I just completed reading the book, Disarming Leviathan: Loving Your Christian Nationalist Neighbor by Caleb E. Campbell. This book was part of The Holy Post book club. I have read much about Christian Nationalism. I am baffled at why popular Christian leaders embrace Christian Nationalism. Since I did not learn much new from this book, I will let a few commendations from the book describe it.
“Disarming Leviathan is essential reading for this time. Many of us who have been pushed to the margins of US evangelicalism have watched with horror and contempt at what has happened to a once deeply spiritual ecclesial movement now solely identified as a rabid extreme political movement. Caleb Campbell provides a necessary service for the church. He makes what was once hidden plain to see—a revelation of an insidious movement that has grown roots and flourished in our midst. He accomplishes this act of prophetic revelation with thoughtfulness and grace, offering a pastoral path forward.”
Soong-Chan Rah, Robert Munger Professor of Evangelism at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of Prophetic Lament
“As ‘Christian nationalism’ has become a buzzword in the United States, pastors and Christian leaders have responded in distinct ways: some have embraced the concept, many have tried to ignore it, and others have mocked its adherents or plotted their defeat. Caleb Campbell offers a better, more Christlike way, combining a sobering assessment of the heretical elements of American Christian nationalism with a deep love for the people who have fallen into its trappings. This gracious and well-researched book is an essential resource for pastors and others seeking to love their neighbors well.”
Matthew Soerens, vice president of advocacy and policy for World Relief and coauthor of Inalienable
“Many thought leaders today both inside and outside the church are concerned about the global rise of Christian nationalism. What I love about Caleb Campbell’s approach is that he recognizes Christian nationalists as neighbors who need discipleship in the way of Jesus. Caleb has taken the time to understand the movement from the inside, and he offers practical ways to engage in substantive conversation without shutting people down. If you share our concern that Christian nationalism distorts biblical principles, then this book will show you what to do about it. It’s not enough to disagree. We need to engage.”
Carmen Joy Imes, associate professor of Old Testament at Biola University and author of Bearing God’s Name
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