In this insightful discussion, scholar Robbie Jones, who leads the Public Religion Research Institute, uncovers the troubling ties between white evangelical churches and political nationalism. He highlights how Trump’s presidency intensified rifts within faith communities, revealing a surprising embrace of conservative ideologies and conspiracy theories like QAnon. The conversation delves into personal narratives, illustrating the complex interplay of faith and politics, while shedding light on how these divisions challenge core humanitarian values in evangelical spaces.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Church Conflict
Pastor Caleb Campbell witnessed increased combativeness at Desert Springs Bible Church after Trump's election.
Members confronted him for supporting immigrants, a long-standing church practice.
question_answer ANECDOTE
DACA Dismay
Trump's announcement to end DACA caused distress among Desert Springs youth, many of whom were affected.
Campbell's condemnation of this decision led to further conflict within the church.
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Early Opposition
Knapp Nazworth, then at The Christian Post, co-authored an editorial denouncing Trump's candidacy.
This was unusual for the publication and reflected initial evangelical skepticism towards Trump.
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In 'Disarming Leviathan,' Caleb E. Campbell addresses the phenomenon of Christian nationalism in the United States. The book serves as a missionary handbook, equipping Christians to understand and respond to Christian nationalism. Campbell explores the origins and appeal of Christian nationalism, contrasts it with biblical teachings, and provides practical advice on how to engage in constructive conversations with Christian nationalists. He advocates for a compassionate and loving approach, encouraging readers to view this as a mission field and to prepare their hearts for the work. The book is written in a conversational tone and includes personal anecdotes, scriptural analyses, and guidelines for addressing common talking points of Christian nationalists.
Jesus and John Wayne
How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
Kristin Kobes Du Mez
The book delves into the history of American evangelicalism, focusing on how white evangelicals have promoted a militant, patriarchal form of masculinity that has aligned with figures like John Wayne and, more recently, Donald Trump. Du Mez argues that this form of masculinity has been central to the political and social transformations within white evangelicalism, leading to the strong support for Trump despite his controversial character. The book also critiques the abuse and corruption within evangelical leadership and explores the broader implications for American society and politics.
Political divisions within Pastor Caleb’s church and at a leading Christian magazine reveal how predominantly white evangelical spaces became hothouses for Christian nationalism. Republican politics, militant masculinity and QAnon conspiracy theories all contribute to its spread.
Napp Nazworth, Ph.D., is Executive Director of American Values Coalition. He previously worked in academia teaching courses in U.S. government, Congress, and religion and politics; and as a journalist, serving as opinion editor and politics editor for The Christian Post.
Kristin Kobes Du Mezis a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. Her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics, and her most recent book is Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.
Lionel Estrada is a father, grandfather, Jesus follower, worship leader, songwriter and addiction/trauma therapist from Phoenix, AZ. He has been a member of Desert Springs Bible Church for almost 20 years.
When The Wolves Came 