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Playing God: American Catholic Bishops and The Far Right
“A fascinating, investigative dive . . . both alarming and enlightening.” — Jane Mayer, author of Dark Money
The definitive account of how a group of American Catholic bishops are using “dark money” and allying with ultra-right evangelicals in an attempt to remake America . . .
Seasoned Catholic journalist and former war correspondent Mary Jo McConahay tells the story of how the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have become one of the most formidable and reactionary forces in America — by campaigning to alter democratic institutions under the guise of religious liberty, and allying with major right-wing contributors such as the Kochs.
In fact, many of the bishops—two-hundred and twenty-nine men, almost all white and beyond middle age—are such staunch opponents of Pope Francis that some US Catholics fear a schism with Rome.
The influence of these bishops can be traced in recent news stories—such was when they maneuvered to deny the Eucharist to pro-choice politicians like President Biden. With their lay partners, the bishops also help shepherd cases into the Supreme Court that change the law of the land, as with Roe v. Wade.
But as McConahay details, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In an investigation reminiscent of Jane Mayer’s Dark Money, she uncovers an ominous and long-term political strategy of attacking secular, liberal democracy by waging war on democratic norms and institutions.
The definitive account of how a group of American Catholic bishops are using “dark money” and allying with ultra-right evangelicals in an attempt to remake America . . .
Seasoned Catholic journalist and former war correspondent Mary Jo McConahay tells the story of how the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have become one of the most formidable and reactionary forces in America — by campaigning to alter democratic institutions under the guise of religious liberty, and allying with major right-wing contributors such as the Kochs.
In fact, many of the bishops—two-hundred and twenty-nine men, almost all white and beyond middle age—are such staunch opponents of Pope Francis that some US Catholics fear a schism with Rome.
The influence of these bishops can be traced in recent news stories—such was when they maneuvered to deny the Eucharist to pro-choice politicians like President Biden. With their lay partners, the bishops also help shepherd cases into the Supreme Court that change the law of the land, as with Roe v. Wade.
But as McConahay details, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In an investigation reminiscent of Jane Mayer’s Dark Money, she uncovers an ominous and long-term political strategy of attacking secular, liberal democracy by waging war on democratic norms and institutions.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 14, 2023
40 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Mary Jo McConahay
13 books21 followersMary Jo McConahay is the author of the exciting new non-fiction book on World War II in Latin America, The Tango War, The Struggle for the Hearts, Minds and Riches of Latin America During World War II, starred in reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Kirkus. She is author of Ricochet, Two Women War Reporters and a Friendship under Fire, and Maya Roads, One Woman's Journey among the People of the Rainforest. Maya Roads is a National Geographic Traveler Book of the Month, winner of the Northern California Book Award for Creative Nonfiction, three Independent Book Awards including best new nonfiction book, and named Best Travel Essay Book by the Independent Publishers Awards. McConahay has been named the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalist of the Year, considered equivalent to the Pulitzer Prize in the genre. A journalist, Mary Jo is also a documentary filmmaker.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 21, 2025
Historically, American Catholics have been Democrats. In recent years, you are probably going to see more that agree with the Evangelical Far Right. There are many reasons for this. They are explained in this short book that greatly horrified me.
If you've been following me for some time, you know I was raised Catholic. I no longer follow any religion. I cannot, in good conscience, support a faith that is misogynous, homophobic, and to be quite frank, racist.
There are insidious ties between the Koch family and their Nazi past, which stem from Germany. I'm sure this won't surprise some of you. Can something be both news and not surprise you? Could be Koch related. Could just be this book.
Everything about this book (just straight facts) pisses me off. I loved and hated every second.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Melville House
If you've been following me for some time, you know I was raised Catholic. I no longer follow any religion. I cannot, in good conscience, support a faith that is misogynous, homophobic, and to be quite frank, racist.
There are insidious ties between the Koch family and their Nazi past, which stem from Germany. I'm sure this won't surprise some of you. Can something be both news and not surprise you? Could be Koch related. Could just be this book.
Everything about this book (just straight facts) pisses me off. I loved and hated every second.
📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Melville House
January 17, 2025
Very interesting. A person often forgets that there is a very conservative Catholic movement in the US. One always pictures Evangelical mega churches and Protestants. And just to think, in the old days many of those churches, just like mainstream Dutch Reformed in Sout Africa, used to literally velieve and teach that Catholicism was evil and even speculate whether a Pope could be the antiChrist.
Now we see the far-rights of Catholic and Fundamentalist churches kind of uniting in this agenda to really try shape American values and fight the culture war
Now we see the far-rights of Catholic and Fundamentalist churches kind of uniting in this agenda to really try shape American values and fight the culture war
June 7, 2024
As disheartening as this book was, as a lifelong Catholic, it’s message is important because the rift between American bishops and Pope Francis is real. The disregard for Vatican II teachings is beyond disappointing, but it reinforces the need for those who question to rely on primacy of conscience.
August 23, 2023
'Playing God' traces the history of Catholic conservatism gone extreme.
The journalist , Mary Jo McConahay who reminds me of Heather Cox Richardson in her documentary style and accuracy, verified in her index, shares info we all need to know, of an alliance of extremely conservative bishops and Catholic" backwardist" activists is exerting a profound impact on our national politics. This proves neither the political nor religious alt right has gained its disruptive power overnight. This is history of the radical right's stealth plan for America we all need to know. Thank you Mary Jo McConahay. Your abundant evidence in the words, writings and associations of bishops and influential Catholics to make a convincing and compelling case for this look at these facts; at their best and worst at both helping and harming us. Most importantly, though, their deceiving us and creating the delusional anti Vatican II Catholic, a far cry from the teachings of Jesus, Saint Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis.
This author reminds us a primary concern for those reporting on the Catholic Church in the United States today should be following the money. Not the money that comes to the bishops via the standard Sunday collection basket, but the money that pours into alternative organizations from relatively new, independent and very conservative sources. These new sources are well outside the control of the U.S. bishops' conference and are increasingly important in spelling out a Catholic agenda of our current culture. There are dots plenty to connect and she does a fine job of sharing details in her quest to accurately connect them . We learn the prime ambition of the Catholic alt right is protecting the market and essentially working against the bulk of traditional Catholic social teaching, which gives special place to society's margins, not its gatherers of wealth.
We need to be aware of the history leading to the current moment. McConahay has done a great job sharing the facts, just the facts, ma'am, with her readers. We are now the wiser.
The journalist , Mary Jo McConahay who reminds me of Heather Cox Richardson in her documentary style and accuracy, verified in her index, shares info we all need to know, of an alliance of extremely conservative bishops and Catholic" backwardist" activists is exerting a profound impact on our national politics. This proves neither the political nor religious alt right has gained its disruptive power overnight. This is history of the radical right's stealth plan for America we all need to know. Thank you Mary Jo McConahay. Your abundant evidence in the words, writings and associations of bishops and influential Catholics to make a convincing and compelling case for this look at these facts; at their best and worst at both helping and harming us. Most importantly, though, their deceiving us and creating the delusional anti Vatican II Catholic, a far cry from the teachings of Jesus, Saint Pope John XXIII and Pope Francis.
This author reminds us a primary concern for those reporting on the Catholic Church in the United States today should be following the money. Not the money that comes to the bishops via the standard Sunday collection basket, but the money that pours into alternative organizations from relatively new, independent and very conservative sources. These new sources are well outside the control of the U.S. bishops' conference and are increasingly important in spelling out a Catholic agenda of our current culture. There are dots plenty to connect and she does a fine job of sharing details in her quest to accurately connect them . We learn the prime ambition of the Catholic alt right is protecting the market and essentially working against the bulk of traditional Catholic social teaching, which gives special place to society's margins, not its gatherers of wealth.
We need to be aware of the history leading to the current moment. McConahay has done a great job sharing the facts, just the facts, ma'am, with her readers. We are now the wiser.
November 2, 2023
Astonishing!
An in depth delve into the US catholic b iships and their overt disdain for the teachings of Pope Francis. Where respect for the health of planet Earth and for its underprivileged is the primary focus of the current Pope, the US contingent is firmly and unwavering focused on abortion, abortion, abortion.
The extent by US catholic clergy to accept massive monetary donations from billionaire "influencers" appears astounding, thus enabling the funding for literally thousands of far-right publications, broadcasters, university administrators, ..., to push anti-Papal thoughts and actions .
Interestingly, Leonard Leo, an American pusher of far-right doctrine, was in the news just this week. He is funded primarily by US catholic elite and mega far-right donors to push for placement of federal judges and US supreme court candidates. He puts himself in the ear of US conservative presidents and lawmakers, and is accredited with the appointment of Gorsuch, Kavanagh and Barrett -all very influential in the overturning of "Roe v. Wade," and for the ongoing support of the extreme antics of Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni.
"Playing God" is truly fascinating and terrifying stuff - a very worthwhile read!
An in depth delve into the US catholic b iships and their overt disdain for the teachings of Pope Francis. Where respect for the health of planet Earth and for its underprivileged is the primary focus of the current Pope, the US contingent is firmly and unwavering focused on abortion, abortion, abortion.
The extent by US catholic clergy to accept massive monetary donations from billionaire "influencers" appears astounding, thus enabling the funding for literally thousands of far-right publications, broadcasters, university administrators, ..., to push anti-Papal thoughts and actions .
Interestingly, Leonard Leo, an American pusher of far-right doctrine, was in the news just this week. He is funded primarily by US catholic elite and mega far-right donors to push for placement of federal judges and US supreme court candidates. He puts himself in the ear of US conservative presidents and lawmakers, and is accredited with the appointment of Gorsuch, Kavanagh and Barrett -all very influential in the overturning of "Roe v. Wade," and for the ongoing support of the extreme antics of Clarence Thomas and his wife Ginni.
"Playing God" is truly fascinating and terrifying stuff - a very worthwhile read!
October 17, 2023
I found myself doing many Google inquiries on people, foundations, activist groups, etc. I am Catholic, always searching and learning to strengthen and reflect my faith. While reading, I felt I have been naive about various prelates, people, activists, foundations, USCCB, etc. I never have thought of myself as ultraconservative but I do hold many traditional values. Man sins, no question about it. But I'm disheartened to learn to what lengths "people of faith" (no matter what their professed religion) will do supposedly in the name of God. We are talking big big money from ultraconservatives of all religions who in my humble opinion are racist, sexist, feminist, liars, bigots etc. I will continue to pray and believe that our heavenly Father is present in the world and can be present in each and every one if it is his/her choice. Thank you Mary Jo McConahay for your courage to research and write this.
May 20, 2023
I see an endorsement by Jane Mayer, I believe it. Definitely leans on her work in some sections, and Sarah Posner and Katherine Steward writing about Christian Nationalism in others. I'm familiar with the Evangical version of this hell (America), so I appreciate roping in some perspective on the Caths (as no one is calling them). Funnily enough, the same assholes (the Koch bros, Weyrich) show up over and over again from both approaches. Has extensive sources, but doesn't do a good job of linking them in text. Simply written, which may be a plus for people new to this disturbing and ongoing history. Unratable for me, as I wouldn't consider this essential reading, but perhaps this will be the start of someone else's journey...
August 11, 2024
Eye opener
I now have a better understanding of why the Pope is constantly under attack by by the rightwing USCCB and the clergy under its influence. To the rightwing clergy, as the author eloquently puts it, the "collection bowl" is paramount. For instance, the Church dare not speak against fossil fuels and other progressive causes, lest benefactors turn away. The rightwing's reluctance to extend or facilitate the vote to poorer or disadvantaged communities is most disturbing. Clearly, the progressives and the traditionalists, never the twain shall meet.
I now have a better understanding of why the Pope is constantly under attack by by the rightwing USCCB and the clergy under its influence. To the rightwing clergy, as the author eloquently puts it, the "collection bowl" is paramount. For instance, the Church dare not speak against fossil fuels and other progressive causes, lest benefactors turn away. The rightwing's reluctance to extend or facilitate the vote to poorer or disadvantaged communities is most disturbing. Clearly, the progressives and the traditionalists, never the twain shall meet.
December 16, 2023
Wow! A real eye opener for me. I intend to research different groups before supporting any issue to see who is really behind these groups and what causes they represent.
April 12, 2024
Excellent survey of the actions and motivations of some truly insidious, odious villains
September 18, 2024
informative and depressing
Read
August 19, 2025I read a quarter of this book and tapped out. Too depressing. People are assholes.
December 31, 2023
A sobering and depressing view of the status of the modern Catholic church. Despite all its talk it remains a hidebound, self-involved organization interested only in its power and prerogatives. The author does a good by pointing out that so many people in the church seem to think the church is run for their benefit and by their means and ends.
A very good book with an interesting opinion.
A very good book with an interesting opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews