MONEY, LIES, and GOD: INSIDE the MOVEMENT to DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY (audiobook) by Katherine Stewart


Published in 2025 by Bloomsbury Publishing.
Read by Patricia Rodriguez.
Duration: 11 hours, 36 minutes.
Unabridged.

In Money, Lies, and God, Katherine Stewart takes a hard look at the intertwined worlds of MAGA, Christian Nationalists, big money backers (old money and new tech money), the Claremont Institute, White Replacement Theory folks, militias, and groups like Moms for Liberty. 

It looks like a lot to connect but, in reality, it's not too hard. Think of your stereotypical Christian Nationalist mega-church. They're going to be MAGA voters. They are exposed to materials produced by think tanks like the Claremont Institute or Focus on the Family that are financially supported by big money backers. Moms for Liberty will already be there, hyping up the dangers of public schools and certain reading materials. Some megachurches host faith and freedom conferences that are strong on the politics and feature a bit of Christianity.

The author, Katherine Stewart
I was distressed by the sheer quantity of Christian Nationalists out there. I am a lifelong Christian and this movement scares me. It is pseudo-Christian at best and it tarnishes the Christian faith.

What is a Christian Nationalist? It's not simply a patriotic Christian. It's a belief that it is not possible to be a good American unless you are a Christian. The federal government should declare the United States a Christian Nation and the federal government should actively advocate explicitly Christian values. Under all of this is the belief that the success of the United States is part of God’s plan (as though the USA is literally mentioned in the Bible).

Throw in a media and social media environment that reinforce the whole thing and you've got the recipe that makes your uncle sound like a crazy person at the Thanksgiving table. The key is, in his world he doesn't sound crazy - you do.

This is a powerful book. She weaves it all together wonderfully.

This was also a depressing book for me. My faith is being subverted by Christian Nationalism. My fellow Americans believe nonsense like children are relieving themselves in giant kitty litter boxes and they vote for people that agree with them.

Sigh.

I rate this audiobook 5 stars out of 5. It can be found on Amazon.com here: MONEY, LIES, and GOD: INSIDE the MOVEMENT to DESTROY AMERICAN DEMOCRACY by Katherine Stewart.

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