The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism

Chapter 15 introduces Brian Zahnd, the pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. His megachurch is notably empty with only 150 members in attendance at Sunday service. Regardless, Zahnd preaches with enthusiasm. He says that “if you place your hope in the politics of this world, you will be greatly shaken” (282). He believes in having little faith in America and dedicating all faith to God.

Zahnd’s exuberant services used to attract crowds of thousands. Later, though, Zahnd realized that the Christianity he had fostered was only “style and feeling and expression,” (284) with little doctrine. His congregation, no longer countercultural, was Republican, well-off, and complacent. He then studied ancient writers who established the building blocks of Christian doctrine. He continued with the works of prominent historical theologians and concluded that he needed to use his pulpit to dismantle the Christian justification of the American empire. He stated that God raised up Jesus as their example, not America. This led to an exodus of over 1,500 people.

A former friend of Strang’s, he offers insights about the founder of Charisma Media. Strang, at first charmed by the pastor who gave up his congregation for his convictions, published Zahnd’s books on radical forgiveness.