Words That Shape Us explores evangelicalism’s influence on the nation’s cultural and political discourse through the lens of its main independent news publications. Waters delves into the pages of evangelical periodicals that reveal a movement at a crossroads. This book offers an unprecedented look at the internal debates and divergent paths that could redefine the future of American politics and religion. Waters uncovers the widening gap between evangelical elites and those claiming the faith through meticulous analysis of four key independent evangelical publications. From the 2016, 2020, and 2024 Presidential elections to pressing social issues like immigration, racism, and healthcare, this work examines the complex interplay of media, theology, and politics. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the seismic shifts within evangelicalism and their implications for the future. Words That Shape Us is not just a book; it’s also a framework through which to view the evolving landscape of American evangelicalism.