Scales
Off
Finding Jesus Beyond the Noise of Politics & Coercive Religion
A book about following Jesus in a noisy world — written for the soul that's tired but still reaching.
A quiet look at what fear has done to faith.
Across the country, countless believers are aching with disillusionment. They've watched fear and shame used to keep people in line. They've heard the name of Jesus pressed into service for politics and culture wars.
Many have walked away entirely. Others still hunger for the real Christ — the one who offers an easier burden and a lighter yoke. Scales Off is written for them.
Drawing on Scripture, history, and lived experience, Anthony D. Neely traces how fear has been weaponized in coercive religion and Christian nationalism, and invites readers to walk with him beyond the noise into the peace of God's perfect love.
This isn't a book about abandoning faith. It's a book about shedding what's toxic to reclaim what's true.
What readers find when the scales come off.
Formation, not manipulation
How to tell the spiritual practices that form you from the ones that quietly try to control you.
A way through church hurt
Naming what's been twisted, healing what's been broken, and walking again without the weight.
Untangling Jesus from politics
What it looks like to follow Christ beyond the culture wars — and why the gospel was never a partisan project.
A yoke that's genuinely easy
The Christ who promised rest, and what changes when you actually take Him at His word.
What readers are saying.
Neely's balanced approach is designed to bring peace to your soul — but not peace at the cost of your soul.
One of the more important books I have read in years. Approaches the issue many of our churches face today — "draping the cross in the stars and stripes."
If you're feeling worn, exhausted, and disillusioned by the constant barrage of voices eroding your faith — read this book and know you're not alone.
Anthony gave words to my long-standing, ambiguous feelings and concerns regarding the fusion of partisan politics and the church.
In a time when deconstruction leads so many away from the church, Dr. Neely demonstrates that Jesus is central to loving your neighbor.
Every political party — left, right, and independent — should read this. A concise, insightful look at how rhetoric shapes our politics, our communities, and our conversations.
Three ways to get acquainted with the book.
Read a chapter
Download a free PDF chapter and see if the voice of the book is one you want to spend more time with.
Download PDF ↓An in-depth summary
A spoken walkthrough of what the book is about, what it's not, and who it's written for.
The Beautiful Kingdom Builders
A conversation with host Ruth Perry on faith, deconstruction, Christian nationalism, and recentering Christ.
Watch on YouTube →On Earth As It Is In Heaven
Referenced in the afterword of Scales Off, this playlist was assembled as a musical companion for anyone in the work of rebuilding and clarifying their faith in Jesus.
For the long drive, the quiet morning, the slow walk — or for the moments when words are too much and music has to carry it.
Contact Anthony.
For interviews, speaking inquiries, or a genuine note about the book. This space is for real conversation — please save the marketing pitches for someone else.