About Book

Written by a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, Elizabeth Neumann provides a compelling insider’s account of how right-wing politics, white nationalism, and radicalized evangelical Christianity converged to form an extremist current within American society. Drawing from her professional counterterrorism background and her personal faith journey, Neumann traces the evolution of Christian extremism that culminated in the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. She describes how Christian symbols and narratives have been distorted into tools for radicalization, producing a combustible ideology rooted in grievance, victimhood, and nationalism rather than the peace-centered teachings of Christ. The book combines political analysis, personal testimony, and theological critique, arguing that while government policy is necessary for prevention, the ultimate transformation must come from within the church itself. Neumann challenges Christians to confront extremism in their families and congregations, offering a path back to peace and reconciliation.It provides unique insight into religious radicalization within Christianity, offering an important comparative perspective for global extremism studies that often focus predominantly on Islam. Neumann’s dual perspective—as both a counterterrorism official and a person of faith—makes the work particularly valuable for understanding the intersection of religion, politics, and violent extremism. Its emphasis on deradicalization from within faith communities adds depth to discussions of rehabilitation and reconciliation, making it a critical contribution to research on countering violent extremism (CVE) and interfaith harmony.