This is the version of theology I grew up with and is the version most American evangelicals follow, It features an angry God who punishes those who displease him, gives arbitrary rewards to those who please him, and is concerned with obedience to a fixed set of laws that, however, do not apply to him. Sounds an awful lot like most tyrannical kings, autocrats, and dictators doesn’t it, genocide and world destruction included. Most protestant traditions trend heavily towards a fascist, hierarchal version of the world, lets’s dive deeper and take a closer look.

The theology that I grew up with and that is commonly followed by American evangelicals presents a God who is quick to anger and punish those who don’t follow his laws to the letter. This God also rewards those he favors and is primarily concerned with obedience to a set of laws, which do not apply to him. Look at the Biblical flood, Sodom & Gomorrah, the punishments on Egypt, hell, etc. This version of God is similar to tyrants, autocrats, and dictators both in character and action. This God then graciously chooses to save us from himself….through himself in Christ. However, if you are saved, you still have to follow the rules or risk apostasy. Of course, this is a broad summary of my internal thoughts, not a comprehensive critique, and various groups will all of have their own intricacies.

These hierarchies of course are not fair and equitable and will leave out those who don’t fit within them. Atheists, gays, skeptics, scientists, women, and children can all expect to face systemic inequality, challenges, or even outright persecution. History shows us that all of these groups can be expected to be persecuted, but not just them. In the modern day, black rights are tied into all of this as well.

It is important to remember that America was founded on liberal principles, such as individual liberty, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. These Enlightenment ideals were central to the formation of the United States and have been instrumental in shaping the country’s political and legal system. However, in recent years, the influence of fundamentalist evangelical churches has hindered progress in America, by actively working against progressive values such as equality and social justice. These religious groups, often with political agendas, have lobbied against laws that would protect marginalized communities and have promoted policies that restrict individual freedom and autonomy. They often do all of these things at the behest of and for the ultra-rich and large corporate interests. (No different than corporate preachers of the early American union era, who wrongly called any union activity sinful communism.)

In conclusion, beliefs do have practical outcomes and results in politics and culture. We see that boiling over as the extreme evangelical conservative movement tries to resist the growing tide of acceptance and progress in the West that is eroding away at their power. Not only do the churches and those they control have a vested interest in the culture wars for their survival, but so do the billionaires. Nothing like a culture war to keep people divided amongst themselves, and thus easier to control.