In his new book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory," Tim Alberta, a journalist for The Atlantic, delves into the intersection of faith and politics in the evangelical community. Drawing from personal experiences and extensive research, Alberta examines the rise of extremism within the American church, specifically focusing on the white evangelical movement. The book offers insights into the challenges faced by evangelicals and the impact of their political affiliations on the broader church landscape.

Alberta's exploration of faith and politics is rooted in his own upbringing and family history. Growing up in Goodwill Church in New York's Hudson Valley, Alberta's father, Richard Alberta, underwent a transformative experience that led him to become a born-again Christian. Richard went on to serve as a pastor in the church, eventually relocating the family to Michigan where he led Cornerstone Evangelical Presbyterian Church.

Despite his father's encouragement to remain grounded, Tim Alberta pursued a career in journalism and focused on political reporting. However, his dedication to objective reporting and his critical coverage of then-President Donald Trump attracted opposition from some conservative church members. Even during the viewing of his father's remains, Alberta was confronted by individuals questioning his faith and engaging in political debates, which he found deeply disconcerting.

Alberta's research highlights the changing dynamics within the white evangelical community. According to the Pew Research Center, 24% of American adults identify as evangelical, and a significant 68% of white evangelicals are supportive of Trump. This shift, Alberta argues, disrupts the traditional norms within both the Republican Party and the church, allowing fringe elements to dominate mainstream evangelicalism.

The tensions and divisions within today's churches are a culmination of evangelicals gaining increasing influence over the past few decades. From Billy Graham's renowned stadium crusades to Donald Trump's stadium rallies, the influence of evangelicals in shaping American politics has been profound. Recent years have witnessed heated debates within the evangelical community regarding responses to matters like the COVID-19 pandemic and support for Trump.

At Goodwill Church, Senior Pastor John Torres echoes Alberta's concerns about politics overshadowing the true purpose of the church. Torres emphasizes his desire to speak solely about matters of faith and Jesus during his sermons, rather than engaging in political discussions. However, other evangelicals view their involvement in politics as a validation of their hard-won power within society.

Alberta challenges the evangelical leaders who perceive Trump's presidency as a victory for conservative America, urging them to consider the scriptures and the principles of their faith. Nevertheless, many evangelicals enthusiastically embraced Trump's rhetoric and behavior, seeing him as a vehicle to reclaim and wield power. Alberta notes that the allure of power can lead individuals to compromise their principles and values, which is concerning within a religious context.

Despite the challenges and complexities within the evangelical community, Alberta maintains that his faith has never been stronger. Balancing his role as a reporter and his own spiritual journey, Alberta believes that his calling is to shed light on the relationship between faith and politics. He acknowledges that as a journalist, he was never meant to be the story, yet he feels compelled to address the issues he has witnessed. Through his book, Alberta aims to provoke reflection and discussion on the state of American evangelicalism in the age of extremism.