Nationalism, masculinity, and the making of white evangelicalism

A conversation with Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Why does white evangelicalism often feel so controlling, hypocritical, and resistant to change? Why is there so much abuse in white evangelical churches? And how did the people of “family values” fall in line behind Donald Trump in such large numbers?

These are questions answered in Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University.

Her deeply researched history book pushes beyond facile headlines to discover why white evangelicalism isn’t as pure as many of its adherents believe. Historical analysis spanning decades finally culminates in a stunning conclusion: Donald Trump represents the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values.

I recently sat down with Kristin to discuss her book and the implications this history has for all of us. You can listen to our conversation below or wherever you get your podcasts.