Kingdom of Rage

The Rise of Christian Extremism and the Path Back to Peace

De: Elizabeth Neumann

Narrado por: Erin Bennett

A former counterterrorism official explores how modern evangelicalism and right-wing conservatism intermingled to form the combustible ideology that resulted in the January 6 attacks on the Capitol—and which threatens to destroy the American Church from within.

How did a Church that purports to follow the teachings of Jesus—the Prince of Peace—become a breeding ground for violent extremism?

When Elizabeth Neumann began her anti-terrorism career as part of President George W. Bush’s Homeland Security Counsel in the wake of the September 11 attacks, she expected to spend her life protecting her country from the threat of global terrorism.

But as her career evolved, she began to perceive that the greatest threat to American security came not from religious fundamentalists in Afghanistan or Iraq but from white nationalists and radicalized religious fundamentalists within the very institution that was closest to her heart—the American evangelical church. And she began to sound the alarm, raising her concerns to anyone in government who would listen, including testifying before Congress in February of 2020. At that time, Neumann warned that anti-Semitic and white supremacist terrorism was a transnational threat that was building to the doorstep of another major attack. Shortly after her testimony, she resigned from her role as Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention in protest of what she believed was then-President Trump’s failure of leadership and his stoking of the hatred, anger, and division from which she had dedicated her life to protecting her country.

Her worst fears came true when she witnessed the attack on the capital on January 6, 2021.

In Kingdom of Rage, Neumann explores the forces within American society that have encouraged the radicalization of white supremacist, anti-government and other far-right terrorists by co-opting Christian symbols and culture and perverting the faith’s teachings. While Neumann offers decades of insights into the role government policies can play to prevent further bloodshed, she believes real change must come from the within the Christian church. She shines a bright light on the responsibility of ordinary Americans—and particularly American Christians—to work within their families and their communities to counteract the narrative of victimization and marginalization within American evangelicalism. Her goal for this book is not only to sound a warning about one of the greatest threats to our security but to rescue the Church from the forces that will, if left unchecked, destroy it—culturally, morally, and ultimately quite literally. This is a book for anyone who wants to understand the unholy marriage of right-wing politics and Christian exceptionalism in America and who wants to be a part of reversing the current path towards division, hatred, violence and the ultimate undermining of both evangelical Christianity and American democracy.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2024 Elizabeth Neumann (P)2024 Worthy Books

Reseñas de la Crítica

Elizabeth Neumann has done a service to the country—and to the church—by diagnosing the sickness of militant Christian nationalism and prescribing Jesus himself as the cure.—Tim Alberta, The Atlantic and author of New York Times bestseller THE KINGDOM, POWER AND THE GLORY

When it comes to the heavy matters of radicalization and political violence, I trust no one alive more than Elizabeth Neumann, a leader with a keen analytical mind and a lifetime of experience. This book is unsettling, but maybe we've settled for too little for too long. For those who want an American future that's not filled with the dangers now all around us, this book helps us find a better way.—Russell Moore, Editor in Chief of Christianity Today

In this breathtakingly honest book, a former senior Trump Administration Homeland Security official and devout Christian explains the sources of radicalization in our country—including contemptuous politics, a toxic gun culture, intermingling of conservative Republican politics and religion, and deliberate efforts to strengthen partisan divisions. Fortunately, she also describes solutions that apply to all of us—from politicians to educators to parents. Masterful, moving, and wise.—Jessica Stern, research professor, Boston University; senior fellow, Harvard School of Public Health; and author of TERROR IN THE NAME OF GOD

Thankful for complexity and compassion

this book helped me greatly to understand all the hatred I and my co workers experienced particularly during COVID. I wok in medical. the ferocious of many Christians response to trying to help during a pandemic was shocking and well still unbelievable. and excessively grief inducing. thank you

Thought-provoking, hopeful, and well-researched

Elizabeth Neumann uses her experience in counter-terrorism for over 20 years along with tons of research to explain what radicalization is, how someone becomes radicalized, and the signs that a loved one is on a path to radicalization. Furthermore, she explains the history behind the church's unholy alliance with right-wing extremism. But, she doesn't stop there, in the second half of her book she provides hope by giving advise grounded in research-based evidence on how we can prevent and intervene in our communities when we notice the signs of radicalization. Because she is a Christian, she specifically addresses fellow brothers and sisters in Christ while consistently pointing us to Jesus.

The Voice of Sanity

Well researched but remains approachable for average folks. The first part of the book gives an important insider's look into conservative Christianity in the US since the late 20th c. and explains how one side of the cultural divide came to be how it is. It also tells about what it was like work in counter-terrorism in the 21st c, and explains how and why domestic terrorism is a greater threat than from elsewhere.

The second half of the book is definitely aimed at an audience for whom biblical quotes and an assumption that Christianity is the one true way are factors. (If that's not your jam, this might still be worth the listen for the insight into that viewpoint.) But there's a lot of excellent advice offered in a context that speaks directly to that subculture in their own language and framing. Toward the end is some valuable information on how to handle individuals in your pwn life who may be radicalized.

Elizabeth's passion and expertise.

A sometimes scary, but very important book, Kingdom of Rage is essential reading for the America of our time.

Important and hopeful

The author shares what she's learned working at DHS on how people become radicalized and what can be done to protect our country from radicalization. As our country becomes more polarization she offers hope as well as both information and resources on ways to deal with people caught up in it all. Coming from a conservative Christian background, she provides insight for those of us struggling to understand the Christian Nationalist movement. But for me, her stated belief that no one is beyond helping and her encouragement to never give up on anyone, is something I needed to hear.

Good. A lot of information on radical attitudes.

Liked all the references , and helpful information on where to go to get help when dealing with the problem

Insightful

Very well-researched and thought provoking! The pacing of the narrator keeps the reader engaged. I would recommend!

Pathways to Peace

One of the most informative books I’ve ever encountered. Essential reading for those of us who are trying to understand why we are where we are in the U.S. in 2024 with suggestions about how to move us forward toward a more peaceful union.

Great research and eye-opening, sobering info

This was a well-researched book. The author’s experience, courage and boldness is inspiring and refreshing in a time when few people want to get involved much less speak out. Thank you for exposing so many truths!

Good for the soul

This book was so refreshing to listen to, thoughtfully written, and timely. If you are a Christian dismayed at our division, this book is exactly what you may need.