Synopses & Reviews
"Everyone who claims to be 'Christian' or else claims to be upset by 'Christianity' needs to read this book, especially politicians using people's supposed faith for their own ends." —Margaret E. Atwood
"Jim Wallis calls the nation to grow up and he calls us all to fight the love battle to save the soul of America." —From the Foreword by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr.
A major new work by the New York Times bestselling author, arguing that the answer to bad religion is true faith that will help re-found democracy
It is time says Jim Wallis, to call out genuine faith — specifically the "Christian" in White Christian Nationalism — inviting all who can be persuaded to reject and help dismantle a false gospel that propagates white supremacy and autocracy. We need-to raise up the faith of all of us, and help those who are oblivious, stuck, and captive to the ideology and idolatry of White Christian Nationalism that is leading us to such great danger. Wallis turns our attention to six iconic texts at the heart of what genuine biblical faith means and what Jesus, in the gospels, has called us to do. It is time to ask anew: do we believe these teachings or not?
This book isn't only for Christians but for all faith traditions, and even those with no faith at all. When we see a civic promotion of fear, hate, and violence for the trajectory of our politics, we need a civic faith of love, healing, and hope to defeat it. And that must involve all of us-religious or not. Learning to practice a politics of neighbor love will be central to the future of democracy in America. And more than ever, the words of Jesus ring, "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Review
“[An] ardent manifesto….This promises to be a conversation starter in church groups and beyond.” Publishers Weekly
Review
"A balm and an irritant, a peace AND a trouble-maker, Jim Wallis wants to understand the divine truths AND how to live them, not just in private, but in our daily lives. His faith isn't the happy-clappy kind — it's a deeper dive, sometimes in murky waters."
Bono
Review
"Jim Wallis once again demonstrates why he is America's prophet and moral philosopher. His latest book speaks to the idolatry of a Christian faith baptized in whiteness and false notions of supremacy. A must read for anyone concerned about the future of this republic called America."
Otis Moss III, senior pastor, Trinity United Church of Christ, Chicago, Illinois
Review
"Using religion to bless hate is the supreme blasphemy. If you don't believe that, read this book. If you do, urge others to read the book. We need it."
Garry Wills, author, What the Gospels Meant
Review
"An urgent, necessary and essential book by one of the most important Christian voices of our time. Christianity is in danger of being hijacked for purposes that would subvert not only the longstanding traditions of Christian social teaching but, more fundamentally, the Gospel itself."
Rev. James Martin, SJ, Editor at Large, America Media
Review
"This book is for those who don't think Christianity has anything constructive, effective, or loving to offer in society. It is also for those who believe there is a place for faith to inform politics but need the words and receipts to prove make the case."
Jemar Tisby, PhD, author of bestselling author of The Color of Compromise and How to Fight Racism, Professor of History at Simmons College of Kentucky
Review
"A must-read, eye-opening, high alert for everyone who cares that our precious democracy and increasingly multicultural America lay perilously on the chopping block."
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Co-Convener, National African American Clergy Network and author of I Prayed, Now What?
Review
"Jim Wallis is a national treasure. In this powerful new book, he focuses our attention on the pernicious problem of American racism, but more importantly he inspires us to never give up hope on the great promise of American pluralism."
Eboo Patel, Founder and President of Interfaith America; author of We Need To Build
Review
"Thank God for Pastor Jim Wallis. As a Jew and a Rabbi, I am comforted and inspired by this book. Pastor Wallis calls Christians to their conscience and all people to action: live and breathe ancient wisdom that call us to see the divinity in every human, overcome racism and bigotry, and be the multiracial, interfaith democracy America aspires to be."
Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director, Religious Action Center, SVP, Union for Reform Judaism
About the Author
Jim Wallis is Georgetown University's inaugural holder of the Archbishop Desmond Tutu Chair in Faith and Justice, and the Director of its new Center on Faith and Justice. He served on President Obama's first White House Advisory Council on Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and is the author of multiple New York Times bestselling books, including God's Politics. In 2022 and 2023, Washingtonian magazine named Wallis one of the 500 most influential people shaping policy in DC. Wallis is also the founder of Sojourners.