A senior political reporter for Salon.com who has been covering the intersection of politics and ideology for years discusses how the growing influ...
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Jul 27, 2008
Dan
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Hmmm.... if you like bland writing from that oh so charming leftist alarmist perspective, this book is for you! Basically, it's porn for us coastal elites who watch in fascination of those middle states. And sometimes that's ok. Unfortunately, the writing is excruciatingly dumb, and the author's obvious disdain for her subject makes this a book that should have stayed as the Salon article it undoubtedly started out as.
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Feb 22, 2008
Lawrence A
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Nov 09, 2011
Lee
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Goldberg, a secular Jew, provides a hard-nosed look at the agendas and power of ultra-conservative Christian organizations in the United States. Goldberg calls this trend “Christian Nationalism,” after the openly-stated goal of many fundamentalist leaders to “take back America.” From, of course, the gays, the morally decadent (such as distributors of birth control), the Darwin-lovers, and the unpatriotic atheists who believe in separation of church and state.
Goldberg comes on strong an More...
Goldberg comes on strong an More...
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Mar 23, 2011
Mamamilkshake
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"Kingdom Coming" serves as a brief and simple read that provides a terrifying and gripping introduction to the Christian nationalism movement that is quickly spreading like forest fire in the United States. The movement is a fascist monster that seeks to undermine the pluralism and liberalism for which our nation has always supported and feels deeply persecuted by the mere existence of religious minorities, non-believers, liberal Christians, and others who not subscribe to conservative
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Jul 25, 2008
Lori
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I learned quite a bit about a group of people who call themselves Christian Reconstructionists, who want to build that bridge to the 10th century. Scary stuff. If you are female, gay, want to control the number of children you have or just want to live in the good ol' state separated from church, formally know as the U.S. -- maybe you should read about what these fanatics have planned for the rest of us.
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Nov 05, 2009
Micah
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I thought this book might tell me something I didn't know already, but it was mostly just a slam on US Christian fundamentalism. The author attempted to present herself as a balanced observer, but it was obvious very quickly that she had a bone to pick and did not seem to have enough background in the culture(s) that she was critiquing.
Ultimately, while I sympathize with her distrust of the quasi-fascist, fundamentalist wing of American Christianity, I thought the book was weak in that More...
Ultimately, while I sympathize with her distrust of the quasi-fascist, fundamentalist wing of American Christianity, I thought the book was weak in that More...
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Jul 06, 2009
Nathan
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Goldberg is not exactly an unbiased observer; she is a liberal and a secular Jew whose positions are inherently opposed to those that power the movement she studies. A few of the links of her vast right-wing conspiracy seem a little tenuous and her tone is intermittently alarmist. Still, the issues she raises are relevant and the dangers she predicts are nothing to sneeze at; she's biased, but by and large, she's biased against a movement that is incredibly odious. This book was personally very
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Jan 28, 2012
Paul
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A very quick and easy read about the rise fundamentalist Christianity. We're not talking about the "let's go to church on Sunday and forget everything during the week" crowd. This is about the forces of the evangelical movement and political figures who have looked for and found ways to subvert our secular values-attacking science in the classroom, enforcing clearly religious edicts in government, and acting as morality enforcers.
It was a subject which I hadn't really thought More...
It was a subject which I hadn't really thought More...
Oct 04, 2011
وحـي مـن الـداخـل
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ميشيل غولدبيرغ هي مؤلفة هذا الكتاب يهودية بحسب ما ذكرت بكتابها هذا..
تتحدث هنا عن الأصولية المسيحية ومحاولتها لتقويض العلمانية الامريكية!
الكتاب مقسم لتسعة اجزاء يبدأ بداية مثيرة و بكم من الاحداث و الوقائع التي تثبت قوة وصلابة القومية المسيحية في مواجهتها للعلمانية..لكن يبدأ الكتاب في تكرير نفسه في الأجزاء اللاحقة..
كتاب اعتبره جيد للمهتمين بالسياسة و علم اللاهوت . More...
تتحدث هنا عن الأصولية المسيحية ومحاولتها لتقويض العلمانية الامريكية!
الكتاب مقسم لتسعة اجزاء يبدأ بداية مثيرة و بكم من الاحداث و الوقائع التي تثبت قوة وصلابة القومية المسيحية في مواجهتها للعلمانية..لكن يبدأ الكتاب في تكرير نفسه في الأجزاء اللاحقة..
كتاب اعتبره جيد للمهتمين بالسياسة و علم اللاهوت . More...
Sep 08, 2011
Samrat
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It's an interesting book, but much of it reads like an extended Salon article and I tend to think it would have been better as a series of online essays. I was already familiar with her premise from her frequent Rachel Maddow appearances and some online articles so there wasn't much new material here.
I was shocked (shocked! I tell ya) to realize that faith-based-initiative funding was still promoting hiring discrimination. I guess I'd assumed that, like the Salvation Army case descri More...
I was shocked (shocked! I tell ya) to realize that faith-based-initiative funding was still promoting hiring discrimination. I guess I'd assumed that, like the Salvation Army case descri More...
Jun 10, 2007
Lori
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Good read. (hahaha) It's brief, and includes some wonderful discussion of connections between right wing religio-political fanatacism and government politics/policy. Goldberg's concern in not wanting to sound alarmist doesn't quite translate into her analysis. But then again, it's difficult not to sound alarmist when legal precedents you hold near and dear can now so easily be overturned in the Supreme and federal courts. But this book is NO conspiracy theory!
Personally, I love th More...
Personally, I love th More...
Jul 26, 2007
Katherine
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For anyone who considers himself or herself to be well-versed in modern American politics, the bigger themes in this book are no surprise at all. There is a wealth of detail here, though, that I have not found anywhere else. Goldberg points towards some semblance of an explanation for why terrorist-fearing voters might make opposing gay marriage their political priority in 2004. There's lots of humor to be found and her in-detail interviews with the foot soldiers of the Christian right are nothi
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Apr 03, 2007
Chazz
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Kingdom Coming, by Michelle Goldberg - 3 stars; an exposee about the feverish political power grab of Christian evangelicals, especially by the so-called Christian Reconstructionists, who openly advocate an Old Testament theocracy in America; too detailed (too many names and dates), but still quite fascinating nonetheless; obviously, not for the Pat Robertson crowd. Sample excerpt, from page 1: "Michael Farris, the founder and president of the evangelical Patrick Henry College, calls his ca
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Apr 02, 2009
Don
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This is a little scary.
Goldberg provides a broad survey of the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S. I think that, in some respects, it's a bit over the top and slightly paranoid.
The other problem is, through no fault of Goldberg's, the portrayal of the political strength of the Christian right is outdated. Events move quickly and what appeared particularly problematic at the end of 2005, when this book was written, seems somewhat less worrisome now.
Goldberg provides a broad survey of the rise of Christian nationalism in the U.S. I think that, in some respects, it's a bit over the top and slightly paranoid.
The other problem is, through no fault of Goldberg's, the portrayal of the political strength of the Christian right is outdated. Events move quickly and what appeared particularly problematic at the end of 2005, when this book was written, seems somewhat less worrisome now.
Jul 03, 2011
Connie
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What a great researcher and writer! She summarizes all the activities of the 'Christian' fundamentalists from the 80s to present, and also draws corollaries to their activities and focus in previous decades.
What a dangerous bunch. Worse than I had surmised. She does give some suggestions for future actions that sane and moderate people should take.
Highly recommended. I will re-read. I have it well-marked for future reference.
What a dangerous bunch. Worse than I had surmised. She does give some suggestions for future actions that sane and moderate people should take.
Highly recommended. I will re-read. I have it well-marked for future reference.
Nov 16, 2010
Michael
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This is the second book I've read about Christian Nationalists, dominionist Christians of great power and wealth who are undermining democracy and reason in our country. Their influence in politics, and their intent, is to make the U.S. a strict Christian nation by passing legislation aimed at benefiting Christians and oppressing secularists and other religions, as well as installing biblical laws as U.S. laws by overtaking the Supreme Court.
This is Michelle Goldberg's first book. More...
This is Michelle Goldberg's first book. More...
Dec 05, 2008
Paul
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Good book detailing the abuses of the "christian" bush administration and how it has pandered to the evangelical base in part responsible for his election, (if you really ignore the facts and believe he was elected{either time}).
More importantly, Ms. Goldberg does an excellent job of illuminating the dangerous changes being made in how federal dollars are spent and tied up with christian interests.
More importantly, Ms. Goldberg does an excellent job of illuminating the dangerous changes being made in how federal dollars are spent and tied up with christian interests.
Jan 05, 2012
Kevvy
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Christian nationalists are slowly gaining influence in American government by filling elected and appointed positions with right-wing religious persons. Using American tax dollars to evangelize and put non-Christians and members of the gay community out of work. Problem reached zenith in Bush Administration; not enough coverage in the media.
Jul 21, 2010
Peter
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Politically speaking I have a lot in common with the author, but this book is essentially a collection of quotes and name drops. I think it is a good first effort for Michelle Goldberg, but it lacked a coherent thread to tie the content together. The subject matter is not enough, there needs to be a strong thesis to carry this kind of investigative effort to a succesful end. At times it comes off disjointed and when she did succeed in getting me to want more, she takes off on a different topi
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Jun 28, 2011
Ryan
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This is a compelling, well-written, and scary, description of the religious right in America. Esp. good at showing their political maneuvering. Anyone who cares about religious freedom (and that includes the freedom to not be religious) would be interested in this book.
Sep 16, 2008
Ryan
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A frightening look inside Christian nationalism - the political ideology that teaches it's the holy duty of Christians to rule over non-believers by overthrowing (or changing) the current government to one based on Biblical Law. Actually, the goal of the movement is even greater, as it seeks to change society itself, not just government, into a new kingdom of God on Earth. The books touches on social wedge issues like abortion, intelligent design, the judicial system, and the separation of Churc
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Sep 03, 2010
Elyssa
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This book made my blood boil and frightened me a great deal. I had to take breaks from reading it because it was upsetting, but I highly recommend it because I now have a much greater awareness of the Christian Nationalist movement and the power they are building in the cultural and political spectrum. Apparently, as a liberal secularist living in NYC, I am the enemy!
Jan 29, 2010
Mark
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Slightly terrifying but vital insight into a section of society that seem to me to want a world entirely different from the one in which I wish to live.
Extremely well written as well - calm & intelligent. Looking forward to reading more from this author
Extremely well written as well - calm & intelligent. Looking forward to reading more from this author
Sep 10, 2009
Dan
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This book was a real eye-opener for me. Let us hope that Christian Nationalism doesn't reach the tipping point where it is practiced openly, for if it did, those holding contrary views would have to fear for their lives.
Nov 07, 2007
Eric
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Michele Goldberg is a Salon.com reporter who is an excellent writer. I first heard her discussing the so-called "war on Christmas" that conservative talking head Bill O'Rielly (among others) was pushing so hard a few years back.
In this book, Goldberg discusses the concept of Christian Nationalism as she sees it manifested in the present day United States of America. Her critique of the rapture-oriented support base for the current administration is fascinating. She dis More...
In this book, Goldberg discusses the concept of Christian Nationalism as she sees it manifested in the present day United States of America. Her critique of the rapture-oriented support base for the current administration is fascinating. She dis More...
Sep 13, 2011
Sarah
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This book was published around 2005-6, before the housing bubble burst and before the Tea Party, but it predicted these things, which was a little spooky. I have become a little obsessed with this topic of the role of fundamentalist Christianity in American government since my own state elected a governor who figures prominently in all of these stories. (Yes, he's mentioned in this book, too.)
Oct 07, 2011
Masheeee
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I have read this book in arabic , the book talks in detail about the win of need for closure .
http://www.psych-it.com.au/Psychlopedia/...
http://www.psych-it.com.au/Psychlopedia/...
Sep 29, 2010
Miranda
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If you are already pissed off at psycho evangelicals or self-righteous super conservatives, this book will piss you off even more.
Jan 01, 2009
Joe
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The rise of religious fundamentilism is real in this country. The books says we can ignore it our own peril.
