Bare Marriage Episode 307: How the Stories of Missionary Kids Unmask the Myths of Evangelicalism (and Purity Culture!)
10 snips
Dec 4, 2025 
Holly Berkley Fletcher, a historian and former CIA analyst, shares insights from her book *Missionary Kids*, revealing the complex lives of missionary kids in evangelical contexts. They discuss how these kids act as a 'window' into the issues of white evangelicalism and race. Holly highlights their struggles with identity and grief, compounded by unrealistic expectations of their parents as 'saints.' The conversation uncovers how purity culture impacts MKs, especially girls, and calls for empowering local leaders in positive missions.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
MKs Reveal Evangelical Blind Spots
- Missionary kids' experiences reveal broader blind spots in white evangelicalism and its missionary enterprise.
- Holly Berkley Fletcher frames MKs as credible witnesses who unmask myths about evangelical identity and mission.
Raised In Kenya, Split Between Worlds
- Holly grew up in Kenya from age eight and had limited time in the U.S., attending only brief stretches of public school.
- Her upbringing shaped her perspective and motivated the historical research behind the book.
Race Shapes The Missionary Story
- Missions historically intertwine with race and American identity, shaping who goes and why.
- Fletcher argues race is central to the missionary enterprise and white evangelical influence globally.
