The New Evangelicals Podcast 361. TNE TALKS: Deconstructing My Faith as a Black Woman in America
Feb 10, 2025
Dara Starr Tucker, a talented musician and radio host, shares her eye-opening journey of deconstructing her Pentecostal faith as a Black woman. She discusses the impact of Trumpism on evangelicalism and emphasizes the need for critical thinking amidst rising Christian nationalism. Dara reflects on navigating her racial identity within predominantly white church spaces and highlights the intersection of faith and politics. Together with Tim, they explore the importance of community organizing against contemporary threats to inclusivity.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Dara's Upbringing
- Dara Starr Tucker grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a Pentecostal holiness pastor grandmother and a music minister father.
- Her father helped establish an integrated charismatic Pentecostal church, recruited for his musical talent and to diversify the congregation.
Questioning Faith
- Dara questioned the emotionalism and spiritual emphasis of her Pentecostal upbringing, feeling like an outsider.
- She was encouraged to maintain her faith despite her doubts, a common experience for those who later deconstruct.
Contrasting Churches
- Dara's upbringing exposed her to both white charismatic and Black fundamentalist church environments.
- The white church leaned Republican, while her grandmother's Black church was apolitical, focusing on service.
