The Flag and the Cross

White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy

By: Samuel L. Perry, Philip S. Gorski, Jemar Tisby - foreword

Narrated by: Keith Sellon-Wright

Most Americans were shocked by the violence they witnessed at the nation's Capital on January 6th, 2021. And many were bewildered by the images displayed by the insurrectionists: a wooden cross and wooden gallows; "Jesus saves" and "Don't Tread on Me;" Christian flags and Confederate Flags; even a prayer in Jesus's name after storming the Senate chamber. Where some saw a confusing jumble, Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry saw a familiar ideology: white Christian nationalism.

Gorski and Perry explain what white Christian nationalism is; when it first emerged and how it has changed; where it's headed and why it threatens democracy. Tracing the development of this ideology over the course of three centuries-and especially its influence over the last three decades-they show how, throughout American history, white Christian nationalism has animated the oppression, exclusion, and even extermination of minority groups while securing privilege for white Protestants. It enables white Christian Americans to demand "sacrifice" from others in the name of religion and nation, while defending their "rights" in the names of "liberty" and "property."

The future of American democracy will depend on whether a broad spectrum of Americans can unite in a popular front to combat the threat to liberal democracy posed by white Christian nationalism.

©2022 Oxford University Press (P)2022 Tantor

Well Researched

I appreciated the connection to the threat we faced throughout all of US history being tied into how it roaring its voice again in today’s world.

Important analysis

Narration is clear and appropriately serious in tone.

Analysis is insightful, lamentable, cautionary, and foreboding. The more I learn about religionists’ intrusions into politics the less I favor tax emotions for any of them.

Good, bad, well informed or not, the government should tax all of them. Too many either skirt tax responsibilities (Mormon church), shelter sexual predators (the Catholic Church is not the only one), and in myriad other ways pitch self-aggrandizement under the guise of righteousness.

We are all entitled to our own opinions but are also all obligated to support fair play in expressing and acting upon those opinions. Established religion should be equally as invested both in mind and manner as all the rest of us.

Understanding the history and present of U.S. Christian Nationalism

This book presents important data and history to understand the forces that are promoting Christian Nationalism and Anti-democratic authoritarianism in the U.S. today and the implications for our country going forward.

Well done!

This book breaks down the connection between MAGA and Christian Nationalism. A must read for those interested in understanding the complexities of our political dynamics today. Not only does this book explain the why but also makes suggestions about how we as a nation can defeat both the MAGA ideology and Christian Nationalism. Well done! I am so happy I purchased this book.

do you give it 5 stars because the info is good?

Well written, carefully researched, and an excellent narrator. However, I would give a lot not to have to learn this information about fellow white American Christians. some people need to a whole lot better in terms of both their religious education and their civics education, but then I already knew that. If you claim to follow a Brown Middle Eastern Jew executed for sedition, who hung out with women, sexual and racial minorities and praised gay men as being the most faithful example of loving devotion, you might want to get over your sexism racism, nativism, and imperialism.... but then welcome to America. Shame on us.

Interesting Take

Thought provoking, interesting take on the current state of affairs. A guide to what could happen unless change is enacted.

Excellent research about white supremacy politics

This is an obviously left-wing yet thoroughly researched book about white supremacy politics. The narrator is talented and likable.

strong recommed

Great look at recent history. Strong recommend. I hope everyone gets a chance to read.

Educational and interesting

Educational and interesting. I enjoyed the book. The narrator was ok but could have been more engaging.

Pretty long and repetitive

Comprehensive look at the current state of religion in America today. Shows the political influence’s that impact Christianity for several decades.