Wild Faith

How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America

By: Tal Lavin

Narrated by: Tal Lavin

The acclaimed author of Culture Warlords investigates the rise of the Christian Right over the last half-century that lays out the grim vision evangelicals are enforcing on our democracy.

"An investigative triumph and a warning." —David Corn, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Russian Roulette and American Psychosis

All across America, a storm is gathering: from book bans in school libraries to anti-trans laws in state legislatures; firebombings of abortion clinics and protests against gay rights. The Christian Right, a cunning political force in America for more than half a century, has never been more powerful than it is right now—it propelled Donald Trump to power, and it won’t stop until it’s refashioned America in its own image.

In Wild Faith, critically acclaimed author Tal Lavin goes deep into what motivates the Christian Right, from its segregationist past to a future riddled with apocalyptic ideology. Using primary sources and firsthand accounts, Lavin introduces you to “deliverance ministers” who carry out exorcisms by the hundreds; modern-day, self-proclaimed prophets and apostles; Christian militias, cults, zealots, and showmen; and the people in power who are aiding them to achieve their goals. Along the way, he explores anti-abortion terrorists, the Christian Patriarchy movement, with its desire to place all women under absolute male control; the twisted theology that leads to rampant child abuse; and the ways conspiracy theorists and extremist Christians influence each other to mutual political benefit.

From school boards to the Supreme Court, Christian theocracy is ascendant in America—and only through exploring its motivations and impacts can we understand the crisis we face. In Wild Faith, Lavin fearlessly confronts whether our democracy can survive an organized, fervent theocratic movement, one that seeks to impose its religious beliefs on American citizens.

"An urgent prophecy, a clarion call, a dire warning about what has been happening in America in plain sight, and yet under the noses of millions. With gorgeous prose and his inimitable style, Lavin lifts up a mirror to the ways in which abuse in private becomes public policy, religion is corrupted into fanaticism, and decades of culture warring has led to the brink—a moment we must face squarely, and fight in solidarity.” —Sarah Weinman, author of The Real Lolita

Esquire Best Nonfiction Books of 2024

Critic reviews

“The Christian right has been threatening American plurality for decades, and its influence is on the rise. In Wild Faith, Tal Lavin thoroughly chronicles how this reactionary force is spreading through the US political system and sounds a clear alarm: Christian nationalism is a growing danger to democracy. To fully understand the peril at hand, you must read this book, which is both an investigative triumph and a warning."—David Corn, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Russian Roulette and American Psychosis

“Tal Lavin's stunning Wild Faith is an urgent prophecy, a clarion call, a dire warning about what has been happening in America in plain sight, and yet under the noses of millions. With gorgeous prose and his inimitable style, Lavin lifts up a mirror to the ways in which abuse in private becomes public policy, religion is corrupted into fanaticism, and decades of culture warring has led to the brink—a moment we must face squarely, and fight in solidarity.”—Sarah Weinman, author of The Real Lolita and Scoundrel

“The good news is that Tal Lavin, with extensive research and deft analysis, has shone a light into the dark corners of hard-right activism. The bad news, as Wild Faith demonstrates, is that an alarming number of white evangelicals are scampering into those corners.”—Randall Balmer, author of Bad Faith

“Tal Lavin's latest deep dive into the darkest—and sometimes deadliest—corners of society takes readers inside the Christian extremism movement that's threatening the country. It's a sobering and essential read that, unfortunately, could not be timelier. Rendered in Lavin's trademark intricate, heart-tugging prose, Wild Faith delivers its apocalyptic message with great urgency and flair. Read this book: your life may depend on it."—Kim Kelly, author of Fight Like Hell

Essential reading for everyone concerned with the white evangelical quest for power

In addition to the reporting and insights Lavin brings to the topic, the narration is brilliant. Lavin is compassionate, thoughtful, and quite witty.

This is the best book I’ve read in ages. 5 stars all day

I loved the audiobook because the author is the reader. Her powerful performance kept my attention the entire time. Excellent!

Excoriating yet riveting review of the dangers of fundamentalist right wing Christianity

Fascinating book. I liked the author’s passion and conviction and learned a lot. As a Catholic mother, I was challenged to look at my own faith with new eyes. I have long felt uneasy about many aspects of Christianity without words to articulate these feelings, especially about the white nationalist evangelical far right. Talia puts a lot of emotion into her audiobook recording, and I prefer when an author reads their own work, but at times she sounds condescending and occasionally mispronounces some words. I disagree with some of her ideas.

Overall, though, I really liked the book and am challenged to continue to learn more and take action against extremist, hateful and violent ideologies, to raise my children with respect, humility, love, and hope to live in a kinder and more tolerant world.

Best Book

I loved this book. It tells a story that many of us have lived. The author was very engaging in her narration. I’ve listened to this book twice already and I have only had it for like three weeks. Most excellent.

Eye-opening overview of our current political situation

Very heartbreaking, comprehensive overview of the political atmosphere of America through the lens of Christian Nationalism.