The Holy Post Jesus & John Wayne: Episode 1: Cold Warriors (The '50s & 60's)
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Jun 25, 2021 
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.
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Revivalism Before Enemy Identity
- 19th-century American evangelicalism emphasized revivalism and social reform rather than enemy-defined identity.
- This orientation shifted in the 20th century as Protestants began crafting identities around common adversaries.
From Pacifism To Militarized Mission
- Early 20th-century Protestants were often ambivalent or hostile to militarism and sometimes pacifist.
- Post-WWII evangelicals shifted to view the military as a mission field and a source of social virtue.
Cold War Framing Elevated Evangelicals
- The Cold War framed communism as an existential threat to faith, family, and nation for evangelicals.
- That framing let evangelicals claim central cultural authority and align closely with national defense priorities.