The myth of a Christian America fuels a powerful political force sure of its moral superiority and intent on implementing a Christian nationalist agenda. Richard T. Hughes and Christina Littlefield draw on discussions of civil religion and forms of nationalism to explore the complex legal and cultural arguments for a Christian America. The authors also provide an in-depth examination of the Bible’s words on the “chosen nation” and “kingdom of God” that Christian nationalists quote to support the idea of the US as a Christian nation.

A timely new edition of the acclaimed work, Christian America and the Kingdom of God spotlights how the centuries-long pursuit of a Christian America has bred an aggressive white Christian nationalism that twists faith, unleashes unchristian behavior, and threatens the nation.

Buy The Book

Dr. Christina Littlefield (PhD, Divinity Faculty at the University of Cambridge, England) is an associate professor with a dual appointment in religion and journalism at Pepperdine University. Her first book, Chosen Nations: Pursuit of the Kingdom of God and its Influence on Democratic Values in Late-Nineteenth Century Britain and the United States (Fortress, 2013) examines the good, bad and ugly in American and British civil religion at the peak of Protestant dominance in both countries. Her second book, Christian America and the Kingdom of God: White Christian Nationalism from the Puritans through January 6, 2021, forthcoming in 2024 from University of Illinois, updates the work of Richard T. Hughes to show how often Christians have behaved in unChristian ways in their pursuit of a Christian America.

Specializing in church history, journalism history, sociology of religion and theology and ethics, Littlefield’s interdisciplinary work looks at the intersection of religion, politics, media and culture. Her current historical research focuses on the social gospel and muckraking era of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Littlefield’s former investigative work as a reporter for the Las Vegas Sun led to the indictment, conviction and jail time of a community college vice president who was using college materials, equipment and employees to build his ranch estate. Littlefield primarily covered higher education and religion during her four years at the Sun.

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In a world of mass connectivity and social media, the core needs of genuine connection and identity are lost within the superficial landscape of current platforms — particularly for families. Capture the powerful, impactful experiences of your life and share them privately with your own family members. Create private family groups, share family stories and photos, connect to your ancestors, explore your family stories, and learn from the past to help strengthen the future. Together by FamilySearch is specifically designed to strengthen your family past, present and future. Strengthen family ties with Together by FamilySearch.

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Former Utah Congresswoman Mia Love’s Brain Cancer Is ‘No Longer Responding’ to Treatment, Daughter Says

Love, 49, the first Black female Republican elected to Congress, was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022

Mia Love, the first Black Republican woman elected to Congress, is no longer responding to treatment for an aggressive and malignant brain tumor known as glioblastoma, with which she was diagnosed in 2022.

But the prognosis recently took a different turn. Her daughter Abigale wrote in a March 1 post on Love’s account on X, “Many of you are aware that Mom has been fighting GBM brain cancer. Sadly her cancer is no longer responding to treatment and the cancer is progressing.”

“We have a shifted our focus from treatment to enjoying our remaining time with her. I am building an archive of special memories with Mia. Please send your pictures, videos and memories to me at [email protected].

****From 2011****

Ludmya “Mia” B. Love is the first black woman to serve as a city mayor in Utah.  (and future President of the United States of America) Mia’s parents were immigrants from Haiti and she first started investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to get the inside track on what her sister was doing.

It’s all about Agency! You have the choice to listen to this episode or not. But I will make you this promise if you do, you will be inspired by Mia’s view of responsibility and agency.

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Blair Treu is a DGA director/producer with a global portfolio spanning feature films, TV, documentaries, and corporate projects. He’s worked with top talent, earning industry awards. His credits include Disney Channel films, “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” “Little Secrets,” “Power Rangers,” “Meet the Mormons” (a top-grossing documentary), and the Book of Mormon Series. His latest project is the documentary “Sharing Aloha,” set for release in 2025.

This 95-minute feature documentary dives behind the scenes for a rare look into one of Hawaii’s most popular (and least understood) tourist stops… It’s a backstage, unscripted exploration of what it means for young Pacific Islanders to preserve and pass on the culture of their ancestors even as the winds of tourism in Hawai’i (both over-tourism, and the pushback against it) shift and change, potentially threatening the foundation upon which they stand — and dance, chant and (sometimes nail-bitingly) perform.

It follows characters each standing at a crossroads: a young dancer struggling with his body image… another walking the razor-fine line between family obligations and performance expectations… a leader who shines onstage but is unsure of her place off it… and a star performer trying to prove to his parents that he’s not a failure after all.

“Sharing Aloha” explores what it means to seek out your place in the world when one audition determines the role you’ll play in determining how — and if — you and your culture are seen at all.

Sharing Aloha Website

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Shall I Have Pleasure? An Answer for Sarah explores the complex relationship between faith, desire, and the pursuit of joy through a spiritual and philosophical lens. Drawing from religious narratives, scriptural analysis, and theological insights, the book delves into how pleasure is perceived within Christian traditions, particularly among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through reflective anecdotes, historical context, and doctrinal interpretations, the author challenges the tension between spiritual duty and sensory enjoyment, encouraging readers to reconcile divine purpose with the pursuit of happiness.

Rooted in scripture and enriched by personal storytelling, this thought-provoking work invites readers to reconsider long-held beliefs about pleasure and self-denial. By examining biblical stories like Sarah’s incredulous laughter at the promise of joy in old age, as well as Christ’s compassionate acceptance of human love and generosity, the book offers a fresh perspective on living a life of spiritual fulfillment that embraces joy as an essential part of divine intent. Through this lens, Shall I Have Pleasure? becomes a call to rediscover pleasure as a God-given gift intertwined with human purpose and eternal potential.

Zachary McLeod Hutchins is Professor of English at Colorado State University, where he teaches courses in early American literature and religion. As a native of New England, he spent many early summers in Sharon, Vermont, the birthplace of Joseph Smith, and developed an interest in early American history. After serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he completed a BA in English at Brigham Young University and received his MA and PhD degrees in early American literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is the author or editor of a half dozen books, including The Best Gifts: Seeking Earnestly for Spiritual Power.

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