Welcome to American Idolatry
Onward, together!
Introductions are always kinda awkward…
Welcome to American Idolatry, a newsletter committed to exploring the intersection of faith, spirituality, and American culture using the tools of social science to encourage the common good.
This stack is hosted by me, Andrew Whitehead. I’m a sociologist who studies religion in the United States. I work at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (soon to be Indiana University-Indianapolis). I’m the author of two books and a couple dozen peer-reviewed articles on Christian nationalism.
American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church (Brazos Press, 2023), which the Library Journal reviewed as "Heartfelt, incisive, and worthy of thoughtful consideration."
Taking America Back for God: Christian Nationalism in the United States (Oxford Press, 2020), winner of the 2021 Distinguished book award from the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and the 2021 Award of Merit in Politics and Public Life from Christianity Today
My research and personal interests also include studies of disability, particularly childhood disability in the United States.
I aim to publish weekly with an eye toward providing commentary on current news events, recent social science in and around religion and politics, as well as insight into what I’m reading and who I’m listening to lately.
My goal is to slow down a bit, write with more intentionality, and work to build some sort of community with those interested in encouraging the common good. In the years where my research has taken me across the globe, I’ve been so encouraged to find so many others are on similar journeys.
In response, I’ve adopted the mantra, “Onward, together!”
I hope you’ll join me.