The novel presents the collusion between an independent Christian church preacher and a wealthy plutocrat seeking political office. The sermons reveal the power a preacher wields when he cleverly selects Bible verses and then spins them into a cohesive "Christian story" meant only to serve the plutocrat's personal political agenda; not Christianity. The protagonist, Noe Haleakua, is conflicted over Christian ethics from his youth versus his military actions in Afghanistan that earned him the Medal of Honor. Forced by his plutocrat boss, Rolf Lambert, into attending Rolf's "big box" church, Noe thinks he has found absolution. However, Noe falls victim to the pressure of church groupthink and unknowingly becomes the pawn of Rolf Lambert. The antagonist, Fiona, vigorously challenges the church groupthink Noe shares with her and attempts to enlighten Noe as to what is truly exceptional about America.