Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith

By: Ajoy, April

A hilarious and eye-opening account of leaving Christian Nationalism behind to follow Jesus better.

April Ajoy wouldn't have called herself a Christian Nationalist when she performed her original song "America Say Jesus" on the Jim Bakker show, or when she participated in Jesus Marches across America, or when she posted cringe-worthy videos on YouTube to campaign for Mitt Romney. April just considered herself a good Christian: faithful, Republican, and determined to make America a Christian nation once again.

But as her view of the world widened, Ajoy began to see cracks in her steadfast beliefs and recognized the ways her conservative politics and religion were intertwined in her mind. Did God really bless America? Is it actually by His red, white, and blue stripes that we are healed?

Ajoy, content creator and podcast host, shares funny stories from her time deep within Christian nationalism, exploring how aspects of evangelical culture such as product boycotts, Satanic panic, and end-times theology have all been exploited to advance the Christian Nationalist narrative. She also illuminates the ways nationalist thinking has infiltrated our churches and political arenas, shaping not only modern evangelical culture but also American public policy and international relations.

Part memoir, part guidebook, part call to action, Star-Spangled Jesus explores how the fight to make America a "Christian nation" has damaged us all and shows how one woman left Christian Nationalism and why America should too.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1546006699
• ISBN13: 9781546006695
• Release Date: September 2025
• Publisher: Apiary Books
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.2" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

Insightful, Funny, and well written

I enjoyed this book on audible where the author April Joy reads to you. I grew up in fundamentalist Christianity and then ended up in charismatic circles as a young adult. I recognized so many of the mindsets and conclusions that Ms. Joy grew up hearing, embracing and sharing. My experience was not quite as drenched in Christian Nationalism, but her reflections gave me so much to think on and consider for my own life and journey. She is a great writer and naturally a bit goofy and fun. The story was well paced, didn't drag and I wanted to keep listening all the way to the end. I think this book gives a really important look into a family who took their "mandate" to get everyone saved and "take back the country for Jesus." It helps demonstrate what growing up in Christian nationalism can be like -and how many inside of this don't even know that's what they are being taught. Or how it harms others. Highly recommend.