When you hear the word ‘evangelical’, what comes to mind? For many, it conjures images of zealous political activism, fiery sermons, and a strong moral stance on issues like abortion, LGBTQ+ rights, and religious freedom. But in “DECEIVED! The Poisoned Fruit of Evangelicalism,” Dr. Mark A. William presents a different and startling perspective on the modern evangelical movement. A perspective that urges Christians to take a step back and re-evaluate where their faith lies and where it has been hijacked.
Dr. William’s book is a piercing look into how political motivations have reshaped the evangelical movement into something that many believers may not even recognize. Evangelical activism, once rooted in spreading the love and compassion of Jesus Christ, has now become a powerful political machine, one that manipulates its followers for electoral and legislative gain. The problem? In doing so, evangelical leaders have strayed far from the Gospel’s true message.
At its core, “DECEIVED!” is an indictment of the way evangelicalism has allowed itself to become entangled in the muddy waters of political ambition. Christians who once championed compassion, humility, and love are now rallying behind political candidates who openly contradict the teachings of Jesus. These leaders promise legislative victories, promises to protect life, uphold religious liberty, and fight against the so-called moral decay of society but what price are Christians paying for these victories? Dr. William argues that the price is nothing less than the integrity of their faith.
The book’s message is clear that evangelical Christians have been deceived. Their passion, their faith, and their genuine desire to live in accordance with God’s will have been co-opted by leaders who use them as pawns in a political chess game. Under the guise of protecting Christian values, these leaders have led their followers down a path that prioritizes political power over spiritual growth, policy over principles, and moral compromise over moral conviction.
One of the most powerful sections of the book examines how evangelical leaders have forsaken Jesus’ teachings in favor of supporting political figures who promise legislative power. Many evangelicals now find themselves aligned with candidates who, far from embodying Christian virtues, are mired in personal and political scandals, whose policies may harm the very people Christians are called to serve. Yet, these alliances persist because the potential for political victories is too tempting to resist.
Dr. William’s work shines a bright light on the inner workings of this political manipulation, demonstrating how evangelical leaders use hot-button issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights to inflame passions and rally support. Yet, as he carefully outlines in “DECEIVED!”, these issues are often used as distractions from deeper, more critical conversations about how Christians should truly engage with the world around them. Instead of following Jesus’ example of reaching out to the marginalized and offering love and grace, many evangelical Christians have become unwitting participants in a political strategy that seeks to control and dominate.
The implications of this deception are vast. Not only is the credibility of the Church at stake, but so too is its ability to fulfill its mission. Dr. Williams argues that by aligning with political power, the Church risks alienating those it is meant to serve, particularly the very people Jesus himself spent his ministry serving—the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized. The message of love, compassion, and forgiveness is drowned out by the clamor for political influence, and in the process, the Church loses both its moral authority and its witness.
But Dr. William doesn’t leave his readers without hope. In “DECEIVED!”, he calls on Christians to return to the teachings of Jesus, to realign their priorities, and to re-engage with the world in a way that reflects the true essence of the Gospel. “DECEIVED! The Poisoned Fruit of Evangelicalism.” is now available on Amazon and at https://deceived.drmarkwill.com. Use the QR code below to download the Dr. Mark Williams app and preview chapters from this book, plus enjoy his inspiring music recordings. When you buy the book through the app, you’ll get a $5 discount on “DECEIVED! The Poisoned Fruit of Evangelicalism.”
