Navigating the Intricacies of Katherine Stewart’s ‘Money, Lies and God’
Katherine Stewart’s thought-provoking work, Money, Lies and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, promises a deep dive into the forces unravelling American democracy. But it raises a poignant question: Is it too late to heed her warnings? As I cracked open this timely critique, I couldn’t help but reflect on the chaotic political landscape that coincided with its release—the day President Donald Trump crafted a controversial narrative with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In times like these, where the stakes are monumental, understanding the complex machinery of anti-democratic movements is crucial.
The Seeds of Discontent: An Overview
Stewart’s premise is both chilling and enlightening. She argues that the right-wing revolt is not a sudden eruption but rather a deeply entrenched societal phenomenon. Economically and socially driven changes over the past half-century have fostered an environment ripe for the rise of undemocratic factions. As an investigative journalist with a legacy at the esteemed Village Voice under the tutelage of muckraker Wayne Barrett, Stewart has an eye for unearthing corruption—promising to “bring receipts” and "look first and theorize later."
A Detailed Breakdown of Anti-Democratic Forces
In Money, Lies and God, Stewart skillfully organizes the complex ecosystem of the anti-democratic movement into five categories: Funders, Thinkers, Sergeants, Infantry, and Power Players. This distinction is pivotal for deciphering the ongoing American crisis, allowing readers to grasp the intricate interactions and tensions within these factions.
Moreover, Stewart amalgamates two decades of investigative journalism from various outlets, including sources like the National Catholic Reporter and The New York Times, to provide a comprehensive view of the right’s evolution. This extensive research captures insights from key figures like Heidi Schlumpf and Tom Roberts, shedding light on the shifting dynamics within the Catholic Church.
New Insights or Old Narratives?
However, while Stewart’s narrative is robust, it raises another crucial question: Does her work offer fresh revelations? Unfortunately, the answer may be a resounding no. Much of her journalism revisits information already covered extensively by other journalists, like the shadowy influence of billionaire Barre Seid or the repositories of power defined by the Federalist Society and its influential figure, Leonard Leo.
Where are the groundbreaking insights that help us navigate the current political quagmire? Stewart’s on-the-ground reporting does provide some valuable anecdotes, but authentic breakthrough moments, akin to those presented by Isaac Arnsdorf in Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War on Democracy, are notably absent.
The Global Perspective: A European Sojourn
Intriguingly, Stewart’s narrative becomes more vibrant as she shifts focus to her time in London. After experiencing a burnout from the intense scrutiny of American right-wing politics, she finds a new lens through which to view the influence of American evangelicalism abroad. Her experiences in the U.K. reveal the surprising and burgeoning global ambitions of evangelical churches, especially in light of hedge fund manager Paul Marshall’s efforts to spread conservative theology within state schools.
However, even here, the impending realization that far-right conspiracy theories have permeated British pubs appears to drain the hope from her escapade. Stewart’s candid moments illuminate her struggle—is anywhere truly safe from the clutches of entrenched ideology?
A Call to Action or a Last-Ditch Responsibility?
As Stewart draws her conclusions, she adopts a much more candid approach, stepping away from her prior journalistic objectivity. She presents a list of ambitious reforms, such as re-evaluating the Electoral College and reinforcing the separation of church and state. Her call to action urges communities to build coalitions and network around shared values, echoing strategies reminiscent of those espoused by Trump’s confidant Steve Bannon.
“Put down this book and get to work now!” she implores, inviting readers to join the fight for democracy.
Yet, the haunting question lingers: has it come too late? In a climate where anti-democratic forces seem relentless, Stewart’s urgent plea rings with an eerie sense of urgency but also confusion over whether it is actionable.
Final Thoughts
Katherine Stewart’s Money, Lies and God is a well-researched yet precarious exploration of the dark alleys of American politics. While it adds a significant chapter to our understanding of anti-democratic movements, its timing and context feel unsettling, suggesting that perhaps we’re already living in the aftermath of the warnings she raises. If understanding these movements is to serve any purpose, it might be wise to act rather than reflect—before the door to democracy closes for good.
