American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church

Review

American Idolatry is a powerful, timely, and deeply faithful examination of how Christian nationalism distorts the message of Jesus and undermines the witness of the church. Andrew L. Whitehead approaches this difficult topic not with pride or condescension, but with humility, clarity, and a sincere desire to help both individuals and communities find their way back to the heart of the gospel. What sets this book apart is its tone. Whitehead never uses his research as a weapon. There are no cheap shots or gotcha moments. Instead, he writes as someone who loves the church and longs for it to reflect the radical love, justice, and humility of Christ. His words are firm but pastoral, grounded in both sociological insight and genuine spiritual concern. He exposes how Christian nationalism replaces trust in God with trust in power, fear, and cultural dominance, but he does so with compassion for those caught in its grip. This is not a book about scoring points. It is a call to repentance, restoration, and renewed discipleship. American Idolatry is essential reading for anyone who wants to follow Jesus faithfully in an age of political confusion and religious compromise. It gave me hope that change is possible, and a deeper conviction that the gospel is worth reclaiming.