Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America

"Ironic, isn't it, that people professing to be ‘Christians’ adamantly oppose the instructions and teachings of the person they claim to have accepted as their ‘personal savior.’"

Much has been written about the Christian Right lately. Talia Lavin has produced a new book that is long on anecdotal recitations and supported by extensive research. The author is not an apologist of this religious-based movement and that makes the book all the more interesting.

One thing becomes apparent while reading Wild Faith and that is how the Christian Right (or "Christian Nationalists" in some circles) has little connection to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Retribution and retaliation replaces the gentler nonviolent positions found in the New Testament.

Ironic, isn't it, that people professing to be Christians adamantly oppose the instructions and teachings of the person they claim to have accepted as their "personal savior."

Lavin’s in-depth analysis of the tenacity of the culture war being perpetrated by adherents to conservative Christianity presents a different perspective. Lavin clarifies the militancy that is the predominant theme of the Religious Right, their determination to purge American culture and society from the demons that are running rampant.

Lavin's description of the efforts engaged in by these people brings to mind the Salem witch hunts, which also targeted anyone who, for whatever reason, was deemed unacceptable by members of the community.

Lavin's research shows that throughout American history there have always been people who believe they know more and are better able to create the perfect world—so long as everyone falls in line with their views and beliefs. Those who do not acquiesce are eliminated by whatever means are necessary.

The Christian Right is nothing more than a campaign designed to impose a straight, white theocracy on the United States. There is nothing in its ethos that would resonate with Jesus Christ, nor reflect his teachings as reflected in the four Gospels of the New Testament.

According to Lavin, there is nothing progressive about this world view, especially when it comes to women. Lavin quotes Caroline Shanley who wrote that their crusade "is part of a broader attempt to place women firmly under male control, and to determinedly annihilate both their bodily autonomy and their equal citizenship." The assault on women is a significant part of a "conservative agenda that wants to reinforce women's subordination to men." A primary belief is that men are superior to everyone and are divinely destined to be solely in charge of everything.

Lavin challenges readers to consider why this minority movement has managed to ingratiate itself into American politics, and why so many dismiss the Christian Right's ideology that "politics and spiritual warfare are one and the same." Such a position is contrary to Jesus Christ’s preaching about beating swords into ploughshares.

Lavin explains the inconsistency inherent in the Christian Right campaign while acknowledging the cleverness of couching their ideas by using the term "Christian" because too many are reluctant to challenge anyone's "religious beliefs."

The author points out that the Christian Right will not accept a world that is inclusive or tolerant of other beliefs. This follows a long history of intolerance of other religions that have always existed in this country.

Thomas Jefferson wrote about the predilection of people in this country to condemn others for their differing beliefs in what has come to be known as the "Jefferson Bible." Jefferson faced criticism for his unorthodox religious beliefs when running for president in 1800, and when he argued for a  "wall of separation between Church and State," which he believed was a principle established by the First Amendment.

After reading Lavin's book will anyone believe that these conservative Christians will leave the First Amendment's language intact? And there is little doubt that the actions of the Taliban and Iran's religious police will be mirrored, if not exceeded, by these ersatz Christians in the United States. That may sound too unbelievable unless one accepts that they mean what they say.

Americans have lived in a republic with unparalleled rights and privileges for almost 250 years and have become complacent in their refusal to take seriously what is facing the country. Lavin writes, "[W]hether it's cynicism, laziness, or both, this milquetoast commentary—or simple omission of the plain fact that a theocratic movement is growing in the United States—has misled much of the public into dismissing these beliefs as the fantasies of a tiny slice of fired-up congregants rather than a large, powerful movement—aiming and often succeeding—at shaping the public sphere of the United States in its own image."

Lavin gives readers an uncompromising insight into the Christian Right that will give pause to many preconceived notions and, perhaps, prompt a reconsideration of their legitimacy.