Thy Kingdom Come: How the Religious Right Distorts the Faith and Threatens America: An Evangelical's Lament : Book Review

"Thy Kingdom Come" by Randall Balmer offers a thought-provoking exploration of the intricate relationship between Christianity and American politics. Balmer delves into the rich history of this relationship, delving into the ways in which Christian beliefs have shaped American policies and politics over the centuries. He also critically examines the potential dangers of allowing religious beliefs to dominate political decision-making.

Balmer begins by recognizing the deep roots of Christianity in American history and its influence on the founding fathers and their vision for the nation. However, he quickly delves into the problematic aspects of Christianity's involvement in politics, such as the exclusionary and discriminatory practices that have been justified by religious doctrine.

Drawing on historical examples, Balmer reveals the ways in which Christian faith has often been used to oppress minority groups and promote divisive policies. He explores issues such as racial segregation, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrating how religion has been weaponized to justify discrimination. Through his analysis, Balmer challenges readers to critically examine the role of religion in shaping American politics.

One of the key strengths of "Thy Kingdom Come" is Balmer's ability to present a nuanced perspective on the intersection of Christianity and politics. Rather than dismissing religion outright, he calls for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to faith-based political action. Balmer emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse religious beliefs and values in the policymaking process.

Balmer's writing style is engaging and accessible, making the book suitable for both scholars and general readers interested in understanding the complex dynamics between Christianity and American politics. His extensive research, combined with his personal insights, adds depth to the discussions and encourages readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the implications of religious influence in politics.

What are readers saying?

Randall Balmer's book, "Thy Kingdom Come," has garnered varied responses from readers due to its exploration of the history and impact of evangelicalism in the United States. Some reviewers praised the extensively researched and enlightening analysis provided by Balmer. They found the book to be informative and thought-provoking, appreciating Balmer's engaging and accessible writing style that made complex topics easy to understand. The historical context he provided was also valued, as it helped readers comprehend the origins and development of evangelicalism in America. These reviewers believed that the book offered valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of evangelical Christians.

However, there were also reviewers who expressed disappointment with the book. They felt that Balmer's analysis lacked depth and failed to present a balanced perspective. Some readers found his biases to be apparent and certain aspects of evangelicalism to be overlooked. Additionally, the book was criticized for having a dry and academic writing style, making it challenging to maintain engagement. Some reviewers believed that the book heavily relied on personal anecdotes and lacked substantial evidence to support its claims.

Furthermore, a subset of readers mentioned that the book seemed to cater to a specific audience – those already knowledgeable about evangelicalism. They felt that Balmer assumed a certain level of prior understanding, making it difficult for readers with limited knowledge of the subject to fully grasp the concepts presented in the book.

Despite the mixed reception, "Thy Kingdom Come" still received praise for its contribution to the discussion on evangelicalism in America. While some readers found it to be a valuable and insightful resource, others felt that it fell short of their expectations. Ultimately, individual preferences and prior knowledge on the subject matter may influence one's appreciation of this book.