Kristin Kobes Du Mez: Inside the Evangelical MAGA vote
Feb 8, 2024
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Scholar Kristin Kobes Du Mez discusses the strong support for Trump among evangelicals and the intersection of evangelicalism and politics, highlighting the concept of Christian nationalism. The podcast also explores the implications of white evangelicals in America and the nuances of Christian nationalism and democracy. Additionally, it touches on how evangelical leaders have embraced online platforms to share their politics and become influential figures in the Trump-supporting community.
Evangelical support for Trump remains strong, and the MAGA base cannot be separated from evangelicals, highlighting their significant influence in politics.
Defining evangelicalism is complex, encompassing various theological beliefs and denominational affiliations, making it a contested and diverse term.
Deep dives
Evangelical Support for Trump
Evangelical support for Trump remains steadfast, and it is inaccurate to separate the MAGA base from evangelicals. Trump had widespread support among evangelical pastors, particularly those who emphasized issues like abortion and the alleged stolen election. Evangelical voters have a significant influence in politics, with around 14% of Americans falling into the white evangelical category. They tend to vote in alignment with a party line and play a pivotal role in crucial swing states, making their support crucial for Republican candidates.
Defining Evangelicalism
Defining what it means to be evangelical is complex and varies depending on theological beliefs, denominational affiliation, and self-identification. The term evangelical often includes those with conservative beliefs and who prioritize church attendance and religious behavior. However, this definition does not capture the diverse perspectives within the evangelical community, including African-American Christians who may hold different beliefs. The term evangelical is contested both in theological and political contexts.
Christian Nationalism and Politics
Christian nationalism, the idea that America was founded as a Christian nation, intersects with politics and influences the voting patterns of evangelicals. Christian nationalists advocate for Christian values to shape the country's laws and future, sometimes aligning with conservative Christianity and traditionalism. Policies influenced by Christian nationalism often include opposition to LGBTQ rights, abortion, and immigration. Christian nationalists may have a more authoritarian leaning and be comfortable with voter suppression. However, not all Christians align with or support this specific vision of Christian nationalism, and the term itself can be confusing and contentious.
It's harder than ever to define what it means to be evangelical in America. But one constant? The Trump support. "The MAGA base is very real inside these evangelical spaces and it's not accurate to try to separate them," says scholar Kristin Kobes Du Mez, who herself has an Evangelical background. She tells Niala why white Evangelical power is stronger than ever for Republicans in 2024.
Plus: Axios' Sophia Cai on what she's seen covering the Evangelical vote on the campaign trail, and why it matters that more pastors are spreading their word on social media.
Guests: Kristin Kobes Du Mez, professor of history and gender studies at Calvin and the author of the book "Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation."
Credits: 1 big thing is produced by Niala Boodhoo, Alexandra Botti, and Jay Cowit. Music is composed by Alex Sugiura. You can reach us at podcasts@axios.com. You can send questions, comments and story ideas as a text or voice memo to Niala at 202-918-4893.