Unholy: Why White Evangelicals Worship at the Altar of Donald Trump

Unholy examines the relationship between white evangelical Christians and Donald Trump, tracing the historical and ideological roots of their political alliance. The book analyzes how Trump gained overwhelming support from this religious demographic during his presidential campaign and throughout his administration. Author Sarah Posner draws from extensive research and interviews to document the evangelical movement's transformation from a faith-based community to a powerful political force. She outlines key moments and figures in evangelical history that laid the groundwork for the movement's embrace of Trump's political agenda. The investigation covers Christian nationalism, racial dynamics, and the merging of religious and political identities within white evangelical communities. Posner presents primary source materials and firsthand accounts to reconstruct the evolution of evangelical political engagement. The book reveals broader patterns about the intersection of religion, politics, and cultural identity in contemporary America. Through this examination, fundamental questions emerge about the nature of faith-based political movements and their impact on democratic institutions.

Readers describe the book as well-researched documentation of evangelical support for Trump, backed by interviews and historical context. Many reviewers appreciate Posner's detailed examination of the religious right's political evolution since the 1970s. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear connections between Christian nationalism and Trump's rise - Thorough sourcing and footnotes - Accessible writing style for complex topics Critical reviews mention: - Perceived bias against evangelical Christians - Too much focus on fringe groups rather than mainstream believers - Some repetitive sections Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.16/5 (1,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (500+ ratings) Representative review quote: "Posner connects historical dots that help explain current evangelical political positions, though her tone sometimes comes across as contemptuous of religious believers in general." - Amazon reviewer The book generates strong reactions, with most negative reviews coming from readers who disagree with its political perspective rather than its research quality.

Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez A historical examination of evangelical masculinity reveals how militant patriarchy and Christian nationalism shaped modern conservative politics.

The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart An investigation into the political machinery and financial networks behind the rise of Christian nationalism in American politics.

American Fascists: The Christian Right and the War on America by Chris Hedges A study of the parallels between fascist movements and the methods of the American religious right's pursuit of political power.

Bad Faith: Race and the Rise of the Religious Right by Randall Balmer The origins of the religious right's political mobilization are traced through segregation and racial politics rather than abortion.

Shadow Network: Media, Money, and the Secret Hub of the Radical Right by Anne Nelson A mapping of the networks connecting evangelical organizations, political operatives, and funding sources that drive right-wing political movements.

📖 Sarah Posner spent nearly fifteen years reporting on the religious right before writing this book, including extensive coverage of Trump's 2016 campaign rallies. 🗳️ The book reveals how Trump's campaign strategically targeted white evangelicals by employing specific messaging about "religious liberty" and promising to appoint anti-abortion judges. ⚜️ Despite Trump's personal life contradicting many traditional evangelical values, 81% of white evangelical voters supported him in 2016—a higher percentage than any previous Republican presidential candidate. 🔍 The author traces connections between modern evangelical support for Trump and the movement's historical ties to segregationism, the John Birch Society, and anti-government ideology. 📚 Posner conducted over 100 interviews for the book, speaking with religious leaders, political operatives, and grassroots activists to understand the evolution of the evangelical-Trump alliance.