Why is white evangelical culture often so controlling and resistant to change? Why is there so much abuse in white evangelical churches? And how did the people of “family values” fall in line behind Donald Trump in such large numbers?

These are questions answered in Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation by Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University.

Her deeply researched history book pushes beyond facile headlines to discover why white evangelicalism isn’t as pure as many of its adherents believe. Historical analysis spanning decades culminates in a stunning conclusion: Donald Trump represents the fulfillment, rather than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values.

In the first half of this episode, Kristin shares some of the history of how white evangelicalism became what it is today. In the second half, Mark and Kristin discuss the real-world implications of white evangelical teachings and culture, and the enduring consequences for us all.

Show Notes

• Purchase your copy of Jesus & John Wayne


• Read Mark’s review of Jesus & John Wayne


• Read Kristin’s piece in the New York Times


• Follow Kristin on Twitter: @kkdumez


• Follow Mark on Threads: @markhackett

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. I explore faith and American church culture from Memphis, TN. Never miss a post by signing up for my free newsletter or becoming a member.

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