In the face of a rising threat to both church and democracy, Baptizing America provides an urgent examination and an enlightening critique exposing the dangerous undercurrents of Christian Nationalism. How can Mainline Protestants spot such practices in their own activities? A crucial call to reckon with influences before it's too late.

Christian Nationalism presents an existential threat to both Christ's church and American democracy. Now is the time -- before it is too late -- to reckon with all the places its pernicious influence arises. On full display in recent elections, Christian Nationalism also exists in sanctuaries where an American flag has been displayed for decades, when we pledge allegiance to one nation Under God, or when the U.S. is called a Christian nation. Baptizing America critiques the concept of civil religion, arguing that such expressions are far more dangerous than we realize. Mainline Protestant congregations will likely recognize themselves in the overlooked expressions of Christian Nationalism that pop up in the activities of both church and state.

Exposing the dangerous misinterpretations that fuel Christian Nationalism, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists reveals how scripture is twisted to justify politics of hate and division. Learn how to recognize these manipulations--and discover a more faithful way to read the Bible through the lens of Jesus' love and justice.

While Brian Kaylor's previous book, Baptizing America, explored the origins of Christian Nationalism, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists explores how certain political figures twist scripture to serve as a political tool and their own agendas, from misapplying passages to promoting violence. This book unpacks the techniques behind the misuse of biblical texts like numerology, selective key words, and rewriting scripture, showing how these misinterpretations distort the teachings of Jesus. Kaylor also offers an antidote to this trend--an approach to reading the Bible that centers love, justice, and the true message of Christ, challenging the exploitation of faith for political power. Through his humor and sarcasm, Kaylor takes seriously the threat Christian Nationalism poses to minorities, to civil liberties, especially the freedom of religion, and to democracy itself.

The 2016 presidential election provides voters with the two least popular nominees in polling history. Both come with a record of ethical scandals, flip-flops, and outright lies. Yet, many pastors and Christian leaders willingly risk their credibility and witness by publicly endorsing one of these flawed candidates simply because of party affiliation. Donald Trump's vulgar, bigoted, violent, authoritarian, and racist rhetoric and policies stand in stark opposition to biblical teachings. We must be politically engaged, but we must do so without ignoring our consciences and throwing away our principles. In this book, award-winning author Brian Kaylor addresses the moral issues at stake in the 2016 election, explores how the Christian faith became too closely tied to partisan politics, and considers the alternative political engagement called for in scripture. This book also includes practical steps to help Christians offer much-needed prophetic politics during this and future campaigns.

The old maxim is true: sometimes it is not just what you say, it is how you say it. One of the great problems in the Christian community today is a general inability to communicate effectively without polarizing or driving people away. Sometimes the greatest problem is the seeming inability of many Christians to learn the truth of another old maxim: silence is golden.For God's Sake, Shut Up!: Lessons for Christians on How to Speak Effectively and When to Remain Silent offers numerous insights for Christian leaders and followers who desire to share their beliefs in more meaningful and effective ways.