Weapons of Worship: How the Songs of Evangelicalism Form the Soundtrack of Extremism

In a sweeping investigation of the music of megachurches and political rallies, a journalist asks: How did songs beloved by white evangelicals become the soundtrack of Christian supremacy's war on democracy?

Praise and worship music often fits hand-in-glove with Christian Trumpism, and in this unsettling account, journalist Rick Pidcock asks: How did songs like "How Great Is Our God" become anthems of rallies for the regime? How do lyrics like "Praise is the water my enemies drown in" shape the people who sing them? Singing with others creates a powerful sense of belonging and transcendence. So what happens when the music of one movement becomes the soundtrack of another?

Pidcock, who led worship in evangelical churches for twenty years, uncovers how worship gatherings blur into political rallies and vice versa. He takes us to worship gatherings on the National Mall, to charismatic concerts around the country, and into the early days of contemporary Christian music itself. He looks at the racism, misogyny, apocalypticism, and individualism that underwrite the songs, and at the ways children are being indoctrinated by the lyrics of silly songs with disturbing undertones. He uncovers a worship culture increasingly controlled by a set of powerbrokers and looks at how algorithms define the worship repertoire.

Celebrity worship leaders like Sean Feucht and worship collectives like Bethel Music and Hillsong are crafting worship experiences that strengthen the power of those at the top, dehumanize those below, and wage war against people who won't submit. The same songs sung at your local megachurch this Sunday--about power and punishment, floods and flames, pain and praise--now mark many political gatherings. As praise and worship music sands down the edges between Christianity and politics, Pidcock asks: Where are songs of conquest and spiritual warfare taking us?

Rick Pidcock is a journalist and weekly contributor for Baptist News Global whose work has been featured by the American Academy of Religion, BioLogos, Patheos, the Center for Christogenesis, the Bucks County Beacon, and Real Clear Religion. He is the host of BNG's Highest Power: Church + State podcast. Prior to becoming a journalist, he led worship for twenty years. Pidcock has a master of arts degree in worship from Northern Seminary and is an at-home parent of five children. He and his family live in South Carolina.