Bring Back Your People

For White folks alarmed by the rise of Christian nationalism comes this mouthy, practical guide to resisting, organizing, and holding conversations with your cousin Randy or anyone else who has been misled by White Christian nationalist ideas.

The rise of White Christian nationalism seems impossible to stop. We need a road map to countering recruitment. And we needed it yesterday.

Aaron Scott, a second-generation preacher, third-generation organizer, and leader with the Poor People's Campaign, has watched loved ones and peers get recruited into White Christian nationalism. Here, he shares strategies of relationship and conversation for those of us who don't know what to do. And he dishes out harsh words. Sure, you can invite your cousin Randy to the wine-and-cheese reception with your candidate. But Randy's pulling the night shift, and the Proud Boys are more than willing to give him a ride to their barbecue if he can't afford the price of gas. Somebody once hooked Randy with a story about the world, Scott reminds us. That story was false, but it gave Randy meaning and connection. We've got to give him something better to bring him back.

Salty, smart, and searing, Bring Back Your People offers ten ways regular-ass folks can draw others toward a better vision of faith, politics, and our common life. It answers questions like: Who are White Christian nationalists targeting? (Hint: most White folks . . . and beyond.) How do I talk to my hairdresser about it? (Carefully.) Why is it gaining steam so fast? (It's not; you're just catching up.) Along the way Scott introduces a counter-history of White people organizing for real justice, and even what that ornery abolitionist John Brown can offer us today. If you're frightened by the way White Christian nationalism mesmerizes so many--grab this lifeline and hang on tight.