Political polarization—according to some on the left—can be mostly attributed to “misunderstandings” and “lapses in civility.” If only we could more politely converse with each other, the thinking goes, then we’d all get along and mend our divisions.

This is misguided. As this book clearly demonstrates, there is no equal blame—the current threat to democracy is coming disproportionately from the antidemocratic right, as any sane reading of recent political history reveals.

The author, Katherine Stewart—who’s been reporting on the rise of religious nationalism and antidemocratic forces for decades—poignantly notes:

“I will venture that few who have familiarized themselves with this movement will be tempted to minimize the danger it represents to our collective well-being.”

By the end of the book, you’ll be forced to agree. Stewart describes in great detail how the hard-right (which has captured the Republican Party) is spreading political chaos and collective insanity through well-funded, well-organized channels skilled at propaganda, targeting a large segment of the American population most susceptible to such manipulation. You’ll meet the funders, thinkers, and influencers at the heart of this highly sophisticated campaign to spread disinformation, confusion, hatred, and doubt, all in the service of maintaining or exacerbating current levels of inequality.

Although what is labeled as “the right” in fact consists of a diverse group of sometimes competing interests, they are all, in fact, roughly united by a kind of “reactionary nihilism”—to use Stewart’s term—that seeks to tear down existing institutions—to be replaced with something only ever vaguely defined. But whatever it is, it certainly won’t be “American.”

The American experiment was rooted in the idea that everyone is equal and free to govern themselves in a pluralistic society—not to be governed by certain races or genders or forced to abide by the dictates of archaic religions. So if the campaign to destroy the American experiment (and democracy along with it) succeeds, as Stewart notes, you can count on one thing: that it will harm everyone—including, perhaps especially, those who mistakenly and brazenly support it.

Katherine Stewart's Money, Lies, and God is a meticulously researched exposé that examines the hidden connections between religious nationalism, political power, and financial influence in America. Through detailed, documented reporting, Stewart uncovers the ways various factions—from reactionary religious activists to secular billionaires—collaborate to undermine democratic principles. She makes a compelling case that today's religious right is "an anti-American, antidemocratic, authoritarian party that exploits its spiritual claims over its congregants to advance its own power and its own political and economic agenda." A must-read for those seeking to understand the forces reshaping the nation's political landscape.

A must-read for anyone concerned about what is happening to American Democracy. Conservative groups have been playing the long game and aren't afraid to use each other to gain ground even when they disagree on important issues. This book has a lot of daunting information but it is important to learn and understand the complexities of the situation. Stewart concludes with an outline of what can be done to restore a democratic future.

Money, Lies, and God is essential reading for anyone confused about the alliance on the right between Christian nationalists, republican politicians, and billionaires. As someone who considers themselves more knowledgeable than the average person on this topic, I still learned quite a bit. I wasn't as familiar with billionaires' roles (outside of funding) within this movement but now I'm seeing the overlap in talking points that are popping up in the conservative/"enlightened centrist" crowd. Overall, I think this is Stewart's best book and highly recommend it!