Jesus & John Wayne: Episode 1: Cold Warriors (The '50s & 60's)
Jun 25, 2021
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Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez and Skye Jethani discuss how the Cold War influenced American evangelicalism, Billy Graham's impact, and the lingering effects on white evangelicals today. They explore the connection between Cold War values, political ideologies, and cultural attitudes, highlighting the shift from military ambivalence to viewing it as a mission field. The podcast delves into moral clarity and nostalgia for the Cold War era, and how these mindsets continue to shape modern evangelical perspectives on culture wars and political loyalty.
The Cold War era molded evangelical beliefs towards strength, military virtue, and aggressive policies.
Evangelical generational divide sees younger members embracing pluralism, humility, and self-critique over traditional narratives.
Deep dives
Evangelical Support for Candidate Because of Plaeding Strength
Evangelicals supported a presidential candidate who warned about Muslims and immigrants, displayed aggressive behavior, and boasted of unwavering voter support. The candidate's message resonated with evangelicals, reflecting a shift where strength became a crucial virtue in evangelical circles.
Historical Context: Cold War Impact on Evangelical Imagination
The 1950s and 60s were deeply impacted by the Cold War, shaping American evangelical perspectives and military relations. The evangelical emphasis on strength, aggressive policies, and the role of the military as a source of virtue gained significant momentum during this era.
Shift to Internal Threat and Fear Motivation
The Cold War mentality transitioned to a focus on internal threats in the 1990s, with figures like Newt Gingrich shifting the conservative narrative. The fear-driven motivation to combat perceived internal enemies, spurred by Gingrich's rhetoric, continued in the post-9-11 era.
Generational Divide and Pluralism: Moving Beyond Cold War Mentality
A generational split exists within evangelical circles, as younger individuals embrace pluralism and self-critique while challenging the Cold War culture war mindset. The shift towards self-reflection, humility, and openness to correction marks a departure from the traditional us-versus-them narrative.
Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Skye Jethani (co-host of The Holy Post) to discuss her bestselling book, “Jesus & John Wayne.” In this episode, they discuss how the Cold War shaped and defined American evangelicalism, how it differed from earlier 19th-century evangelicalism, and the lingering effects of the Cold War on the way many white evangelicals still think about culture, politics, and gender. Part 1 - Revivalism and the Military (2:23) Part 2 - Billy Graham and the Bomb (16:34) Part 3 - Civil Rights and Vietnam (30:48) Part 4 - From Cold War to Culture War (45:08)
Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation: https://amzn.to/3l6mkH
(The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.)
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