Where Do We Go From Here? Kristin Kobes Du Mez on Purity Culture, Patriarchy & Power
We're bringing back one of our most downloaded episodes of the last 5 years — and for good reason. This riveting conversation with Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, author of Jesus and John Wayne, explores how white American evangelicals came to embrace a model of masculinity rooted not in Jesus, but in militarism, patriarchy, and cultural conservatism.
Jess and Devi unpack how purity culture intersects with Christian nationalism and gender roles, and how evangelical ideals of "biblical masculinity" and "feminine purity" were shaped more by cultural warriors than the gospel. Plus, listeners will hear powerful voice memos from men who saw themselves in this book — and whose lives were changed by it.
Why listen (again): If you've ever wondered how we got from the church youth group to Donald Trump, or if you’ve struggled to reconcile your faith with the gender roles you were raised with, this episode is a must-listen.
What We Cover:
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The history behind evangelical support for Donald Trump
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How Christian masculinity became militarized
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Why “biblical manhood” and “biblical womanhood” aren’t biblical
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The deep links between evangelicalism, nationalism, and patriarchy
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Why so many men found healing in Jesus and John Wayne
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The real impact of evangelical “enemy culture”
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How power, fear, and authority are used to control communities
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What it means to resist the us-vs-them narrative in faith communities
Listener Stories Included: Throughout the episode, you'll hear from men around the world whose experiences with evangelical masculinity echo the findings in Du Mez’s research. These voice memos are raw, honest, and unforgettable.
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