Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive: And the Truth That Sets Us Free

I have been looking for a way to articulate the syncretism of true Christianity with American culture that seems so pervasive in our time. "Twelve lies that hold America captive" is a gift that allows us to find the words. Drawing from his diverse experience from rural Virginia to New York City, and the history of America that is more often than not swept under the rug, Jonathan Walton provides a helpful critique of the worldview that often passes for authentic Christian faith, but truly falls short of the mark. It may even be fair to call the twelve Lies outlined by Walton "lenses." These tenets of what Walton calls "white American folk religion" (WAFR) are modern values in the Church and America that are so rarely questioned that once we unearth them it can be hard for many to digest. If we are willing to examine our vision and orientation to the world, this precursor to the book will serve as a helpful starting point: "I ask you to resist judgment, the urge to look away, and the opportunity to move on. I invite you to carry your skepticism through this entire book while leaning in to understand." Seeing the ways in which we are inheritors of systems of inequality and oppression can be painful. Growing to understand that we are even complicit in these systems is a major check to our pride and exceptionalism. But if we take Jonathan's charge and lean in, I believe twelve Lies may unearth places where we have blurred vision or are morally duplicitous. If we desire to be participants in God's activity in (and restoration of) the world, we need to be released from the lies that bind us to anything less than true freedom in Christ. I believe twelve lies will be a helpful resource to you in this journey.

It is not surprising at this point, or it should not be, that many Christians seem to be confused about how Christianity and the American Dream overlap and contradict. Often Christians are discipled to believe that the abundant life that Jesus talks about is actually fulfilled in the American Dream. Jonathan Walton is not confused, and so, somewhat provocatively, but I think accurately has set out to separate the American Dream from Christianity by illustrating what is ‘White American Folk Religion’ and what is Christianity. As with any project, like this, some people will identify with some of these lies more than others. What I find easy lies to believe will not necessarily be the same as what you do. If I were writing the book I would probably have a slightly different list. But the working out of these does expose how we have been discipled by patriotism more than Christianity quite often. James KA Smith talks a lot about secular liturgies that disciple us, Jonathan Walton is really doing the work of exposing these secular liturgies so that we can work to reframe our beliefs and actions around actual Christianity. In general, Walton is telling this story autobiographically. Each chapter is a different lie, and so he identifies how he has previously believed or been impacted by the lie then deconstructs the lie and replaces it with right belief and right behavior (similar to how James Bryan Smith approaches understanding and resounding to God in The Good and Beautiful God. In most cases I think this method is a strength of the book. It is disarming when the author focuses on his sin and confesses it as a way to help us see our own sin that may be slightly different, but still related. There a places however, where I think that he was reaching a bit too far to make the connection and could have better used different people as illustrations so that there was a closer connection. But overall, I do think the method was helpful. There are a number of points to highlight. But in general the main thread is that Christianity is not about using power for personal gain or profit (financial or social) but to empower others. And we often lie to ourselves or resist the truth because we want to feel better about ourselves than we should. The chapter on the US being generous is a good example. I hear all the time that the US is the most generous country in the world, but that tends to ignore parts of the relevant story or statistics that would show differently. I could show a number of highlights, but I am going to show a couple quotes from the chapter on America, the Land of the Free. Walton contrasted a statement by Donald Rumsfeld where freedom was about the freedom to be a consumer… “Freedom, as articulated by Rumsfeld in keeping with the founders of the United States, has little to do with the flourishing of all people—who are made in the image of God—and the abundant life made available through Christ. Instead, it has everything to do with creating the best path for those who are deemed worthy of pursuing wealth and self-determined happiness as well as its deference and maintenance. The vision Rumsfeld cast was not one free of racism, discrimination, and hatred, but one of “lights, the cars, the energy of the vibrant economy…Traditional American conservatives tend to define freedom in economic terms, with free markets and economies measured by economic growth, personal wealth, and individual liberty. And traditionally politically liberal Americans generally tend to define freedom in terms of social and environmental justice, sexual liberation, reproductive freedom, free expression, and a higher level of government involvement. Jesus transcends both of these perspectives and defines freedom in spiritual terms as liberation from sin and the restoration of shalom.” Then he concluded the chapter with something that I think is very important. The American Dream and White American Folk Religion is inherently a product of performance. Christianity is about adoption, not based on performance, but based on God’s grace and our adoption into his family. “Jesus’ invitation to me was not to enlist in a nation’s army but into the family of God. I had the choice to say yes or no, and I was loved independent of my desire to give that love in return. All I needed to do was accept and embrace that he alone could free me. In Christ alone I find my freedom. I stand today on this truth, and it has made me free. It set me free from addiction, self-hatred, a destructive view of those with differing opinions, and an oppressive view of women. Moreover, this truth freed me from workaholism and an identity rooted in my accomplishments, ushering me into an abundance not defined by the forefathers of this nation but by my Father in heaven. The truth in Romans 5:8 that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” grounds my seeking of love and justice for all people, including those who would see me as less than human because of the color of my skin. In Christ, I am not working to be free; I live out of the freedom I’ve received. Not only does WAFR define freedom differently from the God of the Bible, it offers no freedom at all.”

I have several comments. First, many of the founders were deists (believing in a god but not necessarily THE God of the Bible. Second, laying everything at the feet of WAFR's (read the book) does not acknowledge that the God of the Bible appoints or allows rulers all for His own purposes and timing. Finally for a different view read Erasing America by James S. Robbins.

I feel like everything I learned in my sugar coated, white-washed American history classes were a lie. This book tells the real story of what our founding fathers believed, and what this means for America especially in terms of white American Christianity. I already believed some of the issues discussed in this book but also felt that our country is a melting pot for new immigrants. The author dispels that myth and others and gives real examples and answers as to why. All hope is not lost, however, as the author does provide a path of redemption for the country to heal and move forward.

This book is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes, it's hard for people to look themselves in the mirror and be real with themselves, and the history they come from. This puts the honest truth and history of America on Front Street, and causes all of us to be real with who we are and puts the good news of Jesus Christ in the spotlight - as the only way to bring America to God.

Author brings up some questions/issues in this book which are important to discuss/solve. Unfortunately he doesn’t provide an accurate review of the facts and statistics surrounding those issues. Doesn’t portray an accurate view of history, uses emotion instead of logic to make his points, and doesn’t root his arguments in the principles of scripture as claimed.

I can definitely say the vast majority of this book is gospel centered. Regardless of your opinions of America and American Christianity this book will definitely cause you to think!

A much needed book with a wonderful introduction. But the author uses lots of deceitful and at times racially prejudiced facts and explanations. For example, Walton writes: "The Hawaiian kingdom's latest complaint, filed with the United Nations in 2001, continued to protest their illegal occupation by the United States." Spend 5 seconds googling "The Hawaiian kingdom" and "David Keanu Sai" to know just how seriously Walton takes his journalism. This occurs frequently throughout the book, and I will be requesting a refund. Take my advice and don't waste your money.

This was a hard book for me to read. Not because of the author's writing style, that was fine. It was because of the subject matter. I am a white female evangelical Christian. I was shocked by the honesty of Walton's thoughts and feelings about the United States and its previous and current political leaders. Reading this book may be the closest I'll ever get to understanding the experiences of an Ivy League educated black Christian in America. One of the lies Walton identifies is saying the United State is a Christian nation. He does a great job of showing that many actions taken by national leaders in the past and now are not “Christian” by any means. He also points out that calling the United States a Christian nation neutralizes the only people actually capable of critiquing the nation – followers of Jesus. (Loc. 451/2867) Christians have exchanged the mantle of truth and justice for the mantle of political power and have compromised their integrity. And that is only the first lie. Another is identifying the slaves brought here against their will as “immigrants.” (Ben Carson's first address to federal workers, March 6, 2017.) (Loc 471/2867) Other lies he identifies include that we are a great democracy, that we are the land of the free and the brave, that America is the greatest nation on earth, and more. Walton is not afraid to name irresponsible Christian leaders who have bowed to political power at the expense of their faithfulness to the gospel. He is not afraid to point out where the church has denied the Savior for the gain of worldly power and influence. He calls Christians to task for promoting what he calls white American folk religion, a far cry from true Christianity. I highly recommend this hard hitting book. I must say I did not understand all of it. Walton's experiences and thoughts are so very different from mine. I did not agree with everything he said. However, I did see the United States through another person's eyes, a valuable experience indeed. It would be a great book for a group study. Walton has included questions for discussion or personal reflection at the end of each chapter. He also includes a number of exercises for further reflection and action in Appendixes. You must be willing to have your eyes opened to the truth of what has happened and is happening in the United States, seen through the eyes of a black Christian. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Jonathan Challenges us to see the Kingdom of God as much much larger than our United States. He reminds of that “white evangelical is NOT the admission price of Heaven”. He brings to light that “unfamiliar to whites American Christians does not equal unbiblical!” He covers: -using scripture out of context, -our disturbing systemic racism, -American history, -Biblical community, -Wealth & power -our own unique stories In covering the 12 Lies that we believe he challenges us to think deeper about what those 12 statements mean. How we have or do believe them, how we have acted upon those beliefs and what it means to re-think those beliefs under a lense of Christ-follower, first. Ultimately he offers a BIblical path forward to be one who works toward reconciliation in all relationships. He is bold enough to say things that *Should* cause us to stop and think. He is bold and asks us to consider if our life aligns more with the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of America. This is NOT a “we are the answer” kind of book - he keeps us humble - we cannot save everyone or fix everything, even in out best activist efforts. He admonishes us that “We cannot BE the hope we’ve been waiting for and trust in the hope of Christ as the same time.” We are not anybodys Savior. You cannot read this book without confronting sin in your own life. Specifically the sins of lying, greed, selfishness, and having other gods(culture & country) before Him. Ultimately He calls us out of cultural Christianity into a beautifully difficult process of being a disciple of Christ in community with those different from us - because everyone is made in the Image of God, not just white American citizens.

I have been looking for a way to articulate the syncretism of true Christianity with American culture that seems so pervasive in our time. "Twelve lies that hold America captive" is a gift that allows us to find the words. Drawing from his diverse experience from rural Virginia to New York City, and the history of America that is more often than not swept under the rug, Jonathan Walton provides a helpful critique of the worldview that often passes for authentic Christian faith, but truly falls short of the mark. It may even be fair to call the twelve Lies outlined by Walton "lenses." These tenets of what Walton calls "white American folk religion" (WAFR) are modern values in the Church and America that are so rarely questioned that once we unearth them it can be hard for many to digest. If we are willing to examine our vision and orientation to the world, this precursor to the book will serve as a helpful starting point: "I ask you to resist judgment, the urge to look away, and the opportunity to move on. I invite you to carry your skepticism through this entire book while leaning in to understand." Seeing the ways in which we are inheritors of systems of inequality and oppression can be painful. Growing to understand that we are even complicit in these systems is a major check to our pride and exceptionalism. But if we take Jonathan's charge and lean in, I believe twelve Lies may unearth places where we have blurred vision or are morally duplicitous. If we desire to be participants in God's activity in (and restoration of) the world, we need to be released from the lies that bind us to anything less than true freedom in Christ. I believe twelve lies will be a helpful resource to you in this journey.

It is not surprising at this point, or it should not be, that many Christians seem to be confused about how Christianity and the American Dream overlap and contradict. Often Christians are discipled to believe that the abundant life that Jesus talks about is actually fulfilled in the American Dream. Jonathan Walton is not confused, and so, somewhat provocatively, but I think accurately has set out to separate the American Dream from Christianity by illustrating what is ‘White American Folk Religion’ and what is Christianity. As with any project, like this, some people will identify with some of these lies more than others. What I find easy lies to believe will not necessarily be the same as what you do. If I were writing the book I would probably have a slightly different list. But the working out of these does expose how we have been discipled by patriotism more than Christianity quite often. James KA Smith talks a lot about secular liturgies that disciple us, Jonathan Walton is really doing the work of exposing these secular liturgies so that we can work to reframe our beliefs and actions around actual Christianity. In general, Walton is telling this story autobiographically. Each chapter is a different lie, and so he identifies how he has previously believed or been impacted by the lie then deconstructs the lie and replaces it with right belief and right behavior (similar to how James Bryan Smith approaches understanding and resounding to God in The Good and Beautiful God. In most cases I think this method is a strength of the book. It is disarming when the author focuses on his sin and confesses it as a way to help us see our own sin that may be slightly different, but still related. There a places however, where I think that he was reaching a bit too far to make the connection and could have better used different people as illustrations so that there was a closer connection. But overall, I do think the method was helpful. There are a number of points to highlight. But in general the main thread is that Christianity is not about using power for personal gain or profit (financial or social) but to empower others. And we often lie to ourselves or resist the truth because we want to feel better about ourselves than we should. The chapter on the US being generous is a good example. I hear all the time that the US is the most generous country in the world, but that tends to ignore parts of the relevant story or statistics that would show differently. I could show a number of highlights, but I am going to show a couple quotes from the chapter on America, the Land of the Free. Walton contrasted a statement by Donald Rumsfeld where freedom was about the freedom to be a consumer… “Freedom, as articulated by Rumsfeld in keeping with the founders of the United States, has little to do with the flourishing of all people—who are made in the image of God—and the abundant life made available through Christ. Instead, it has everything to do with creating the best path for those who are deemed worthy of pursuing wealth and self-determined happiness as well as its deference and maintenance. The vision Rumsfeld cast was not one free of racism, discrimination, and hatred, but one of “lights, the cars, the energy of the vibrant economy…Traditional American conservatives tend to define freedom in economic terms, with free markets and economies measured by economic growth, personal wealth, and individual liberty. And traditionally politically liberal Americans generally tend to define freedom in terms of social and environmental justice, sexual liberation, reproductive freedom, free expression, and a higher level of government involvement. Jesus transcends both of these perspectives and defines freedom in spiritual terms as liberation from sin and the restoration of shalom.” Then he concluded the chapter with something that I think is very important. The American Dream and White American Folk Religion is inherently a product of performance. Christianity is about adoption, not based on performance, but based on God’s grace and our adoption into his family. “Jesus’ invitation to me was not to enlist in a nation’s army but into the family of God. I had the choice to say yes or no, and I was loved independent of my desire to give that love in return. All I needed to do was accept and embrace that he alone could free me. In Christ alone I find my freedom. I stand today on this truth, and it has made me free. It set me free from addiction, self-hatred, a destructive view of those with differing opinions, and an oppressive view of women. Moreover, this truth freed me from workaholism and an identity rooted in my accomplishments, ushering me into an abundance not defined by the forefathers of this nation but by my Father in heaven. The truth in Romans 5:8 that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” grounds my seeking of love and justice for all people, including those who would see me as less than human because of the color of my skin. In Christ, I am not working to be free; I live out of the freedom I’ve received. Not only does WAFR define freedom differently from the God of the Bible, it offers no freedom at all.”

I have several comments. First, many of the founders were deists (believing in a god but not necessarily THE God of the Bible. Second, laying everything at the feet of WAFR's (read the book) does not acknowledge that the God of the Bible appoints or allows rulers all for His own purposes and timing. Finally for a different view read Erasing America by James S. Robbins.

I feel like everything I learned in my sugar coated, white-washed American history classes were a lie. This book tells the real story of what our founding fathers believed, and what this means for America especially in terms of white American Christianity. I already believed some of the issues discussed in this book but also felt that our country is a melting pot for new immigrants. The author dispels that myth and others and gives real examples and answers as to why. All hope is not lost, however, as the author does provide a path of redemption for the country to heal and move forward.

This book is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes, it's hard for people to look themselves in the mirror and be real with themselves, and the history they come from. This puts the honest truth and history of America on Front Street, and causes all of us to be real with who we are and puts the good news of Jesus Christ in the spotlight - as the only way to bring America to God.

Author brings up some questions/issues in this book which are important to discuss/solve. Unfortunately he doesn’t provide an accurate review of the facts and statistics surrounding those issues. Doesn’t portray an accurate view of history, uses emotion instead of logic to make his points, and doesn’t root his arguments in the principles of scripture as claimed.

I can definitely say the vast majority of this book is gospel centered. Regardless of your opinions of America and American Christianity this book will definitely cause you to think!

A much needed book with a wonderful introduction. But the author uses lots of deceitful and at times racially prejudiced facts and explanations. For example, Walton writes: "The Hawaiian kingdom's latest complaint, filed with the United Nations in 2001, continued to protest their illegal occupation by the United States." Spend 5 seconds googling "The Hawaiian kingdom" and "David Keanu Sai" to know just how seriously Walton takes his journalism. This occurs frequently throughout the book, and I will be requesting a refund. Take my advice and don't waste your money.

This was a hard book for me to read. Not because of the author's writing style, that was fine. It was because of the subject matter. I am a white female evangelical Christian. I was shocked by the honesty of Walton's thoughts and feelings about the United States and its previous and current political leaders. Reading this book may be the closest I'll ever get to understanding the experiences of an Ivy League educated black Christian in America. One of the lies Walton identifies is saying the United State is a Christian nation. He does a great job of showing that many actions taken by national leaders in the past and now are not “Christian” by any means. He also points out that calling the United States a Christian nation neutralizes the only people actually capable of critiquing the nation – followers of Jesus. (Loc. 451/2867) Christians have exchanged the mantle of truth and justice for the mantle of political power and have compromised their integrity. And that is only the first lie. Another is identifying the slaves brought here against their will as “immigrants.” (Ben Carson's first address to federal workers, March 6, 2017.) (Loc 471/2867) Other lies he identifies include that we are a great democracy, that we are the land of the free and the brave, that America is the greatest nation on earth, and more. Walton is not afraid to name irresponsible Christian leaders who have bowed to political power at the expense of their faithfulness to the gospel. He is not afraid to point out where the church has denied the Savior for the gain of worldly power and influence. He calls Christians to task for promoting what he calls white American folk religion, a far cry from true Christianity. I highly recommend this hard hitting book. I must say I did not understand all of it. Walton's experiences and thoughts are so very different from mine. I did not agree with everything he said. However, I did see the United States through another person's eyes, a valuable experience indeed. It would be a great book for a group study. Walton has included questions for discussion or personal reflection at the end of each chapter. He also includes a number of exercises for further reflection and action in Appendixes. You must be willing to have your eyes opened to the truth of what has happened and is happening in the United States, seen through the eyes of a black Christian. I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

Jonathan Challenges us to see the Kingdom of God as much much larger than our United States. He reminds of that “white evangelical is NOT the admission price of Heaven”. He brings to light that “unfamiliar to whites American Christians does not equal unbiblical!” He covers: -using scripture out of context, -our disturbing systemic racism, -American history, -Biblical community, -Wealth & power -our own unique stories In covering the 12 Lies that we believe he challenges us to think deeper about what those 12 statements mean. How we have or do believe them, how we have acted upon those beliefs and what it means to re-think those beliefs under a lense of Christ-follower, first. Ultimately he offers a BIblical path forward to be one who works toward reconciliation in all relationships. He is bold enough to say things that *Should* cause us to stop and think. He is bold and asks us to consider if our life aligns more with the Kingdom of God, or the Kingdom of America. This is NOT a “we are the answer” kind of book - he keeps us humble - we cannot save everyone or fix everything, even in out best activist efforts. He admonishes us that “We cannot BE the hope we’ve been waiting for and trust in the hope of Christ as the same time.” We are not anybodys Savior. You cannot read this book without confronting sin in your own life. Specifically the sins of lying, greed, selfishness, and having other gods(culture & country) before Him. Ultimately He calls us out of cultural Christianity into a beautifully difficult process of being a disciple of Christ in community with those different from us - because everyone is made in the Image of God, not just white American citizens.

This book explores how the popular beliefs about the US are 1) not true; and 2) not in line with Scripture. It can be an uncomfortable read because it can (and hopefully does!) lead the reader to be introspective about his/her own beliefs, behaviors, whether s/he believes the 12 lies, and whether s/he contributed to perpetuating the lies. To prove his points, the author pulls from deeply personal experiences and US history, which in and of itself, can already be uncomfortable because the reader is forced to face the ugly truth, the things that are usually not spoken of or swept under the rug. I appreciated his willingness to speak about his own life because it provides a viewpoint from someone with completely different background as my own and most people around me. I believe to benefit from the *FULL* impact of this work, the reader must be open to correction, humble, be willing to step out of one's own world and into another's, and Christian (if you don't believe in Christianity then his 2nd point of how these lies don't align with Scripture would be pointless to you; the 1st point would still be valid though (i.e. that there are 12 lies) but you would need to figure out for yourself what truth you would actually believe instead of the lies).

Excellent facility with words. Sadly myopic in its understanding of the dynamics. In the brokenness of humanity our system of law and order seeks to do the best it can, and it can do better. The competing priorities must be evaluated in an assumption of charity rather than hatefulness. Calling one group the bad guys as in good guys versus bad guys is good theatre, but inaccurate sociology. This talented writer would be able to put his prodigious skills to work better if he would clear the log from his eye and weigh his deliberations more fully. I’m looking forward to seeing him evolve, as I believe he is seeking truth, but needs to keep looking.