The Undertow

In The Undertow, Jeff Sharlet embarks on a compelling exploration of how religious beliefs have deeply infiltrated the political landscape of America. This work is as much a journey through the contemporary psyche of a divided nation as it is an investigation of the profound and unsettling shifts in cultural and political paradigms. At its core, the book grapples with the transformation of political ideologies into fervent religious zeal, charting a path from discontent to delusion, from social discord to deep-seated paranoia, and from simmering resentment to violent fantasies.

Throughout the United States, spiritual leaders preach a gospel that intertwines material wealth with divine favour, embodying a spiritual hunger that fosters discord rather than unity. Within the walls of vast, modern megachurches, what once was a message of love and peace has now evolved into a hub for warmongering demagogues and an unholy blend of faith and political ambition. These gatherings, reminiscent of both church services and political rallies, overflow with fervour and anticipation, reflecting the fusion of apocalyptic expectation and militant nationalism.

Amidst this backdrop, a society emerges where disenfranchised individuals, such as those attending gatherings of 'incels' (involuntarily celibate men), find camaraderie in their shared frustrations and misconceptions about gender, fuelling a dangerous narrative of victimhood and aggression against women. On the far right, emotions run high, transforming admiration into idolisation, apprehension into retribution, and discontentment into blinding fury. Here lies the beatification of figures like the 45th President of the United States as a symbol of conspiracy-laced devotion, and Ashli Babbitt, whose death during the Capitol insurrection, is mythologised as martyrdom for a certain vision of white womanhood.

Yet, amid this extremism, Sharlet also highlights the unwavering bravery of individuals who envision and foster a different America — one rooted in unity, justice, and liberty for all. These voices, so often drowned out by the cacophony of hate, sing of an America as yet unfulfilled but eternally hopeful.

The Undertow does more than recount a troubled decade; it serves as a stark reminder of the precariousness of the present moment. As it navigates the treacherous waters of national grief and political uncertainty against the backdrop of a global pandemic and creeping authoritarianism, this book compels readers to confront the failures of the past while envisioning a better, more inclusive future for America.