Wild Faith

How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America

By: Talia Lavin

Narrated by: Talia 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.

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 Talia 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, she 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.

©2024 Talia Lavin (P)2024 Legacy Lit

Critic reviews

“Talia 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 her 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 Talia 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

“Talia 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

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.

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!

Piercingly accurate

This book was both fascinating and painful to me, as an exvangelical myself. I still have family firmly planted in that world, raising their children by homeschooling, in a patriarchal, New Apostolic, far right wing, second amendment, super-controlled environment that is covered in a gloss of sweetness and serenity. This book was a bracing reminder of all I have - thankfully - lost, and a validation of my tortured, complicated feelings towards my parents and their years of abuse and control. I am so grateful to be long gone from that world, and beyond words with gratitude that my children never experienced any of what I did: the constant terror of demons and Satan, the years of nightmares and night terrors, the silent suffering inherent in being a girl in that world, the constant power plays and politics that I witnessed close up as a child of a Evangelical pastor. Thank you, Talia, for your work. I know there are many of us who needed this book.

A truly frightening read in February 2025

Seems the most dire predictions of this book are coming true right now. worth a read

Upsettingly relevant and incredibly important

A chilling read in the wake of the election while I wait for the coming storm of insane legislation.

Good History; Scary Present & Future

Levin performs a noble service in exposing the roots and branches of one of the most insidious forces threatening the existence of our American Democracy: Christian Nationalism. Motivated by a twisted Xtian interpretation of Scripture that assumes that “God’s Plan” is to create his Kingdom on Earth on the ashes of what once was America, these people are out for Blood!

While there have been multiple waves of Fringe Sects trying to Convert our sinful Country over the Centuries, this one that crested in the 1980’s Right to Life Campaign is the most effective and dangerous one. And it’s crashing on us today. Wild Faith traces this Movement from Weyrich and Falwell through its Rogues Gallery right up to its Orange Puppet Front Man 47th President. The picture it paints of our Future Theocracy is not a pretty one. An Autocracy fueled by Fear, Greed, and Hate that believes in its Heart of Hearts that it is doing “God’s Will” is a dangerous force indeed.

Reading this book may not be a sufficient Sword and Shield to help the Reader resist this onslaught, but it should at least serve as a Wake Up Call to get us off the Couch! Read this book. Four Stars. ****

Translating White American “Christian-ish”

Lavin’s book (and excellent narration) gives vital background to the hegemonic undercurrent of conservative American Christian ideology and its motivations and goals for political dominance. You learn the historical context, the bell whistles and the main characters in this struggle. Lavin is a poignant and witty voice for those of us trying to understand what the endgame is for the latest crop of evangelical warriors.

Rough listen

The first half scratches the itch of morbid curiosity but the second half is a very bleak look at child abuse. This isn’t a criticism so much as a heads up as I think it is handled well. Stupid pet peeve but the editor really shouldn’t have let you write “aegis” that many times.

Excellent audio book

I loved the author as narrator! Very in depth - a subject I am familiar with, yet put so many pieces of the puzzle together for me. Highly recommend