Have evangelicals gone authoritarian? And if so why?

A few ideas from "American Babylon."

1. Christian Scripture uses a monarchical language of kingship and lordship that can be and has been used to legitimate hierarchy.

2. However, the Hebrew Scriptures contain proto-democratic elements, too, such as an emphasis on the rule of law, the sharing of power, and practices of redistribution.

3. Like the Hebrew prophets before him, Jesus often mocks authority, preaches radical egalitarianism, and persoal selflessness.

4. Both tendencies -- monarchical and proto-democratic -- are in tension throughout the history of Western Christianity, e.g., in the conflicts over Papal vs. Conciliar authority in the Middle Ages, or in the conflicts between the "magisterial" and "radical" reformations.

5. The New England Puritans and other Protestant sectarians brought the democratic potentials with them to the New World, where they could take root and unfold.

6. As Tocqueville rightly observed, the Christian churches of 19th century America often served as "schools of democracy."

7. This began to change during the 20th century. Protestant churches had once been miniature republics. Increasingly, they became more akin to miniature corporations. Even not so miniature ones.

8. Mega churches replaced small congregations. Celebrity pastors replaced humble ministers. Sanctuaries began to look like ciniplexes. Pews became lounge chairs. And church members became passive spectators.

Is it any wonder that they voted in droves for a former reality TV star?