Jesus and John Wayne Episode 4: Fallen Warriors (The ‘10s - Today)
Jul 16, 2021
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Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses 'Jesus & John Wayne' with Skye Jethani, exploring white evangelicals' support for Trump, reactions to the Capitol attack, scandals in church leadership, and the role of evangelical media. They address criticism of the book, reflect on the future of American evangelicalism, and the need to reframe narratives of Christian nationalism, patriarchy, and militancy.
Evangelicals' support for Trump reveals a history of authoritarian values in the community.
Evangelical media played a significant role in shaping beliefs around Christian nationalism and patriarchy.
The book emphasizes the need for transformative leadership to reshape entrenched evangelical cultures.
Deep dives
The Impact of Evangelical Support for Trump
Evangelicals supported Trump despite his controversial statements, reflecting a long history of promoting authoritarian and militant values within the community. The connection between evangelical masculinity and Trump's appeal was seen in the emphasis on a masculine, ruthless leadership style intertwined with a militant faith concept. The book highlights a pattern of evangelicals endorsing abusive leaders by justifying authoritarianism in the name of protecting the faith, leading to a betrayal of stated family values.
Evangelicals' Changing Attitudes Toward Trump
Evangelical support for Trump, initially tepid, increased as he presented himself as an advocate for their causes, aided by influential evangelical figures like Jerry Falwell Jr. and Robert Jeffress. Key evangelical leaders initially critical of Trump later aligned with him, possibly due to political calculations or fears of losing constituent support. The evangelical community's gradual embrace of Trump showcased the complex dynamics between religious convictions, political expediency, and loyalty.
The Evangelical Media Influence
The emergence of evangelical media post-World War II significantly shaped evangelical beliefs and perspectives, influencing a wide audience through platforms like Christian booksellers, radio, and televangelism. This media proliferation led to the promotion of specific ideologies around Christian living, subtly reinforcing patriarchal authority and militaristic Christianity. The role of evangelical media in shaping narratives of Christian nationalism and patriarchy underscores the interconnectedness between media consumption and belief systems in evangelical circles.
Challenging Traditional Evangelical Institutions
The book highlights the resistance of established evangelical institutions to change, with individuals who seek reform often facing pushback or ostracism. While the narrative journeys through historical contexts, it poses a critical question on the potential for altering entrenched institutional cultures within evangelicalism. The need for new spaces and leadership to drive transformative change is emphasized, suggesting a shift towards innovative platforms and community initiatives in reshaping evangelical narratives.
Narrative Reconstruction and Building Hope for Change
The author's reflective approach towards history contributes to reconstructing narratives that illuminate the historical origins of evangelical beliefs and practices. By acknowledging the constructiveness of these ideologies, the book enables readers to contemplate avenues for change and transformation. The ending statement on undoing what has been done symbolizes a call to action for individuals and institutions to engage in meaningful dialogues, critical self-reflection, and collaborative efforts to reframe evangelical narratives and foster positive change for the future.
Calvin University history professor Kristin Kobes Du Mez joins Skye Jethani to discuss her bestselling book, "Jesus & John Wayne." In this episode, they look at the rise of Donald Trump among white evangelicals and how their response to the January 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol mirrors reactions to scandals involving celebrity church leaders. Du Mez also responds to criticism of her book, and where we might find hope for the future of American evangelicalism.
Part 1 - Authoritarian Pastors and the Authoritarian President Part 2 - Insurrection and Sex Scandals (17:22) Part 3 - Christian Media and the Marketplace (27:42) Part 4 - Responses and Criticism (40:32) Part 5 - Done and Undone (52:59)
Jesus & John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation: https://amzn.to/3l6mkH
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