read about historical precedent and realize that, through the research presented and evidence of how this administration is treating fellow humans, comparing present fascist behaviours to the Nazis in the 1930s and 1940s is not rhetorical, nor is it a straw man argument.
I resonate deeply with the difficulty with the call to action that asks us to warn family and friends, and maybe even say goodbye to the relationships as they have been. Many of us (or our spouses) grew up in the type of space and environment described by the author. We benefitted greatly from the privilege that came along with it. Many of our families were stable, and in good standing in the church and wider community. And as I write this paragraph, I'm left with a vision of the rich young ruler being told to sell his possessions, give away his wealth and follow Jesus. Is this privilege and good standing in families of origin, churches and communities what we are called to give up at this moment in order to follow Jesus in a way he would find befitting his beloved disciples? Will those who do so become as the Confessing Church became in Nazi Germany? I don't have the answers, but I expect to be wrestling with these questions for a minute. Many thanks to the author for raising the important questions for this age.
September 22, 2026
Using historical facts, quantitative statistics from numerous PRRI surveys, and pieces of his own personal story, Jones reveals the pathway that had brought us to this time in our country. Most Christians are familiar with the terms ‘backslide’ and ‘apostasy’ - words that carry a heavy and dreaded ending. The bulk of this book exposes the slippery slide into what must be acknowledged. We have turned against democracy and our faith has been hijacked. However, Robert does not leave us in despair but presents a path forward to reclaim both. And challenges us to bear responsibility, be courageous, and live out the foundational principals of our faith.
September 12, 2026
Key takeaways for me that help me understand what happened to my country:
pp. 55-6 "Gone is even the pretense of thinking of themselves as, or trying to convince others that they are, supporters of a pluralistic democracy....Today, Trump's white Christian MAGA followers have profoundly embraced a postdemocratic America, marked by the exercise of raw, authoritarian power on behalf of the chosen few over the unchosen many..."
And this explains a lot: p153. - " Faced with a conflict between theology and morality, white evangelicals have asserted that the safest response is to sacrifice morality..."
pp. 227-8 - "If we care about democracy...we cannot pretend that the two political parties are continuing to play the same game, merely operating from liberal and conservative sides of the court...If the contemporary Republican party has embraced illiberalism and fascism, as it clearly has, it is not partisan to say so. If it is toppling the pillars of democracy before our eyes, it is not partisan to resist it. It is patriotic."
pp. 55-6 "Gone is even the pretense of thinking of themselves as, or trying to convince others that they are, supporters of a pluralistic democracy....Today, Trump's white Christian MAGA followers have profoundly embraced a postdemocratic America, marked by the exercise of raw, authoritarian power on behalf of the chosen few over the unchosen many..."
And this explains a lot: p153. - " Faced with a conflict between theology and morality, white evangelicals have asserted that the safest response is to sacrifice morality..."
pp. 227-8 - "If we care about democracy...we cannot pretend that the two political parties are continuing to play the same game, merely operating from liberal and conservative sides of the court...If the contemporary Republican party has embraced illiberalism and fascism, as it clearly has, it is not partisan to say so. If it is toppling the pillars of democracy before our eyes, it is not partisan to resist it. It is patriotic."
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A historical deep dive into the corruption of the church and how it has been utilized to either promote fascist ideologies or to encourage complacency.
As an atheist/agnostic, I am all too aware of not only the hypocrisy but also the corruption that is very abundant in the church. I am also aware of the many good Christians I personally know, and how they have very progressive beliefs about being truly accepting and loving of ALL people.
That is why I strongly suggested any and all people, no matter your religious affiliations or lack thereof, read this book.
It brings to light the true descent of the church throughout history, and connects it right back to the authoritarianism Trump is attempting to establish. The connections between the church and Trump, closely mirror the connections between the church and Hitler. Whether they are supportive, or they are silent, the similarities are staggering.
The historical data, the multitude of studies, and the personal insight of the author paint the terrifying picture of a country on the brink. But there is also hope in how we can encourage change, and take back the true meaning of being a "Christian American" in our polytheistic country.
Thank you #MacmillanAudio for providing this audiobook of #Backslide for review consideration via #NetGalley. Thank you Holter Graham for doing such an incredible job on the Narration! All opinions are my own! All opinions are my own!
As an atheist/agnostic, I am all too aware of not only the hypocrisy but also the corruption that is very abundant in the church. I am also aware of the many good Christians I personally know, and how they have very progressive beliefs about being truly accepting and loving of ALL people.
That is why I strongly suggested any and all people, no matter your religious affiliations or lack thereof, read this book.
It brings to light the true descent of the church throughout history, and connects it right back to the authoritarianism Trump is attempting to establish. The connections between the church and Trump, closely mirror the connections between the church and Hitler. Whether they are supportive, or they are silent, the similarities are staggering.
The historical data, the multitude of studies, and the personal insight of the author paint the terrifying picture of a country on the brink. But there is also hope in how we can encourage change, and take back the true meaning of being a "Christian American" in our polytheistic country.
Thank you #MacmillanAudio for providing this audiobook of #Backslide for review consideration via #NetGalley. Thank you Holter Graham for doing such an incredible job on the Narration! All opinions are my own! All opinions are my own!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Summary: Grappling with the ways that Christians in the US are embracing authoritarianism and complicit in rejecting democracy.
I have read Robert Jones' previous books. There is a clear progressions. He was the head of a polling company when he wrote The End of White Christian America. That book is mostly about the demographic trends in the US. His next book was White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity. That one was still primarily using polling and demographics but drew on more history to contextualize how a belief in white racial superiority was a long term trend in the US that was explicitly tied to some forms of Christian theology. His third book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: And the Path to a Shared American Future, leaned even more into history and more than the previous two books paid attention to how Native American mistreatment and not just anti-black racism was an important reality that needs to be paid attention to.
This fourth book again slightly shifts the focus while still remaining part of the larger trend, this time focusing on how there is a movement against democracy and toward authoritarian control. I think the initial opening of the book that discusses Martin Niemöller the German pastor most well known for his poem, First They Came For. Jones specifcally talks about the different between Niemöller and Bonhoeffer because often Bonhoeffer is pointed to as a hero while Niemöller is not. Jones thinks most of us are more like Niemöller than we are comfortable with. Niemöller initially supported the Nazi party, but then changed his mind and worked against the Nazis. Niemöller lived through WWII, spending six years in a concentration camp. And then in the years after he dedicated his life toward ecumenical work that was focused on peace and Holocaust remembrance. I think that point, which comes back to the fore several times is largely right.
One of the problems of talking about these trends with people who are reluctant to pay attention is that the sources matter. For instance in a section where Jones is talking about President Trump talking about his admiration of Hitler, he cites Generals Kelly and Milley , the president's Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff during the first administration. And he cites General Mattis, Secretary of Defense under Trump, as saying that Trump is a direct threat to democracy. These are not liberals or democrats, but people who served directly under Trump as political appointees of Trump.
Jones does retread some ground from previous books in laying the groundwork for his argument. For instance, his polling and social science research reported in White Too Long suggests that White Christians are more likely than White non-Christians to support xenophobic, anti immigrant and anti-Black policies or attitudes like great replacement theory. But if you have read those previous books I think that Jones does a good job of not rehashing other books, but only giving enough context that those who have not read them can follow the argument while those who have read his previous books will not feel like it is unnecessary repetition.
One of the strengths of Jones writing is that this is not just theoretical discussion, a large part of what he is trying to do is model how repentance and recognition of history matters. He discusses a family bible that has been passed down to him four generations. And whose original owners owned multiple slaves, which represented approximately 75 percent of the value of his estate when he died. He doesn't leave that discussion to just personal and individual understanding (although personal and individual are important). He also ties that discussion to the founding of the Southern Baptist denomination (his denomination of origin) and how he did not know of the origins of the SBC until he was in college. While this is in the book, this isn't just theory. The current president of the SBC tweeted a picture of himself recently holding the original founding documents of the SBC. That prompted some controversy because a prominent Black Southern Baptist pastor called it a "Blood Document" and then "The Center for Baptist Leadership" led by William Wolfe, someone that openly advocates for Christian Nationalism, suggested that those who don't support the reasons for the original founding should leave the denomination. And others who commented underneath openly supported white supremacy and the created good of slavery. That may be an extreme case, but it does show that even when some suggest that Jones is making too strong of an argument, you can find examples of people who will prove his point if not make that point even more strongly.
There was not a lot here that I thought was truly new to me. I am familiar with the history. I knew quite a bit about Juneteenth and Columbus day and I have done similar work to understand my family of origin's relationship to slavery and stealing Native American land. I think this is important work that needs to be highlighted and worked through. I think Jones is a good author and has the background to be a good author.
But on the negative side, I think that this is a book that is largely going to be preaching to the choir. There is a role for that, but it isn't going to be changing a lot of minds, but rather informing people who largely agree with him already. I finished this book in about three days. I was engaged. I thought the book was well worth reading. (I listened to an advanced copy of the audiobook from Netgalley). And I will keep picking up Robert Jones' books because they keep being worth reading.
Originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/backslide/
I have read Robert Jones' previous books. There is a clear progressions. He was the head of a polling company when he wrote The End of White Christian America. That book is mostly about the demographic trends in the US. His next book was White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity. That one was still primarily using polling and demographics but drew on more history to contextualize how a belief in white racial superiority was a long term trend in the US that was explicitly tied to some forms of Christian theology. His third book, The Hidden Roots of White Supremacy: And the Path to a Shared American Future, leaned even more into history and more than the previous two books paid attention to how Native American mistreatment and not just anti-black racism was an important reality that needs to be paid attention to.
This fourth book again slightly shifts the focus while still remaining part of the larger trend, this time focusing on how there is a movement against democracy and toward authoritarian control. I think the initial opening of the book that discusses Martin Niemöller the German pastor most well known for his poem, First They Came For. Jones specifcally talks about the different between Niemöller and Bonhoeffer because often Bonhoeffer is pointed to as a hero while Niemöller is not. Jones thinks most of us are more like Niemöller than we are comfortable with. Niemöller initially supported the Nazi party, but then changed his mind and worked against the Nazis. Niemöller lived through WWII, spending six years in a concentration camp. And then in the years after he dedicated his life toward ecumenical work that was focused on peace and Holocaust remembrance. I think that point, which comes back to the fore several times is largely right.
One of the problems of talking about these trends with people who are reluctant to pay attention is that the sources matter. For instance in a section where Jones is talking about President Trump talking about his admiration of Hitler, he cites Generals Kelly and Milley , the president's Chief of Staff and Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff during the first administration. And he cites General Mattis, Secretary of Defense under Trump, as saying that Trump is a direct threat to democracy. These are not liberals or democrats, but people who served directly under Trump as political appointees of Trump.
Jones does retread some ground from previous books in laying the groundwork for his argument. For instance, his polling and social science research reported in White Too Long suggests that White Christians are more likely than White non-Christians to support xenophobic, anti immigrant and anti-Black policies or attitudes like great replacement theory. But if you have read those previous books I think that Jones does a good job of not rehashing other books, but only giving enough context that those who have not read them can follow the argument while those who have read his previous books will not feel like it is unnecessary repetition.
One of the strengths of Jones writing is that this is not just theoretical discussion, a large part of what he is trying to do is model how repentance and recognition of history matters. He discusses a family bible that has been passed down to him four generations. And whose original owners owned multiple slaves, which represented approximately 75 percent of the value of his estate when he died. He doesn't leave that discussion to just personal and individual understanding (although personal and individual are important). He also ties that discussion to the founding of the Southern Baptist denomination (his denomination of origin) and how he did not know of the origins of the SBC until he was in college. While this is in the book, this isn't just theory. The current president of the SBC tweeted a picture of himself recently holding the original founding documents of the SBC. That prompted some controversy because a prominent Black Southern Baptist pastor called it a "Blood Document" and then "The Center for Baptist Leadership" led by William Wolfe, someone that openly advocates for Christian Nationalism, suggested that those who don't support the reasons for the original founding should leave the denomination. And others who commented underneath openly supported white supremacy and the created good of slavery. That may be an extreme case, but it does show that even when some suggest that Jones is making too strong of an argument, you can find examples of people who will prove his point if not make that point even more strongly.
There was not a lot here that I thought was truly new to me. I am familiar with the history. I knew quite a bit about Juneteenth and Columbus day and I have done similar work to understand my family of origin's relationship to slavery and stealing Native American land. I think this is important work that needs to be highlighted and worked through. I think Jones is a good author and has the background to be a good author.
But on the negative side, I think that this is a book that is largely going to be preaching to the choir. There is a role for that, but it isn't going to be changing a lot of minds, but rather informing people who largely agree with him already. I finished this book in about three days. I was engaged. I thought the book was well worth reading. (I listened to an advanced copy of the audiobook from Netgalley). And I will keep picking up Robert Jones' books because they keep being worth reading.
Originally posted on my blog at https://bookwi.se/backslide/
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The audience for the book (as for his previous books) is primarily Christians who are concerned about the authoritarian direction that white American Christians are taking the U.S.
Robert P. Jones (President and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute) opens "Backslide" with a story told by Martin Niemöller (1892-1984), the German pastor who famously wrote the poem that begins "First they came for the Socialists, and I didn't not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist." Niemöller remained free because he did not fully oppose the Nazis until they tried to control the Lutheran church, at which point he was arrested on July 1, 1937 and spent the rest of WWII in concentration camps.
Niemöller told of standing in front of a sign at a Dachau crematorium that read "Here in the years 1933-1945 238,756 people were cremated." Niemöller said that his wife was horrified and fainted, and he was equally horrified but for a different reason. She fainted when she read the quarter million number. Niemöller, on the other hand, was distraught by the years 1933-1945.
Niemöller reflects that from July 1, 1937 through 1945 he had an "alibi," that is, he was incarcerated. But from 1933-1937, while their atrocities mounted, he did not fully oppose the Nazis. He described going home that day and thinking "As a Christian I could have known and should have known in 1933 that in each of these human brothers -- may they be called Communists or whatever -- God in Jesus Christ was asking me whether I wouldn't want to serve him."
Jones's point is that white American Christians find themselves in a situation much like Niemöller in 1933, where their fellow religionists are actively dismantling democratic institutions. And like Niemöller they must chose how to respond.
The title "Backslide" refers both to the the Christian use of the term, to slip away from the truth and slide into apostasy, and the use of the term in political science to describe how a democracy slips into authoritarianism. These terms "backslide" and "apostasy" "help describe the indefensible willingness of white Christians to shed their core values like inconvenient loads along the road to supporting Donald Trump. ... These powerful terms also help us describe the perils of our current moment succinctly: We are now living in a democratically backslidden nation, abetted by an apostate white Christianity."
This is easily Jones's most personal book, as he is clearly deeply pained by the actions of his fellow white American Christians, particularly the Southern Baptist tradition he grew up in. He uses stories from his own background and upbringing to drive home the points he discusses. He describes his own family Bible, printed in 1815 and passed down through generations, and learning that some of those family members owned slaves. Just as his Southern Baptist church split from the Northern Baptists in the 19th century because of slavery, his own family cherished this heirloom Bible and at the same time owned other people.
As the President and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute he draws on polling data indicating the dire situation white American Christianity is in. White evangelicals, who are Trump's most active supporters, consistently hold quite favorable views of Trump and his most openly racist, cruel, and violent policies. Those who go to church more frequently are even more supportive. Jones delves deep into the polling numbers describing the deep racism of white American Christians, but in summary "if you were a white supremacist looking for recruits on a Sunday morning, you'd likely have more success handing out leaflets in the parking lot of an average white Christian church than approaching non-church-attending whites at the local coffee shop." As a pollster he describes the near impossibility of constructing a question with a Trump policy that is too brutal for white American Christians to support.
Jones examines the cultural and social threads that have led white Christians to the place we are at, including how white Christians have thought of the Bible as a source of respectability and personal piety, how native Americans have been treated in white culture, and the current evangelical "War on Empathy."
Jones's voice is prophetic and urgent, but his tone is not nagging. He is deeply concerned by the situation white Christians have put ourselves in, and his hope is to encourage reflection and repentance, that we might repent before it is too late. His writing is compelling, even spell-binding.
His tone is even, at times, hopeful. A highlight of the book is the Baldwin chapter, where Jones describes encountering James Baldwin's writings and how Baldwin became a guiding light for his reflections. Jones dedicates the book to his children as it is their future that is foremost in his mind and out of hope that their generation might turn the country away from the path white Christians have led it down.
"If we have any hope of finding our way, we must start by being explicit about the dangers of our current moment. We have no alibis. This is our 1933."
Highest recommendation.
Robert P. Jones (President and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute) opens "Backslide" with a story told by Martin Niemöller (1892-1984), the German pastor who famously wrote the poem that begins "First they came for the Socialists, and I didn't not speak out-- Because I was not a Socialist." Niemöller remained free because he did not fully oppose the Nazis until they tried to control the Lutheran church, at which point he was arrested on July 1, 1937 and spent the rest of WWII in concentration camps.
Niemöller told of standing in front of a sign at a Dachau crematorium that read "Here in the years 1933-1945 238,756 people were cremated." Niemöller said that his wife was horrified and fainted, and he was equally horrified but for a different reason. She fainted when she read the quarter million number. Niemöller, on the other hand, was distraught by the years 1933-1945.
Niemöller reflects that from July 1, 1937 through 1945 he had an "alibi," that is, he was incarcerated. But from 1933-1937, while their atrocities mounted, he did not fully oppose the Nazis. He described going home that day and thinking "As a Christian I could have known and should have known in 1933 that in each of these human brothers -- may they be called Communists or whatever -- God in Jesus Christ was asking me whether I wouldn't want to serve him."
Jones's point is that white American Christians find themselves in a situation much like Niemöller in 1933, where their fellow religionists are actively dismantling democratic institutions. And like Niemöller they must chose how to respond.
The title "Backslide" refers both to the the Christian use of the term, to slip away from the truth and slide into apostasy, and the use of the term in political science to describe how a democracy slips into authoritarianism. These terms "backslide" and "apostasy" "help describe the indefensible willingness of white Christians to shed their core values like inconvenient loads along the road to supporting Donald Trump. ... These powerful terms also help us describe the perils of our current moment succinctly: We are now living in a democratically backslidden nation, abetted by an apostate white Christianity."
This is easily Jones's most personal book, as he is clearly deeply pained by the actions of his fellow white American Christians, particularly the Southern Baptist tradition he grew up in. He uses stories from his own background and upbringing to drive home the points he discusses. He describes his own family Bible, printed in 1815 and passed down through generations, and learning that some of those family members owned slaves. Just as his Southern Baptist church split from the Northern Baptists in the 19th century because of slavery, his own family cherished this heirloom Bible and at the same time owned other people.
As the President and founder of the Public Religion Research Institute he draws on polling data indicating the dire situation white American Christianity is in. White evangelicals, who are Trump's most active supporters, consistently hold quite favorable views of Trump and his most openly racist, cruel, and violent policies. Those who go to church more frequently are even more supportive. Jones delves deep into the polling numbers describing the deep racism of white American Christians, but in summary "if you were a white supremacist looking for recruits on a Sunday morning, you'd likely have more success handing out leaflets in the parking lot of an average white Christian church than approaching non-church-attending whites at the local coffee shop." As a pollster he describes the near impossibility of constructing a question with a Trump policy that is too brutal for white American Christians to support.
Jones examines the cultural and social threads that have led white Christians to the place we are at, including how white Christians have thought of the Bible as a source of respectability and personal piety, how native Americans have been treated in white culture, and the current evangelical "War on Empathy."
Jones's voice is prophetic and urgent, but his tone is not nagging. He is deeply concerned by the situation white Christians have put ourselves in, and his hope is to encourage reflection and repentance, that we might repent before it is too late. His writing is compelling, even spell-binding.
His tone is even, at times, hopeful. A highlight of the book is the Baldwin chapter, where Jones describes encountering James Baldwin's writings and how Baldwin became a guiding light for his reflections. Jones dedicates the book to his children as it is their future that is foremost in his mind and out of hope that their generation might turn the country away from the path white Christians have led it down.
"If we have any hope of finding our way, we must start by being explicit about the dangers of our current moment. We have no alibis. This is our 1933."
Highest recommendation.
September 26, 2026
This is a fantastic and moving book, like all Robby's others. Jones challenges white American Christians to face the facts that we've done a "backslide" into functional apostasy, preserving cultural comfort rather then embodying the principles laid out in the Gospels.
"Backslide" calls us to reckon to this trajectory we've followed since the first European colonists landed on the continent. From "manifest destiny", the mistreatment of Native Americans, and chattel slavery through to the present tragic persecution of immigrants this has always been a part of who we are. Jones punctuates this challenge with anecdotes from his own youth in Mississippi, in Southern Baptist churches, and an explanation of how he came to see things differently. Excursuses on Juneteenth and Columbus Day add depth to the overall narrative.
The book end with a rousing epilogue, channeling Dietrich Bonhoeffer and calling on white Christians to consider their state and reverse the backslide. Overall a fantastic read, and perhaps even better enjoyed in audiobook format, where Jones's rhetoric leaps on the page. Highly recommended!
"Backslide" calls us to reckon to this trajectory we've followed since the first European colonists landed on the continent. From "manifest destiny", the mistreatment of Native Americans, and chattel slavery through to the present tragic persecution of immigrants this has always been a part of who we are. Jones punctuates this challenge with anecdotes from his own youth in Mississippi, in Southern Baptist churches, and an explanation of how he came to see things differently. Excursuses on Juneteenth and Columbus Day add depth to the overall narrative.
The book end with a rousing epilogue, channeling Dietrich Bonhoeffer and calling on white Christians to consider their state and reverse the backslide. Overall a fantastic read, and perhaps even better enjoyed in audiobook format, where Jones's rhetoric leaps on the page. Highly recommended!
September 25, 2026
I read this book because I thought it would help me understand why white Christian evangelicals supported an immoral man for president. Jones helped me see that the issue goes much deeper. He reviews history and shows how white Christians have failed to oppose injustice in the past, such as in slavery and treatment of indigenous Americans.
This book is quite informative. Jones explains historical events that help understand the current state of white Christianity. He has added some of his own experiences in Christianity, like finding the note in the old family Bible that listed slaves owned by his ancestors.
He hopes this book will help Christians who are waking up to how their faith and politics need redemption. It is a hard hitting book and is good for those wanting to understand the current relationship of white evangelical Christians and politics.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
This book is quite informative. Jones explains historical events that help understand the current state of white Christianity. He has added some of his own experiences in Christianity, like finding the note in the old family Bible that listed slaves owned by his ancestors.
He hopes this book will help Christians who are waking up to how their faith and politics need redemption. It is a hard hitting book and is good for those wanting to understand the current relationship of white evangelical Christians and politics.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.
September 15, 2026
I must somehow communicate the importance of this optimally researched book! If ever you have ever racked your brain to understand how this administration rose to power with the help of the Christian right, this is an absolute must-read. @robertpjonesdc , a theologian and social scientist with endless credentials, has crafted a timely and effective depiction of the chaos we're experiencing, shedding light on how it has intensified. The writing is so accessible and the data is absolutely fascinating. I especially appreciate the clever double meaning of the title, *Backslide*, which captures the regression in both moral standards and democratic ideals.
I wholeheartedly encourage everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, to pick up this book to fully grasp the current state of our nation. It lays out the ways in which our democracy is faltering and the historical and cultural context that brought us here.
As I read, I found myself nodding along to so much of what Mr. Jones shares. We are living in a pivotal moment where the choices we make now could either lead to serious consequences or guide us back to a righteous path. Don't miss out on this eye-opening book!
Many thanks to partners, @stmartinspress and @netgalley for sharing this critical review e-copy!
To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread .
I wholeheartedly encourage everyone, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, to pick up this book to fully grasp the current state of our nation. It lays out the ways in which our democracy is faltering and the historical and cultural context that brought us here.
As I read, I found myself nodding along to so much of what Mr. Jones shares. We are living in a pivotal moment where the choices we make now could either lead to serious consequences or guide us back to a righteous path. Don't miss out on this eye-opening book!
Many thanks to partners, @stmartinspress and @netgalley for sharing this critical review e-copy!
To read more of my reviews, please check out my blog at www.mamasgottaread.blogspot.com or follow me on Instagram at www.instagram.com/mamasgottaread .
September 15, 2026
Backslide is a sobering—and at times genuinely scary—exploration of the history of American Christianity and the ways it has become intertwined with American politics and our pluralistic democracy.
Robert P. Jones does not play when it comes to making his case. More than 30% of the book is citations and references supporting the history, data, and facts he presents. And I learned so much. From the origins of Columbus Day to the addition of “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance, Jones traces threads through American history that I either didn’t know at all or had never fully connected.
This isn’t an easy or particularly hopeful read, although it is a relatively short one. At times, I found it deeply sobering and disheartening. But it’s also an incredibly useful resource—especially for anyone who wants to “bring receipts” to conversations about Christianity, Christian nationalism, politics, and American history.
What kept the book from feeling entirely bleak for me was Jones’s call to a remnant: Christians willing to remember the actual call of Christ and resist the forces pulling American Christianity away from it.
Challenging, meticulously documented, and worth some real reflection.
Robert P. Jones does not play when it comes to making his case. More than 30% of the book is citations and references supporting the history, data, and facts he presents. And I learned so much. From the origins of Columbus Day to the addition of “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance, Jones traces threads through American history that I either didn’t know at all or had never fully connected.
This isn’t an easy or particularly hopeful read, although it is a relatively short one. At times, I found it deeply sobering and disheartening. But it’s also an incredibly useful resource—especially for anyone who wants to “bring receipts” to conversations about Christianity, Christian nationalism, politics, and American history.
What kept the book from feeling entirely bleak for me was Jones’s call to a remnant: Christians willing to remember the actual call of Christ and resist the forces pulling American Christianity away from it.
Challenging, meticulously documented, and worth some real reflection.
September 19, 2026
This is an important read for American Christians. This is a good history, sociology, call to action book full of history facts that I had not known before and interesting personal stories. Robert P. Jones is a sociologist with the Public Religion Research Institute.
September 19, 2026
Heartbreaking and sobering. I grew up in white evangelical Christianity. Will it ever seriously attempt to live out what it claims to believe?
September 8, 2026
Robert P. Jones has written a very accessible and timely book. I grew up Methodist in a conservative family. For my parents, church was more of a status symbol and a place to network than for the scripture. But over the last 15 years with Trump and the use of religion, they have become so indoctrinated with all the fear mongering and Christian nationalism that I don’t even recognize them. This book helped to explain how this has come about basing his argument on the past evangelicals and today’s evangelicals. This is a disturbing book to understand how democracy doesn’t fit in with Christian nationalism. As we “backslide” to what some people think of as the best of times, we will be sliding right into fascism. A good read for anyone no matter religion or no religion. Religion should not have a part in our government.
What a powerful book to read and listen to. The audiobook was fantastic with Holter Grahm as the narrator. His speech was clear and engaging.
Thank you, St. Matin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Robert P. Jones for providing the e-ARC and ALC via NetGalley for review.
What a powerful book to read and listen to. The audiobook was fantastic with Holter Grahm as the narrator. His speech was clear and engaging.
Thank you, St. Matin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Robert P. Jones for providing the e-ARC and ALC via NetGalley for review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Robert P. Jones issues an impassioned plea for white Christians (like himself) to become more aware of the dangers of this political moment in U.S. history and to become involved, in the name of Christianity — as a direct rebuke to those who have, for all of U.S. history — proclaimed and lived white Christian nationalism. He starts with his own mea culpa - growing up a Southern Baptist, he was taught that those who “believe in the Bible” are good people. He was encouraged to win souls for Christ…white souls in his neighborhood…because others would not have been welcome in his church. (It’s ok to save people of color in other countries…). He realizes that his own family includes both a family Bible, lovingly passed down for generations, as well as a document stating that his ancestors were slave-holders.
“…our Southern Baptist worldview assured us that the Bible had nothing to say about the white supremacy and racial injustices that surrounded us…the open KKK demonstrations…” and all of the other vestiges of racism he grew up with.
“White Christians who read the Bible frequently are more likely than those who read the Bible less frequently to support Donald Trump…we still hear appeals to the alleged ability of the Bible to transform lives and the country always for the better…”
Jones debunks the assertion that the Bible has been a force for good, quoting Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, Howard Thurman and others.
The narrative of good white innocent Christians has been woven into the story of this country. One example is the Christian Doctrine of Discovery which tries to justify and whitewash the treatment of Native Americans.
“Trump is the collective projection of white Christian fear and ambition…his promise to white Christian Americans that we can continue to forget who we have been…Trump allows white Christians not to remember.”
A quote from Custer Died for Your Sins: “I strongly doubt that American Christianity has the foresight or flexibility to embark on new paths of action. It has always been torn between being good and being real and generally chosen to be good.”
What have we learned from slavery? From the holocaust? “For those of us who are white Christian Americans, is our shameful record of being on the wrong side of history, time and again, not reason enough to question our ability to grasp what is right and good and true, what is biblical, and what is the way of Jesus?”
Jones takes on the attack on empathy, the story of Columbus Day and Juneteenth.
“Our distaste for struggle, and even confrontation, has distorted our moral vision.” He claims that it would be healthy for our democracy for us to publicly acknowledge the “rupture caused by the rise of an authoritarian movement justified by a white Christian theology of dominion.”
We need to give up our “theologies of the status quo” and remember that the cardinal virtue of Christianity is not propriety but love.
He calls us to remember Bonhoeffer and Niemoeller and the faithful remnant of the confessing church.
A valuable, important and timely contribution to the literature on white Christian nationalism.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
“…our Southern Baptist worldview assured us that the Bible had nothing to say about the white supremacy and racial injustices that surrounded us…the open KKK demonstrations…” and all of the other vestiges of racism he grew up with.
“White Christians who read the Bible frequently are more likely than those who read the Bible less frequently to support Donald Trump…we still hear appeals to the alleged ability of the Bible to transform lives and the country always for the better…”
Jones debunks the assertion that the Bible has been a force for good, quoting Frederick Douglass, James Baldwin, Howard Thurman and others.
The narrative of good white innocent Christians has been woven into the story of this country. One example is the Christian Doctrine of Discovery which tries to justify and whitewash the treatment of Native Americans.
“Trump is the collective projection of white Christian fear and ambition…his promise to white Christian Americans that we can continue to forget who we have been…Trump allows white Christians not to remember.”
A quote from Custer Died for Your Sins: “I strongly doubt that American Christianity has the foresight or flexibility to embark on new paths of action. It has always been torn between being good and being real and generally chosen to be good.”
What have we learned from slavery? From the holocaust? “For those of us who are white Christian Americans, is our shameful record of being on the wrong side of history, time and again, not reason enough to question our ability to grasp what is right and good and true, what is biblical, and what is the way of Jesus?”
Jones takes on the attack on empathy, the story of Columbus Day and Juneteenth.
“Our distaste for struggle, and even confrontation, has distorted our moral vision.” He claims that it would be healthy for our democracy for us to publicly acknowledge the “rupture caused by the rise of an authoritarian movement justified by a white Christian theology of dominion.”
We need to give up our “theologies of the status quo” and remember that the cardinal virtue of Christianity is not propriety but love.
He calls us to remember Bonhoeffer and Niemoeller and the faithful remnant of the confessing church.
A valuable, important and timely contribution to the literature on white Christian nationalism.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have read every book about white Christian nationalism and their ties to this far right administration that I could get my hands on in the last few years, so it should mean something when I say that Backslide is the best, most approachable book that I have come across on the subject. There is a tendency among books in this genre to get mired down in chapters upon chapters of evangelical history that get convoluted with a ton of names and movements and niche doctrinal tenets. Backslide manages to avoid that, giving each section a concise thesis and a clear and engaging voice explaining key points on what is happening now and its foundational evangelical precedent. For someone like me, an exmormon who left the church exactly because of its ties to Christian nationalism and white supremacy, I was able to relate to the book without needing to qualify everything for a Mormon audience. This gives the book the kind of accessibility that would make it a great way to familiarize the lay white Christian with the broader movements upon which Project 2025 and the Trump administration rely. Who knows. If I’m feeling especially brave, maybe I’ll send it to my Fox News loving Mormon father for Christmas… Thank you Net Galley and St Martin’s Press for this advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Timely and unflinching, Backslide is essential reading for anyone unwilling to surrender the soul of faith or the promise of democracy. A prophetic summons to moral responsibility, it reminds us that time is short for deciding which Christianity, and which America, will prevail."
Amen.
If you ever looked at the news, visited Washington, D.C., went to the grocery store, or paid bills and wondered aloud: how did we get here? This book offers some insight. I would recommend this for bible study classes, politicos, the curious, and especially white people who identify as Christian.
Amen.
If you ever looked at the news, visited Washington, D.C., went to the grocery store, or paid bills and wondered aloud: how did we get here? This book offers some insight. I would recommend this for bible study classes, politicos, the curious, and especially white people who identify as Christian.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Aptly named, Backslide is the Robby's most personal book to date. It is a riveting, easily readable book. Written from multiple angles, he speaks from history, social science, religion and more importantly, his growing up as a southern white Christian. It is more than a cautionary tale.
Throughout the book in great depth he describes how we got where we are today again woven together with pivotal moments of our own failures as a democracy, as well as times of remarkable unity. Using his own background as a social scientist, he points to the how and what our current authoritarian regime has done, with complete disregard for the democracy that in theory are supposed to protect and provide guardrails against it. He writes about Juneteenth and Columbus Day, our Indigenous people, the Civil Rights Movement and brings voices from those times to the story as well. It's a good lesson in our nations history, in case we've forgotten, which some seemingly have done. He reminds us of the remnants of our own social gospel, where we're reminded who is our neighbor and what we're doing or simply turning a blind eye to. The telling of the historical aspects of his book he threads through the beginnings of white Christian Nationalism and what we are now facing today staring at an authoritarian regime, basically what we as white Christians have wrought. He does not leave us without hope. I'll share part of a quote from an important chapter in the book.
"What would happen if we stood up? And if not most of us, even a remnant? If we could even get to something like a white Christian version of the 3.5 percent principle—where just that small percentage of us commit ourselves to ongoing nonviolent protest and serious civic engagement—I wonder how many vulnerable lives we could save by risking our own relatively safe ones. Do we have the courage to speak out, not just against a fascist state but against an apostate church? We will need to declare, and to believe, that we cannot be the church or the nation we are called to be without them. And we—particularly those of us who are white and Christian—will need to denounce, call out, and resist our lost coreligionists, both for the survival of democracy and for what’s left of the moral integrity of Christianity. Courageous resistance, where single voices swell into a deafening chorus of “never again,” is the only way authoritarianism does not take root in America now. -Robert P. Jones
This book was an exquisite read. I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter where you are in life.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC
Throughout the book in great depth he describes how we got where we are today again woven together with pivotal moments of our own failures as a democracy, as well as times of remarkable unity. Using his own background as a social scientist, he points to the how and what our current authoritarian regime has done, with complete disregard for the democracy that in theory are supposed to protect and provide guardrails against it. He writes about Juneteenth and Columbus Day, our Indigenous people, the Civil Rights Movement and brings voices from those times to the story as well. It's a good lesson in our nations history, in case we've forgotten, which some seemingly have done. He reminds us of the remnants of our own social gospel, where we're reminded who is our neighbor and what we're doing or simply turning a blind eye to. The telling of the historical aspects of his book he threads through the beginnings of white Christian Nationalism and what we are now facing today staring at an authoritarian regime, basically what we as white Christians have wrought. He does not leave us without hope. I'll share part of a quote from an important chapter in the book.
"What would happen if we stood up? And if not most of us, even a remnant? If we could even get to something like a white Christian version of the 3.5 percent principle—where just that small percentage of us commit ourselves to ongoing nonviolent protest and serious civic engagement—I wonder how many vulnerable lives we could save by risking our own relatively safe ones. Do we have the courage to speak out, not just against a fascist state but against an apostate church? We will need to declare, and to believe, that we cannot be the church or the nation we are called to be without them. And we—particularly those of us who are white and Christian—will need to denounce, call out, and resist our lost coreligionists, both for the survival of democracy and for what’s left of the moral integrity of Christianity. Courageous resistance, where single voices swell into a deafening chorus of “never again,” is the only way authoritarianism does not take root in America now. -Robert P. Jones
This book was an exquisite read. I highly recommend this book to everyone, no matter where you are in life.
Many thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for the ARC
September 4, 2026
This was a really well written book detailing how America got to this point. The author covers religion, and politics, and our treatment of African Americans and Indigenous people. There are many uncomfortable truths in this book, that hopefully make some people stop and think. But odds are the audience who will read this book, is not the audience who needs to read it. A fast timely read, with interesting and well researched information. I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
In Backslide, Robert P. Jones takes up the prophetic mantle of so many before him (many of them, as he acknowledges, who are nonwhite Christians) and addresses root systemic issues that threaten pluralistic democracy and the Christian name.
Jones creates a strong case using data, historical facts, and Jesus’ words and actions. He boldly calls out the delusion and placating false narratives salient in evangelicalism in the U.S. and urges readers to reckon with history.
I appreciate how Jones addressed human hearts, giving serious attention our innate impulses toward love and empathy. Many times the evangelical church’s emphases on truth and order relegate the greatest commandment of love, which has caused cognitive dissonance for so many of us.
What’s distinct about this book isn’t solely its case against a backslidden church; it is also the practical and specific prompts to action. I left the book feeling better equipped not only with information but also how to integrate that information into my life.
Jones creates a strong case using data, historical facts, and Jesus’ words and actions. He boldly calls out the delusion and placating false narratives salient in evangelicalism in the U.S. and urges readers to reckon with history.
I appreciate how Jones addressed human hearts, giving serious attention our innate impulses toward love and empathy. Many times the evangelical church’s emphases on truth and order relegate the greatest commandment of love, which has caused cognitive dissonance for so many of us.
What’s distinct about this book isn’t solely its case against a backslidden church; it is also the practical and specific prompts to action. I left the book feeling better equipped not only with information but also how to integrate that information into my life.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Backslide is a bluntly honest look into how white American Christianity has contributed to our nation's long history or oppression and our current political climate. Jones's personal experience growing up in that evangelical culture gives him a unique insight into how we got here and why the status quo continues. His work is well researched and relies on multiple sources. He makes a point to include Black and Native American voices. Jones's writing serves as a mirror for the reader and a challenge for them to do better.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I just finished reading "Backslide: Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation After the Christian Turn Against Democracy" by Robert P. Jones. I've read a few other books by this author before, including his erstwhile most recent book "White Too Long." In that one Jones detailed a history of white supremacy in the American white Protestant church that was both fascinating and disturbing. He picks up the throughline where he left off in his previous book in "Backslide" by arguing that the white protestant American church (and to some extent American Catholic congregations as well) have backslidden into apostasy due to the sins of racism and white supremacy. When he uses the term 'white supremacy' he doesn't necessarily mean the most extreme forms that include deliberate KKK style violence, but a more power/class/opportunity focused approach channeled through politics and economics.
There subtitle to the book "Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation after the Christian Turn Against Democracy" is provocative but there was less "reclaiming" in the book than there was diagnosing of the problem. Other careful readers may pick up other themes but my attention was primarily fixed on the primary theme which was the diagnosis that the white American church has slidden away from the gospel, and under the fascination with Donald Trump, away from democratic values as well. Jones seems solidly in the "Trump is a would be authoritarian camp" and I have trouble disagreeing. The action step he advocates is to reject "MAGA Christianity" and not break bread with those who have fallen into this apostasy. Essentially he wants to call a spade a spade and not worry about the appearance of being non-partisan because the stakes are too dire.
It's a thought provoking book in a lot of ways:
How does one know one is in a 1934 moment or not?
He makes a strong statistical argument that only about 1/3rd of the country really actually supports Trump and that we aren't in a 50/50 country at all despite how the Electoral College maps make it look ("cows and dirt don't vote").
Would Jesus really support not breaking bread with brothers who are in error?
How many pastors need to become metaphorical martyrs in their life and ministries for churches to wake up? Will they?
It is an angry book, but well written. The facts and stats were well researched. I recommend reading it with friends and discussing it.
I'm grateful to Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
There subtitle to the book "Reclaiming a Faith and a Nation after the Christian Turn Against Democracy" is provocative but there was less "reclaiming" in the book than there was diagnosing of the problem. Other careful readers may pick up other themes but my attention was primarily fixed on the primary theme which was the diagnosis that the white American church has slidden away from the gospel, and under the fascination with Donald Trump, away from democratic values as well. Jones seems solidly in the "Trump is a would be authoritarian camp" and I have trouble disagreeing. The action step he advocates is to reject "MAGA Christianity" and not break bread with those who have fallen into this apostasy. Essentially he wants to call a spade a spade and not worry about the appearance of being non-partisan because the stakes are too dire.
It's a thought provoking book in a lot of ways:
How does one know one is in a 1934 moment or not?
He makes a strong statistical argument that only about 1/3rd of the country really actually supports Trump and that we aren't in a 50/50 country at all despite how the Electoral College maps make it look ("cows and dirt don't vote").
Would Jesus really support not breaking bread with brothers who are in error?
How many pastors need to become metaphorical martyrs in their life and ministries for churches to wake up? Will they?
It is an angry book, but well written. The facts and stats were well researched. I recommend reading it with friends and discussing it.
I'm grateful to Macmillan Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
October 30, 2026
I don't have adequate words to describe how important and well done this book is. I don't know why it surprised me in the least, when every one of Dr. Jones's books have been the same, but I guess it's been a little bit since the last one, and the current political and cultural moment has become so much harder than even two years ago.
I learned so much history while also being convicted that the steps I have taken to stand against this regime and the embrace of my fellow white Christians for Trump and white nationalism must only be a starting point. I'm so terrified that the coming midterms will be tampered and interfered with in a way that prevents the will of the people from being done, even though the majority of us support liberal democracy and pluralism.
I ended up in the SBC as an older teenager with my family after several different moves between the Midwest, South America, and the Northeast before ending up in the Southeast. There were enough Christian dominionism themes before the SBC that enabled the WCN to seep in undetected, and it took until my 30s for me to start to emerge from that fog. Seeing how many (including most of my family) refuse to see or acknowledge the truth continues to blow my mind. The truth truly does set one free, as my unshackled soul and spirit mean more to me than any feeling of supposed safety or comfort ever could.
Although I had never heard of "Celebrate Life!" before reading this book, my PCUSA church choir practiced a song for our communion anthem just a couple of hours before I got to that part of the book. When I saw the name "Ragan Courtney," which I had only ever seen for the first time at choir that evening, I was blown away by the coincidence. When we had been practicing "In Remembrance of Me" in choir, I had reflected internally that the conservative evangelical churches I know wouldn't like the social justice themes of the song, and reading Dr. Jones's thoughts on it felt like being seen.
I highly recommend this book. I hope and pray the people of the United States will take a strong stand against the schemes of the Trump regimes. I pray that white Christians will WAKE UP and repent. If anything I do or so can help towards achieving those ends, I pray God will use me for such purposes.
I learned so much history while also being convicted that the steps I have taken to stand against this regime and the embrace of my fellow white Christians for Trump and white nationalism must only be a starting point. I'm so terrified that the coming midterms will be tampered and interfered with in a way that prevents the will of the people from being done, even though the majority of us support liberal democracy and pluralism.
I ended up in the SBC as an older teenager with my family after several different moves between the Midwest, South America, and the Northeast before ending up in the Southeast. There were enough Christian dominionism themes before the SBC that enabled the WCN to seep in undetected, and it took until my 30s for me to start to emerge from that fog. Seeing how many (including most of my family) refuse to see or acknowledge the truth continues to blow my mind. The truth truly does set one free, as my unshackled soul and spirit mean more to me than any feeling of supposed safety or comfort ever could.
Although I had never heard of "Celebrate Life!" before reading this book, my PCUSA church choir practiced a song for our communion anthem just a couple of hours before I got to that part of the book. When I saw the name "Ragan Courtney," which I had only ever seen for the first time at choir that evening, I was blown away by the coincidence. When we had been practicing "In Remembrance of Me" in choir, I had reflected internally that the conservative evangelical churches I know wouldn't like the social justice themes of the song, and reading Dr. Jones's thoughts on it felt like being seen.
I highly recommend this book. I hope and pray the people of the United States will take a strong stand against the schemes of the Trump regimes. I pray that white Christians will WAKE UP and repent. If anything I do or so can help towards achieving those ends, I pray God will use me for such purposes.
October 26, 2026
Great. Jones seamlessly connects past to present, and I’ve never seen an author so eloquently summarize the not-so-indirect dangers of diffident “both-sides-ism:”
“Our avoidance strategies convince us that the principal source of our current democratic crisis is “polarization,” a term that in our time has become more obfuscating than illuminating …
Focusing on polarization suggests the need for greater civility, for example, an important democratic value. It recommends solutions such as bridge building, also an admirable civic goal in a pluralistic society.
But these solutions are naïve and woefully inadequate to meet moments such as ours. Civility and bridge building only make sense when a minimally shared moral context exists, when all parties recognize and affirm that they are participating in a common foundational project. Today, we can no longer assume such conditions apply.
In the face of raw power and violence, unilateral attempts to model civility only legitimize the forces of fascism. And bridge building inevitably asks the supporters of a pluralistic democracy to reach across the divide to work with, and even financially support, those no longer committed to democratic principles.
These naïve projects, designed for a different reality than ours, end up recruiting workers to build the bridge by day from the ranks of those who are strapping dynamite (purchased with their day wages) to its piers by night.”
“Our avoidance strategies convince us that the principal source of our current democratic crisis is “polarization,” a term that in our time has become more obfuscating than illuminating …
Focusing on polarization suggests the need for greater civility, for example, an important democratic value. It recommends solutions such as bridge building, also an admirable civic goal in a pluralistic society.
But these solutions are naïve and woefully inadequate to meet moments such as ours. Civility and bridge building only make sense when a minimally shared moral context exists, when all parties recognize and affirm that they are participating in a common foundational project. Today, we can no longer assume such conditions apply.
In the face of raw power and violence, unilateral attempts to model civility only legitimize the forces of fascism. And bridge building inevitably asks the supporters of a pluralistic democracy to reach across the divide to work with, and even financially support, those no longer committed to democratic principles.
These naïve projects, designed for a different reality than ours, end up recruiting workers to build the bridge by day from the ranks of those who are strapping dynamite (purchased with their day wages) to its piers by night.”
October 21, 2026
I have great respect for Robet Jones, and he and I are in many ways fellow travellers away from the conservatism of our youths (his was a longer journey) and share a very real contempt for how MAGA and Trump have distorted patriotism and faithfulness into something it is not supposed to be. And so while I was excited to read his new book and nodded along at many points, it was disappointing to me. Much of the book echoes many of the themes of his previous book 'White Too Long' but without a lot of the Biblical foundations of that book. And while his chapters on Columbus and Juneteenth may well echo one of my favorite books about how we seek to understand history differently than the patriotic blather that inspired it (see 'Lies My Teacher Told Me' by James Loewen), I wasn't quite sure what these had to do with Christianity or even American Democracy.
It's all well and good to have a disdain for what Trump and his minions are doing to this country, but there are many other better books on this subject. such as Richard Hughes' 'Christian America and the Kingdom of God' or David Gushee's 'Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies' or Paul Miller's 'The Religion of American Greatness'.
It's all well and good to have a disdain for what Trump and his minions are doing to this country, but there are many other better books on this subject. such as Richard Hughes' 'Christian America and the Kingdom of God' or David Gushee's 'Defending Democracy from its Christian Enemies' or Paul Miller's 'The Religion of American Greatness'.
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