Because many Americans (religious or otherwise) are impacted by the intersection of faith, democracy, and justice in the U.S., this book by Amanda Tyler (an attorney and lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism) comes at a critical moment in our history. How to End Christian Nationalism aims to uncover how Christianity is being weaponized to justify fear, exclusion, and even violence in our nation.
Before you pick it up, though, here are a few things to know about this book.
- This book is NOT an attack on Christianity or Christian expression in public life.
- This book is NOT about labeling individuals as enemies.
- This book IS a call for everyone—both believers and non-believers—to reclaim the values of love and care.
- This book IS about how to understand and dismantle a deeply embedded ideology.
Tyler makes it clear that Christian nationalism is both an ideology and a political movement. It’s not about one politician or party—it’s about a false narrative that links Christianity with national identity, white supremacy, and authoritarianism.
There is no easy fix for Christian nationalism because, as Tyler points out:
“Ending Christian nationalism cannot be accomplished in my lifetime or yours. We must accept that a problem that has gone unaddressed for centuries will take several generations to resolve.”
However, Tyler still offers 8 steps as a starting place for “this multigenerational project.”
Step One: Name and Understand the Threat
“Christian nationalism is flourishing both because it is a pervasive ideology and because it is a well-funded political movement.”
- Christian nationalism predates the founding of the U.S.
- It thrives on myths, like the idea that the U.S. is or should be a “Christian nation.”
- When people understand what Christian nationalism really is, they’re more likely to reject it.
Step Two: Ground Yourself in Love
“Christian nationalism bows to three idols in particular: power, fear, and violence.”
- This chapter is a reminder that the foundation for resistance needs to be rooted in love, not fear.
- Tyler draws a sharp contrast between the gospel of Jesus and the gospel of domination.
Step Three: Denounce Violence
“One marker of the violence that surrounds us is American society’s idolatrous devotion to guns and gun culture.”
- This section was particularly powerful to me as a gun safety advocate.
- Tyler explains how the gun culture in America is often wrapped in religious rhetoric with deep ties to a Christian nationalist ideology.
Step Four: Commit to the Separation of Church and State
“Preserving religious freedom is important not only for historically marginalized groups. Separation of church and state is also an important protection for those who practice the majority religion.”
- Religious freedom loses all meaning if it isn’t for everyone.
- Tyler explains why state-endorsed religion actually weakens authentic faith.
Steps Five–Eight: Take Action Locally and Publicly
“Working to end Christian nationalism does not mean working to end Christian expression in the public square.”
These chapters are full of practical tools:
- How to have hard conversations with loved ones
- Ways to advocate in your local church or school board
- Ideas for organizing or supporting efforts in your community
Most importantly, Tyler encourages everyone to keep showing up—in love and truth—whether Christian or not.
Tyler is careful not to demonize anyone who is already a follower of Christian nationalism. She focuses on the ideology, not the people caught up in it. She doesn’t label anyone a Christian nationalist, but rather talks instead about Christian nationalism, a subtle difference but a significant one. This respectful distinction is an excellent starting point for conversations we need to have on any divisive topic. Otherwise, name-calling and harsh assumptions crush any chance of moving forward together.
Who should read this book? Anyone who values freedom and democracy, regardless of your religious orientation. It’s not an easy read—but it’s an important and relevant one. Christian nationalism is something we all should understand if we want to end it.
As Tyler says,
“When people know more about Christian nationalism, they are much more likely to reject it than to embrace it.
Clarity around what Christian nationalism is and the impact that it has on our and our neighbors’ freedoms is an important first step to dismantling the ideology and its threat to democracy.”
Share your thoughts in the comments.
My thanks to Netgalley for
the review copy of this book
