How Wealth, Misinformation, and Religion Undermine American Freedom and Constitutional Inclusiveness

Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream: A Brief Introduction

Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream threatens democracy! Explore how in our review of Katherine Stewart’s brilliant book, Money, Lies, and God. Stewart’s Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, investigates a movement blending Christian nationalism, billionaire oligarchs, and conservative ideologues to dismantle pluralistic democracy in the U.S.

The movement emerged during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan over four decades ago. With unsinkable, measured progress toward the theocratic goal, the Evangelical right wing moving with the speed of a garden slug captured the Republican Party, elected Donald Trump twice, and now seems to have a large voice in the government of the United States. The Reagan presidency introduced Neo-Liberalism and Randian self-interest into American Politics. Suddenly greed became good and the lines between church and state blurred to the point of being a Constitutional protection.

Stewart meticulously explores how wealth, disinformation, and religious fervor have propelled this anti-democratic agenda. Her findings emphasize these forces’ organized and strategic efforts, contrasting them with less coordinated pro-democracy groups. The Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream is adept at dominating the political discourse while progressives argue over what words are inclusive, the pronouns that we are now obliged to use, and other such nonsense to alienate even a large part of their ranks; Just ask Bill Mahar.

Money, Lies, and God: Three Pillars of Antidemocracy

Stewart identifies money, lies, and religion as the foundational elements sustaining the Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream. She details how billionaire benefactors like Thomas Monaghan and Timothy Busch have shaped a gospel that champions capitalism while funding anti-democratic institutions. For instance, Busch’s donation to Catholic University exemplifies the union of religious ideology and free-market economics.

The role of lies emerges prominently. Stewart documents how initiatives like Chad Connelly’s Faith Wins weaponize election integrity narratives to mobilize voters under false pretenses of widespread electoral fraud. Such tactics exploit anger and resentment among voters who feel alienated by societal changes.

Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream ties these efforts together. Stewart uncovers the influence of Christian nationalist theology, which promotes the erroneous belief that the U.S. was founded as a Christian nation. This ideology fuels policies undermining democracy and advancing authoritarianism, often under the guise of moral righteousness.

Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream: Strengthened through Dangerous Alliances

Stewart critiques the Republican Party’s capitulation to this movement. Since Ronald Reagan’s presidency, she notes, wealthy Christian donors have rebranded religious values to align with trickle-down economics. This strategy has radicalized political discourse, fostering what Stewart terms “reactionary nihilism.”

Her research underscores the movement’s unifying tactics, including coordinated voter engagement and mentorship programs that ensure a steady influx of ideologically aligned activists. Groups like the Virginia Project, though not explicitly Christian, align with this vision through shared goals of dismantling democracy and securing power.

A Path Forward for Pro-Democracy Forces: Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream and Rational Resistance to Theocracy

Despite the grim realities Stewart presents, she offers hope. She outlines six key strategies for countering this movement, emphasizing organization, collaboration, and long-term planning. Pro-democracy groups must adopt the same strategic focus that has propelled the Christian nationalist movement to prominence.

Stewart argues that a majority of Americans still value democratic principles. By engaging this silent majority and reinforcing the foundational values of democracy, it is possible to counteract the influence of oligarchs and ideologues.

Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream: A Critical Assessment

Stewart’s work is a compelling and urgent call to action. Her detailed research highlights the dangers posed by unchecked wealth and religious nationalism. However, some readers may find her solutions overly optimistic. While her recommendations are pragmatic, implementing them requires resources and coordination that pro-democracy movements often lack.

Nonetheless, Stewart’s analysis provides a vital roadmap for understanding and resisting the forces undermining American democracy. Her work underscores the need for vigilance and action to preserve democratic institutions.

An Evangelical Christian theocracy in the United States might include the following:

• Legislation Based on Biblical Doctrine: Laws would likely reflect conservative evangelical interpretations, particularly on issues like abortion, same-sex marriage, and gender roles.
• Mandated Religious Practices: Public institutions, including schools, might require prayer, Bible study, or religious instruction as part of daily activities.
• Erosion of Church-State Separation: Government policies could merge with religious objectives, sidelining secular governance and non-Christian perspectives.
• Cultural and Social Shifts: Society might emphasize traditional family structures, gender roles, and evangelical moral values, with opposing views marginalized.
• Suppression of Dissent: Non-evangelical religious groups and secular voices might face legal or social challenges in expressing differing beliefs.
• Intensified Polarization: A theocratic system could deepen cultural divisions, threatening the nation’s pluralistic foundation and sparking resistance from diverse communities.

Oh yes, and are not these the same people who are screaming about Shariah Law being forced upon the American diverse population by a minority religious population; a fantasy of the far Christian Right that has no basis in fact or practice? With the prevaricator-in-chief assuming the leadership of the nation there may be cause to fear Stewart’s conclusions; I ask, is America now for sale to the highest bidder or will we be able to convince progressives to dismount from their high horse and grapple with the reality of politics in the United States before the Christian Nationalist Theocratic Dream slinks into the reality much like Margaret Attwood described in The Handmaid’s Tale.

Sources Cited

Stewart, K. (2023). Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy.

The Guardian US Edition. (2025). “Money, Lies, and God exposes a Christian nationalist movement…”

Suggestions for Further Reading Related to Christian Nationalism’s Theocratic Dream

The Power Worshippers by Katherine Stewart – A deep dive into the rise of Christian nationalism.

Democracy in Chains by Nancy MacLean – Examines the secretive plans to dismantle democracy.

Dark Money by Jane Mayer – Investigates the billionaire’s influence on American politics.

God and Government by Jarrett Stepman – Explores religion’s role in U.S. governance.

One Nation Under God by Kevin Kruse – Reveals how religion shaped American capitalism.

The End of White Christian America by Robert P. Jones – Analyzes demographic shifts and their impact.

American Fascists by Chris Hedges – Discusses the dangers of fundamentalism in politics.

The Evangelicals by Frances FitzGerald – Chronicles the history of evangelicalism in the U.S.

On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder – Provides lessons on resisting authoritarianism.

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