Diana Butler Bass: White Evangelical Theopolitics, John Shelby Spong, & Jesus
Sep 17, 2021
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Diana Butler Bass, an esteemed author and scholar on Christianity and culture, dives deep into the evolving landscape of American evangelicals. The conversation explores the political shifts among white evangelicals, especially their support for Donald Trump, and the implications for religious identity. They reflect on the legacy of John Shelby Spong, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and inclusivity. Bass also discusses the cultural takeaway from 'The Eyes of Tammy Faye,' advocating for communities rooted in compassion and understanding amidst contemporary challenges.
Recent data indicates a complex relationship between white evangelical identity and political allegiance, particularly during the Trump era.
The historical polarization of American Protestantism showcases a division between social justice advocates and conservative evangelicals since the post-World War II era.
The concept of 'second naivete' emphasizes a transformative faith journey, highlighting love and justice as central to spiritual renewal.
Deep dives
The Changing Landscape of American Religion
Recent data reveals significant changes in American religious attitudes, particularly regarding white evangelicals. Some surveys suggest an initial decline in white evangelical affiliation, followed by a slight increase during the Trump era, complicating the narrative of ongoing decline. For example, a Pew survey indicates many white evangelicals still identify politically with Trump, significantly affecting their religious identity. Additionally, there is a notable prevalence of beliefs among evangelicals surrounding the January 6th Capitol insurrection, underscoring the intertwining of faith and politics.
Evangelical Identity and Political Beliefs
The data highlights a concerning relationship between evangelical beliefs and support for political violence, as many white evangelicals believe the 2020 election was stolen and support divisive rhetoric surrounding patriotism. For instance, 61% of white evangelicals believe the election was unfairly taken from Trump, and a significant number rationalize violence in defense of their beliefs. This political shift suggests a transformation of evangelical identity into a theopolitical construct, where theological beliefs become secondary to political allegiance. The statistical findings illustrate a worrying trend in which allegiance to right-wing ideologies complicates traditional theological views.
Historical Context of American Protestantism
The historical trajectory of American Protestantism showcases a polarization shaped by significant cultural events, particularly post-World War II and during the Civil Rights Movement. Historical divisions emerged as liberal mainline Protestants began to embrace social justice and racial equality, contrasting with conservative evangelical movements that resisted these changes. This polarization exacerbated the gulf between these groups and contributed to a long-term decline of mainline denominations, who faced backlash from more conservative factions. Understanding this historical context is crucial for comprehending the current state of religious identity in America.
The Role of Second Naivete in Faith
The concept of 'second naivete' illustrates a faith journey where individuals return to foundational beliefs with a more profound understanding and acceptance of complexities. This notion embodies the idea of embracing beliefs wholeheartedly despite uncertainties or prior criticisms, allowing individuals to weave their experiences into a richer tapestry of faith. For many, this entails a deeper commitment to love, compassion, and justice within their spiritual lives, often rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Recognizing this journey can lead to transformative experiences where individuals find renewed purpose and connection within their religious communities.
Emphasizing Love Over Dogma
A critical distinction arises between maintaining religious dogma and embodying love, particularly within the context of evangelicalism and its political affiliations. Figures like Tammy Faye Bakker and Jack Spong exemplify how personal conviction and an emphasis on love can transcend traditional boundaries and expectations of faith. While they may not conform to orthodox standards, their genuine compassion and ability to connect with others illustrate a form of faith that prioritizes relationships over rigid adherence to doctrine. This perspective challenges the current narrative of evangelicalism, suggesting that churches should focus on love and justice rather than divisive political identities.
In this episode, Diana Butler Bass joins the pod and we tackle some excellent questions. Here you will get a glimpse of what a QnA session sounds like in our current online learning group Oh God What Now: Christianity 20 years after 9/11. The class itself is 6-weeks and features a weekly session with Diana Butler Bass and Brian, along with occasional QnA sessions like this.
Here are a few links from things we mention in the episode...
