MILES SMITH: Lessons from Reading Exvangelical Memoirs
Jul 15, 2024
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Miles Smith, an assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College, discusses insights from exvangelical memoirs and Christian nationalism. They explore loose ecclesiology in churches, clericalism's influence, pastors in purity culture, evangelical complexity, and the impact of World War I on churches.
Exvangelical memoirs shed light on the shift away from politically active church environments due to disillusionment with conservative religious beliefs.
Exvangelical movement criticizes purity culture for its damaging impact on individuals, especially women, calling for reevaluation within evangelical leadership.
Deep dives
Understanding Exvangelicalism and Christian Nationalism
Exvangelicals are individuals who were once part of evangelicalism but have publicly repudiated the movement. Their memoirs highlight the shift away from conservative religious beliefs and political involvement, especially concerning Christian nationalism. Books like Sarah McCammon's 'The Exvangelicals' and John Ward's testimonials explore this transition, often marked by a departure from politically active church environments.
Clericalism and Ecclesiastical Structure in Exvangelical Churches
Exvangelical churches often exhibit a form of clericalism where pastors hold significant power without substantial oversight. The ecclesiastical structure in these churches tends towards pastor-centric governance, resembling corporations with minimal external accountability. This model contrasts with traditional Protestant church structures with shared leadership and governance.
Critique of Purity Culture and Gender Dynamics
The exvangelical movement often critiques purity culture, particularly its harmful impact on individuals, especially women. Purity teachings, amplified by clerical authority, enforced strict behavioral standards leading to discomfort and disillusionment. Figures like Joshua Harris, who advocated for purity culture, later deconstructed their faith, highlighting the movement's damaging aspects.
Concluding Insights on Evangelicalism and Sociopolitical Influence
Evangelicalism's fusion of theology and sociopolitical engagement raises questions about its historical evolution. The alignment of evangelical leaders with political figures like Trump reveals a blend of charismatic authority and political entanglement. This sociopolitical integration within evangelicalism reflects a departure from traditional Protestant values and emphasizes the need for critical self-reflection and reevaluation within evangelical leadership.
Miles Smith is an assistant professor of history at Hillsdale College. He joins me to discuss what he learned from reading exvangelical memoirs and books about Christian nationalism.