Publishers Weekly
04/18/2022
“Christian nationalism is a bad political theory, illiberal in theory and practice and at odds with key features of the American experiment,” contends Miller (Just War and Ordered Liberty), an international affairs professor at Georgetown University, in this predictable analysis. Examining “the historical development, key beliefs, and political, cultural, and theological implications of Christian nationalism,” Miller critiques the ideology and its role in pushing the Republican Party rightward. The author suggests that globalization and deindustrialization weakened America’s national identity, spurring the contemporary movement to restore it. Miller argues that Christian nationalism is built on faulty premises because it incorrectly assumes that culture neatly maps onto national boundaries and that Anglo-Protestantism is a prerequisite for democracy. As an antidote, the author encourages cultural pluralism, imploring readers to “embrace and celebrate our differences without fetishizing or idolizing them.” This is well-trod ground and Miller doesn’t bring much new to the table, though his conservative credentials (he’s “a longtime Republican” with “a deep history in America’s conservative churches”) could put this on the radar of an audience for which his arguments may be less familiar. It’s a sensible if unsurprising account of Christian nationalism’s recent influence on U.S. politics. (July)
Tom Nichols
"There are works that challenge the mind and others that speak to the heart. Paul Miller does both in this important book about the role of America's dominant religion in our national politics."
Samuel Rodriguez
"Paul D. Miller crafts his message with confident humility, taking an honest look at the virus of Christian nationalism plaguing our politics and our pulpits. He presents difficult truths in palatable forms that reveal his genuine love for Christ and the church. Read this treatise with an open heart and mind, with the goal of seeing God's kingdom come and will be done."
Samuel L. Perry
"I'll be recommending this book to every thinking Christian I know who's looking to understand why nationalism, and Christian nationalism in particular, is such a danger for the church and American democracy. Beautifully written from a conservative, Christian perspective, Paul Miller carefully engages the arguments for both nationalism and Christian nationalism, and shows them to be sorely lacking. Christian nationalism is illiberal, antidemocratic, and ultimately for Christians, unbiblical and inconsistent with authentic gospel witness. Miller shows us all the better way."
John Owen
"Christians who love their country often slip into thinking that God needs their country. Many American Christians, exploited by mendacious leaders and abetted by confused ones, have fallen hard for this heresy. Like all heresies, Christian nationalism leads to trouble—for church and nation alike. Paul Miller, a conservative evangelical political theorist, launches a full-spectrum attack on Christian nationalism from the standpoint of classical liberalism. Read and consider his case with care."
Karen Swallow Prior
"There are few I trust more than Paul D. Miller on matters of national politics. He brings knowledge, vision, nuance, and understanding to a compelling vision of what it means (and doesn't mean) to live as faithful Christians in this nation, today and into the future, for the good of all."
Rogers M. Smith
"As a deeply religious and deeply patriotic American, Paul Miller has written a brave, insightful, and immensely valuable analysis of the dangers of resurgent Christian nationalism in America today. This book is of vital importance for all who wish to understand our pivotal historical moment, and especially for Americans who wish for a nation that strives to live up to the highest ideals of their faiths."
Andrew Whitehead
"I'm grateful to Paul Miller for writing this book. It stretched and challenged me. He has done a great service for all of us concerned about liberal democracy and the Christian church. At points, the writing crackles with intensity. I will be recommending this work to anyone intent on responding both theologically and politically to the threat of Christian nationalism."
Michael O. Emerson
"A much-needed and astute analysis of a major reality in the United States, a reality that challenges the very heart of this nation and of Christianity. Dr. Paul Miller brings to bear years of political experience, a deep commitment to Christian understanding, and a wellspring of scholarly comprehension to help us see what ultimately is wrong with Christian nationalism. A must-read."
Russell Moore
"I can think of no one more qualified to speak to the pressing issue of Christian nationalism than Paul Miller. Despite the bleak subject, this book is full of confidence, conviction, and hope. Liberal democracy matters. The kingdom of God matters more. Those who care about either or both should read this work."
George Marsden
"Paul D. Miller, a politically conservative, patriotic, old-style Republican, offers a thoughtful Christian critique of the most recent versions of Christian nationalism and its antecedents. Conservative Christians who suspect he may be wrong should at least give him a hearing. More progressive Christians can also learn from this balanced and constructive approach."
Michael Wear
"This is the nuanced, constructive approach to Christian nationalism that I have longed for that takes this moment in our history seriously, condemns what needs to be condemned, but also offers a clear and viable vision of what Christian political participation should and could be. Paul Miller defines the problem and identifies bad actors and expressions, but he does this necessary work for a greater purpose: orienting our political vision toward the common good."
Peter Wehner
"The Religion of American Greatness is a superb and essential book—engaging and fair minded, thoughtful and accessible, and oh so timely. It both explains and challenges an increasingly widespread, malicious movement—toxic Christian nationalism—that is doing great harm to America and to the Christian witness. The Religion of American Greatness is powerfully argued, honest, and never ungracious. It's just the book we need, and Paul D. Miller is just the person to write it."
John Inazu
"Paul Miller draws from an impressive range of sources to show the theological, historical, and cultural errors of Christian nationalism while still suggesting how American Christians can pursue with each other and their neighbors a common American identity and shared aspirations for the future of the country."
Amy E. Black
"In a political moment too often characterized by vitriol, distortion, and scorn, Paul D. Miller offers a refreshingly different approach. The Religion of American Greatness presents a careful, insightful, and charitable critique of contemporary American nationalism and points readers toward a more faithful political framework that elevates personal liberty and human dignity. A must-read for those concerned about politicized religion and its negative consequences for gospel witness."
Library Journal
★ 06/01/2022
A massively important book, Miller's work is essential reading for anyone curious about how the Evangelical movement got into bed with Donald Trump. Miller, a scholar and former member of the Bush and Obama administrations, knows politics and history. He is also a devout and conservative Christian. He explores such topics as Christian and American identity, nationalism vs. patriotism, and why some Christians may have felt neglected or rejected by what they saw as political and media elites. He also examines why this movement was vulnerable to Trump, who promised them respect and that he would defend them. He would be their strong man in the White House. With passion for his faith and his credentials as a conservative, Miller's arguments carry a power and authority not found in similar works by secular sources. He treats both sides of his arguments with equal seriousness. His book provides a powerful history and analysis of Christian nationalism and why a religion of American greatness is bad, both for America and for religion. VERDICT Miller's book is nothing less than essential reading in this over-heated moment. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries, plus contemporary religion collections.—Herman Sutter
