Jesus and John Wayne Episode 3: Tender Warriors (The ’90s - ’00s)
Jul 9, 2021
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Calvin University professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses the evolution of white evangelicalism's view on masculinity post the Cold War, exploring Promise Keepers, fragile masculinity, and the impact of 9/11 on Christian leadership. The podcast delves into racial reconciliation challenges, therapeutic Christianity, and the return to aggressive masculinity in evangelical circles.
Promise Keepers promoted a gentler, kinder approach to masculinity in the '90s post-Cold War era.
Purity culture in the '90s reinforced traditional gender roles within evangelical circles.
Post-9/11 era revived aggressive Christian masculinity against internal culture wars and progressive movements.
Deep dives
The Intersection of Evangelicalism and American Politics
Evangelicalism in the U.S. became intertwined with politics as demonstrated by the support of evangelicals for a candidate warning about Muslims and immigrants. This synergy led to the corruption and fragmentation of evangelicalism, creating a culture war related to Christianity and patriotism.
Evolution of Masculinity in Evangelicalism in the 1990s
In the 1990s, the Cold War narrative ended, impacting American evangelicalism and masculinity conceptions. With economic changes and feminism's rise, evangelical men grappled with defining their masculinity. Movements like Promise Keepers emerged, addressing confusion around masculinity through concepts like soft patriarchy and servant leadership.
Promise Keepers and the Redefinition of Masculinity
Promise Keepers, led by Bill McCartney, addressed the evolving masculine identity in the 1990s. They encouraged men to be better fathers and husbands, emphasizing keeping promises and reshaping masculinity beyond authoritarianism. The movement exemplified a shift towards softer forms of patriarchy like tender warriors and servant leaders.
The Influence of the Purity Movement
The purity movement in the 1990s reinforced traditional gender roles for boys and girls within evangelical circles. Boys were encouraged to wait for marriage while girls were urged to avoid tempting behaviors. This movement intersected with evolving views on masculinity and conformity to Christian ideals.
Post-9/11 Evangelicalism and Culture Wars
The post-9/11 era saw evangelicalism embracing a militaristic masculinity, exemplified by works like 'Wild at Heart.' The focus shifted from battling Islam to combatting internal culture wars against progressive movements. This era revived combative masculinity and became central to evangelical identity.
Young, Restless, Reformed Movement and Gender Boundaries
The young, restless, reformed movement purported a theologically rigorous vision but often reinforced patriarchal and gendered boundaries. Emphasizing complementarian views and intellectual masculinity, the movement marginalized women and minorities, showcasing visible boundaries within evangelical circles.
Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Skye Jethani to discuss her bestselling book, “Jesus & John Wayne.” In this episode, they examine why white evangelicalism left behind some of its militant rhetoric after the Cold War ended in the early 1990s to embrace a kinder, gentler approach epitomized by the Promise Keepers movement, and how an aggressive vision of Christian masculinity returned after September 11, 2001. Plus, why an emphasis on racial reconciliation ultimately doomed Promise Keepers, and how other ministries learned to avoid any talk about race or justice.
Part 1 - Promise Keepers and Therapeutic Christianity Part 2 - Servant Leaders and Racial Reconciliation (15:36) Part 3 - Purity Culture and Fragile Masculinity (32:47) Part 4 - 9/11 and the Neo-Calvinists (48:38)
Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation: https://amzn.to/3l6mkH
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