In US history, the relationship between Christianity and democracy has usually been complementary. But the role of white evangelicals in the election of Donald Trump suggests that American Christianity may now be taking an authoritarian turn. American Babylon is a historical sociology of this political moment.

Philip S. Gorski is Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies at Yale University, USA. He writes on religion and politics in the USA and Europe. Recent books include American Covenant (2019).

Introduction: American Babylon? PART I: Elective Affinities: Christianity and Democracy in Western History Chapter 1: Is Democracy Christian? Chapter 2: Is Christianity Democratic? PART II: Changing Chemistries: Christianity and Democracy in American History Chapter 3: Goodbye Tocqueville? Chapter 4: The Republican Captivity Chapter 5: White Christian Nationalism Conclusion: The Constantinian Temptation Index