The Myth of the American Dream: Loving Your Neighbor Beyond Evangelicalism - w/ D.L. Mayfield

May 17, 2021

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How the myth of the American Dream and a narrow evangelical subculture are being authentically challenged by those living out the radical call to love your neighbor. Mike and Tim are joined by author and activist D.L. Mayfield to explore how her journey from youth group punk rocker to committed neighbor and advocate for the marginalized reveals a deeper and more robust understanding of faith, formation, and following Jesus.

Together, they discuss what it means to reconstruct faith in a way that centers the voices of the oppressed, de-emphasizes certitude in favor of humble practice, and reclaims grief, lament, and joy as necessary parts of Christian discipleship. Danielle shares how her proximity to refugees and underserved communities has shaken her assumptions about America, challenged her theology, and offered a more hopeful vision of the church rooted in Jesus’ teachings.

Key Takeaways: • Love Your Neighbor Means Everyone – D.L. Mayfield shares how her work with Somali refugees at 19 challenged her notions of mission, success, and American Christianity. • The Myth of the American Dream – Why proximity to the marginalized helped Danielle recognize the toxic marriage of nationalism and evangelical faith. • Deconstruction and Reconstruction – Community responses and practical metaphors for rediscovering a faithful spirituality beyond doctrinal certitudes. • Finding Joy Through Lament – Redefining spiritual growth through embodied experiences of grief, hope, and social engagement. • A Punk Rock Ethic of Faith – How spiritual disruptors like Danielle and others are re-centering the church around Jesus rather than culture war idolatry.

Guest Highlights: D.L. Mayfield – Writer, speaker, and advocate whose work explores white evangelicalism, social justice, and solidarity with the marginalized. Author of The Myth of the American Dream and Assimilate or Go Home, Danielle brings real-life experience and theological compassion to questions of justice, faith, and Christian witness in America today.

Resources Mentioned: • D.L. Mayfield’s website and writing – dlmayfield.com • The Myth of the American Dream – Book Link • Eugene Peterson’s As Kingfishers Catch Fire – Book Link • Saved by Faith and Hospitality by Joshua Jipp – Book Link

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