In her latest book, Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, Katherine Stewart delivers a meticulously researched and deeply unsettling exposé of the forces working to dismantle the foundations of American democracy. Published on February 18, 2025, the book arrives at a critical juncture, as the nation grapples with the resurgence of authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. Stewart, a seasoned journalist with over 15 years of experience covering the intersection of religion and politics, offers a chilling yet essential account of how money, disinformation, and religious nationalism have converged to threaten the American experiment.
The Central Thesis: A Movement Against Democracy
Stewart’s central argument is that the United States is facing an organized, well-funded movement that seeks to replace pluralistic democracy with a system of minority rule. This movement, she argues, is driven by a coalition of ultra-wealthy funders, reactionary intellectuals, and Christian nationalist foot soldiers. These groups, though often at odds with one another, are united by their shared goal of dismantling democratic institutions and entrenching authoritarianism.
The book’s title, Money, Lies, and God, encapsulates the three pillars of this anti-democratic movement. Stewart explains how vast concentrations of wealth have destabilized the political system, how deliberate disinformation campaigns have eroded public trust, and how Christian nationalism has provided the ideological framework for this assault on democracy.
The Players: Funders, Thinkers, and Foot Soldiers
Stewart meticulously profiles the key actors in this movement, dividing them into three categories: the Funders, the Thinkers, and the Foot Soldiers.
- The Funders: These are the ultra-wealthy individuals and families—such as the Koch Brothers, the DeVos family, and tech billionaires like Elon Musk—who bankroll anti-democratic projects. Stewart reveals how these funders exploit their wealth to push for deregulation, tax cuts, and policies that consolidate their power while undermining the administrative state.
- The Thinkers: This group includes reactionary intellectuals and ideologues who provide the philosophical underpinnings for the movement. Drawing inspiration from figures like Nazi political theorist Carl Schmitt, these thinkers advocate for a new elite to replace the existing democratic order. Stewart highlights their role in bridging the gap between the Funders and the Foot Soldiers, creating a cohesive, if contradictory, anti-democratic agenda.
- The Foot Soldiers: These are the grassroots activists, often motivated by Christian nationalism, who carry out the movement’s agenda at the local level. Stewart introduces readers to a cast of characters, from self-appointed apostles of Jesus to militia members masquerading as “concerned moms.” These individuals, she argues, are often unaware of the broader implications of their actions, yet they play a crucial role in advancing the movement’s goals.
The Role of Christian Nationalism
A significant portion of the book is devoted to exploring the rise of Christian nationalism, which Stewart describes as the “power couple of American fascism.” She traces how this ideology has evolved from a fringe movement to a dominant force in American politics, with its adherents openly calling for the end of pluralistic democracy and the establishment of a theocratic state.
Stewart’s reporting takes readers inside extremist churches, conferences, and strategy meetings, where leaders preach a gospel of spiritual warfare and demonize their political opponents as literal agents of Satan. This rhetoric, she argues, provides a moral justification for violence and authoritarianism, as seen in events like the January 6th Capitol attack.
The Weaponization of Disinformation
Another key theme of the book is the role of lies and disinformation in undermining democracy. Stewart documents how the anti-democratic movement has weaponized social media and right-wing media outlets to spread conspiracy theories, sow division, and erode trust in democratic institutions. She warns that this “war on truth” is not just a political strategy but a fundamental threat to the possibility of reasoned discourse and collective decision-making.
Call to Action?
Despite the grim picture she paints, Stewart ends the book on a note of cautious optimism. She outlines practical steps for defending democracy, from supporting pro-democracy organizations to exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable. Her message is clear: the fight to save American democracy is far from over, but it requires vigilance, organization, and a commitment to truth.
A Must-Read for Our Times
Money, Lies, and God is more than just a book; it is a call to arms. Stewart’s meticulous reporting and compelling prose make this an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the forces reshaping American politics. As the nation stands at a crossroads, her work serves as both a warning and a guide, reminding us that the future of democracy depends on the choices we make today.