The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory by Tim Alberta Summary

The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory examines the fragmentation of American evangelical Christianity, exploring its entanglement with partisan politics, cultural fears, and institutional scandals. Author Tim Alberta, a practicing Christian and pastor’s son, documents empty churches, hyper-politicized congregations, and leaders prioritizing power over spiritual integrity. The book argues that evangelicalism has strayed from biblical principles to embrace grievance-driven extremism.

This book appeals to readers interested in religion’s role in politics, journalists analyzing cultural shifts, and Christians grappling with modern faith crises. It’s particularly relevant for those seeking to understand evangelicalism’s influence on U.S. elections, societal polarization, and the erosion of institutional trust.

Yes: It’s a New York Times bestseller, named one of Barack Obama’s favorite books (2023), and praised for its brave reporting on evangelical extremism. Critics highlight Alberta’s access to influential religious figures and his balanced critique of a movement he personally understands.

• Power vs. Faith: How evangelicals prioritize political clout over spiritual使命
• Cultural Persecution: The rise of a victimhood narrative fueling partisan allegiance
• Scandal and Hypocrisy: High-profile moral failures among church leaders
• Doctrinal Dilution: Replacing scripture with conspiracy theories and partisan rhetoric.

As the son of an evangelical pastor and a veteran political reporter (The Atlantic, Politico), Alberta combines theological literacy with sharp political analysis. His Midwest roots and firsthand experience reporting from churches nationwide lend authenticity to stories of congregants disillusioned by extremist rhetoric.

Alberta argues many evangelicals have abandoned Jesus’s teachings on humility and love, instead embracing “owning the libs” as a spiritual mandate. He documents how fear-mongering replaces gospel messages and how leaders monetize outrage through media empires.

Yes: Alberta interviews celebrity pastors, small-town preachers, and influential figures like Russell Moore and Beth Moore. These conversations reveal tensions between doctrinal traditionalists and those conflating Christianity with far-right ideology.

While American Carnage analyzed GOP fractures during Trump’s rise, this book examines parallel upheavals in evangelicalism. Both works critique institutions sacrificing core values for power, but The Kingdom adds personal reflection from Alberta’s faith journey.

• “Loving your enemies is now ‘woke’” – Alberta on distorted biblical interpretations
• “The church has become a PAC with a cross stuck on top” – Critic of politicized congregations
• “We’re not here to convert sinners; we’re here to own the libs” – Megachurch attendee.

With ongoing debates about church-state separation and evangelical influence in the 2024 election, the book provides frameworks to understand current conflicts. Its analysis of conspiracy theories infiltrating churches remains urgent amid new cultural crises.

Non-religious readers gain insights into how 28% of Americans drive national policy, while progressive Christians find strategies to reclaim faith from extremism. Alberta shows how partisan capture of institutions affects all citizens, regardless of belief.

Alberta delivers talks nationwide, including a 2025 lecture at Hope College analyzing evangelicalism’s political future. His podcast appearances and Atlantic articles provide ongoing commentary on religion’s cultural role.