📖 Overview
Katherine Stewart is an American investigative journalist and author known for her extensive work examining religious nationalism and church-state separation issues in the United States. Her writing focuses on documenting and analyzing the influence of religious movements on American democracy and public institutions.
Stewart's most notable works include "The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children" (2012) and "The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism" (2020). The latter book formed the basis for the 2024 documentary film "God & Country" and explores the political ambitions of religious nationalist movements.
A regular contributor to major publications, Stewart writes opinion pieces and articles for The New York Times, The New Republic, The Guardian, and other prominent outlets. Her investigative work covers topics including public education, faith-based initiatives, and organized efforts to reshape American democracy through religious activism.
Stewart's forthcoming book "Money Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" continues her examination of religious nationalism's impact on American political institutions. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she maintains an active speaking schedule addressing issues of religious freedom and democratic principles.
👀 Reviews
Readers consistently note Stewart's detailed research and investigative approach to documenting religious nationalism in America. On Goodreads and Amazon, many cite her extensive use of primary sources and first-hand reporting.
What readers liked:
- Clear documentation of complex religious-political networks
- Personal accounts from attending events and interviewing subjects
- Clear explanation of historical context
- Specific examples of local impacts
What readers disliked:
- Some found the tone alarmist
- Readers wanted more solutions/action items
- Dense sections on organizational structures
- Repetitive examples in later chapters
Ratings across platforms:
- Goodreads: The Power Worshippers 4.3/5 (2,800+ ratings)
- Amazon: The Power Worshippers 4.6/5 (1,900+ ratings)
- The Good News Club 4.4/5 (800+ ratings)
Reader quote: "Stewart does what investigative journalists do best - follows the money and connects the dots without editorializing."
Critics note she "reports from within these movements rather than merely commenting from outside."
📚 Books by Katherine Stewart
The Good News Club: The Christian Right's Stealth Assault on America's Children (2012)
An investigative examination of evangelical Christian organizations operating in public schools and their methods of reaching children through after-school programs.
The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism (2020) A detailed investigation into religious nationalist networks in America, documenting their political strategies, funding sources, and influence on public policy.
Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (Forthcoming) An analysis of how religious nationalist movements impact American democratic institutions and political processes.
The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism (2020) A detailed investigation into religious nationalist networks in America, documenting their political strategies, funding sources, and influence on public policy.
Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (Forthcoming) An analysis of how religious nationalist movements impact American democratic institutions and political processes.
👥 Similar authors
Michelle Goldberg
Her investigative work on religious nationalism and the American right parallels Stewart's research focus. She examines similar themes of religious influence on politics in books like "Kingdom Coming: The Rise of Christian Nationalism."
Jeff Sharlet His books document religious movements' political influence through embedded reporting and historical analysis. His work "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" explores religious networks in American politics.
Anne Nelson She investigates networks of political and religious power in American democracy. Her book "Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right" traces similar territory as Stewart's research.
Chris Hedges His writing focuses on the intersection of religion and political power in America. "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" examines religious nationalist movements through a similar investigative lens.
Frederick Clarkson He researches and writes about religious-political movements in American society. His work "Eternal Hostility: The Struggle Between Theocracy and Democracy" analyzes church-state separation issues that align with Stewart's focus.
Jeff Sharlet His books document religious movements' political influence through embedded reporting and historical analysis. His work "The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power" explores religious networks in American politics.
Anne Nelson She investigates networks of political and religious power in American democracy. Her book "Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right" traces similar territory as Stewart's research.
Chris Hedges His writing focuses on the intersection of religion and political power in America. "American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America" examines religious nationalist movements through a similar investigative lens.
Frederick Clarkson He researches and writes about religious-political movements in American society. His work "Eternal Hostility: The Struggle Between Theocracy and Democracy" analyzes church-state separation issues that align with Stewart's focus.