White American Christianity is broken.
Since 2016, that much has been clear. But Trump was not the cause of that brokenness—he was the result.
An anthology of dissent, Keeping the Faith unites the voices of believers who reject Christian nationalism and its idolatry of power. It is a record of resistance to the distorted gospel that fueled support for Trump over three presidential elections.
This collection is for anyone who has ever looked at the unholy religious pageantry that enabled Trumpism and said quietly in their heart: This is not my Jesus. We’re with you. And we’re saying it from the chest, for the people in the back.
Here’s what they’re saying.
“This collection of essays constitutes a compelling witness to the justice claims of the gospel. This wide-ranging testimony presents a host of writers with appropriate measures of passion, indignation, and hope with reference to urgent contemporary issues. The accent on justice powerfully disrupts our all too easy compromises of the gospel, and invites us to be ‘woke’ in active, transformative ways.”
— Dr. Walter Brueggemann
Professor Emeritus at Columbia Theological Seminary
“An important, powerful book by younger Christians. Their moving personal stories and probing theological reflection challenge us to let Christ, not surrounding society, be Lord of our politics. Their penetrating, biblically grounded, critique of so much of white evangelicalism will stand as an important historical witness to biblical fidelity at a time of massive white evangelical failure and disobedience. Highly recommended.”
— Dr. Ron Sider
Founder and President Emeritus of Christians for Social Action
“The line-up of voices in this important volume speaks strongly to the powerful intersection between fervent faith and political power in America. The missteps of the present cannot continue. As these writers press us to see a new future in Jesus’ name, let us examine our own hearts and footsteps and start walking rightly.”
— Dr. Daniel Harrell
Editor in Chief, Christianity Today
“God’s spirit is inviting us in this moment in time to consider what the voice of God’s people will be. This collection of essays written by practitioners, academics, and activists of faith will equip you to consider the reality of how our political structures and systems impact people. Historical insights and personal narratives will challenge our allegiance and deepen our worship.”
— Sandra Maria Van Opstal
Executive Director of Chasing Justice
"In 50 years of pastoral ministry and community service, I've always looked for resources that challenged my thinking and enhanced my prayer life. This book is a sobering look at these challenging times. Its broad and deep range of perspectives helped me turn to Jesus, to his values, and to ask for his help. This is a great read that puts matters back into a Kingdom perspective... one that doesn't let us off the hook to build a better future in our communities and our country."
— Rev. Dr. Joel C. Hunter
Former Senior Pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed
“In Keeping the Faith, Christian leaders with keen historical and cultural sensibilities offer an incisive and constructive critique of the zeitgeist of the Trump era. Their astute voices help raise the bar of political discourse, inviting us to measure the attitudes and behavior of our nation against Jesus' ethics of love. The very tone in which they speak demonstrates how our faith can positively inform our politics. At the same time, these leaders do not shy away from the hard questions. How can we support the lives of the unborn and not also care for the needs of the indigent and immigrant? How can we stand for social media that delights in evil rather than rejoices in the truth? How can we uphold a vision of greatness that foments divisiveness, condescension, and hostility toward our neighbors? Their responses help get at the root of the real challenges facing us today.”
— Rev. Dr. Grace Y. May
Director of Women’s Institute & Associate Professor of Biblical Studies at William Carey International University
Meet our editors.
Jonathan Walton
Jonathan Walton co-hosts the podcast Shake the Dust, and writes for KTF Press. He is also the creator of the Emotionally Healthy Activist Course and podcast, and the author of 5 books, including Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive. He has a degree in creative writing from Columbia University, and an MA in the study of the Americas from the City University of New York. He works as a Senior Resource Specialist for InterVarsity, and leads the Emotionally Healthy Activist Team, focusing on developing resources around Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. He has extensive experience leading cohorts, conference sessions, and one-off workshops.
Suzie Lahoud
Suzie Lahoud is a published author with two MAs in Middle Eastern Studies from the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary in Beirut and Harvard University, and a BA from Duke University in Russian and Middle Eastern Studies. Her extensive overseas experience includes managing relief and development projects for displaced populations in Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq. She is currently a doctoral candidate in philosophical theology at the University of Oxford.
Sy Hoekstra
Sy Hoekstra is the co-host and producer of the podcast, Shake the Dust. He is also a writer and editor at KTF Press. In a past life, he was a lawyer who worked as a public defender in the New York City child welfare system, and a Staff Attorney at the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He graduated with honors from NYU Law and earned a BA in History and German Literature from Columbia University. He grew up in the Midwest and Northeast, and lived in Zurich, Switzerland as a teenager.
