American Idolatry by Whitehead paints a detailed picture of the link between Christian Nationalism and xenophobia in the American Evangelical church today. He draws from his extensive sociological research to define Christian nationalism and then details the three idols of power, fear, and violence. He also provides examples of churches working against these trends. Strongly recommended for anyone currently attending an American Evangelical church who wants to understands the dangers. ( )

Andrew Whitehead presents an insider-to-insider take on Christian nationalism in this slim volume. Still, Whitehead's experience as an academic social scientist is apparent throughout. Despite the author's stated intent and hope that this book be accessible and used by everyday Christians who are likely to encounter Christian nationalist elements in their communities, large portions of this book read like a scholarly argument one might see in an academic journal. That being said, I couldn't help but think of the people in my life who I'd like to see read this book. Recommended for anyone interested in the intersections of religion and politics. ( )

At first, I was not sure who Dr. Whitehead wanted to read this book, a frank and at times brutally honest dissection of white Christian nationalists, but as I read I realized that he hoped to reach and persuade the majority of white Christians who accept or tolerate the kind of Christianity too often flooding our media that what they accept is not true Christianity. He does a good job and spares no one his critique of Christian exceptionalism, racism and chauvinism. This is a short book but it is a powerful one. ( )

In this troubling political climate in our country, my understanding of Christianity and what is being proclaimed from some pulpits, Christian action groups, and politicians that infuse a religiosity in their speech— it doesn’t make sense. Being long aware that the founding fathers did not form a “Christian Nation”, as if that gives leverage to justification to the cry of Christian Nationalism. In Andrew Whitehead’s “American Idolatry,” he points out the ways in which Christians have been led to embrace idols, such as fear. He has presented a clear read on what has brought Christianity to this hard right turn and also provides illustrations of we can come through this crisis with a better understanding of our neighbors. “The Bible clearly shows the values we hold dear.” Turning those values into action, even in small measures, becomes the way of Jesus. “We can remember that the Savior we worship was a Middle Eastern man who lived as a religious minority and whose family members were refugees.” I received my copy of this book through LibraryThing’s early reviewer program and I recommend it to all who struggle with our cultural climate today.. ( )

Whitehead writes from the perspective of both a sociologist and a scholar. He believes that "Christian nationalism betrays the gospel and threatens the church." The power, fear, and violence associated with Christian nationalism are corrupting Christian theology. He focuses on 2 specific areas - xenophobia and racism. It's a very readable book - well organized and clear. Each chapter has a specific title, then there are further subdivisions within the chapters. There are many examples of each topic from Whitehead's own experience, other writers, and the Bible. ( )