The world of religion and politics is often a volatile mix, but nowhere has this been more apparent than in Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation, the groundbreaking new work by Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Du Mez examines the history of white evangelicalism in America and how it has become intertwined with certain political ideologies, particularly concerning masculinity. With exhaustive research and thoughtful analysis, she delves into the complicated relationship between evangelicalism and macho-style politics to explore the roots of today’s fractured nation. In this review we will take an in-depth look at the arguments presented in Jesus and John Wayne, examining its strengths and weaknesses.
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation Review
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is an eye-opening work that exposes how white evangelicals have shaped American culture over the last century. Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Kristin Kobes Du Mez, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the history of religion in America.
Key Features:
1. Explores the rise of evangelicalism and its influence on politics, masculinity, and power.
2. Examines how Christian nationalism has been weaponized to serve political interests.
3. Analyzes contemporary events like #metoo, the culture wars, and Trump’s election through the lens of white evangelicalism.
This book takes readers on a journey through the history of white evangelicalism in America, from its earliest days as an anti-modern movement to its current status as one of the most powerful forces in American politics. Through interviews, archival research, and analysis of popular culture, Du Mez offers insight into why so many evangelicals embraced Donald Trump and what it means for the future of faith in America. With unprecedented access to conservative Christian leaders and organizations, Jesus and John Wayne reveals how white evangelicals have distorted Christianity for their own ends, leaving women and people of color behind even as they seek to reclaim America’s “lost greatness”—and what can be done to push back against their corrosive influence.
Product Details
Product Name | Author | Publisher |
---|---|---|
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation | Kristin Kobes Du Mez | Liveright Publishing Corporation |
Publication Date | Language | Pages |
May 5, 2020 | English | 400 Pages |
ISBN-10 | ISBN-13 | Product Dimensions |
1631495737 | 978-1631495736 | 6 x 1.2 x 9 inches |
Binding Type | Shipping Weight | Average Customer Review |
Hardcover | 1.3 pounds | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Jesus and John Wayne offers a fascinating insight into the history of the Evangelical movement in America, exploring how it has been corrupted by modern conservative politics.
2. This book is an eye-opening examination of how white evangelicalism has fractured American culture and religion over the past four decades.
3. Author Kristin Kobes Du Mez draws on extensive research to provide compelling evidence that evangelicalism has become intertwined with white nationalism, patriarchy and militarism.
4. Through her analysis, Du Mez shows how this has had a devastating effect on both U.S. society and global Christianity.
5. By bringing to light the profound implications of the “Jesus and John Wayne” mythos, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding contemporary American religion and politics.
Cons:
1. The Jesus and John Wayne narrative can be difficult to follow due to its complexity and breadth of topics covered.
2. Some readers may find Du Mez’s arguments unconvincing or too critical of certain aspects of Evangelicalism; others may take issue with her approach to interpreting scripture.
3. As the book focuses exclusively on white evangelicals, readers looking for a broader perspective on faith in America may be unsatisfied with the scope of this work.
Who are They for
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is an explosive, groundbreaking book by New York Times bestselling author Kristin Kobes Du Mez. Examining the intertwining of evangelicalism with toxic masculinity, militarism, and nationalism, Du Mez reveals how white evangelicals have embraced a version of the Christian faith that has corrupted its core values and fractured American society.
This provocative and timely book investigates the complex history of white evangelicalism in America, from its roots in the 19th century to its close ties with Donald Trump’s presidency. Drawing on extensive research, Du Mez shows how generations of white evangelicals have shifted their focus away from traditional religious doctrines such as peace, love, and mercy—opting instead for a “masculine” Christianity marked by violence, aggression, and patriotism. By championing “traditional” gender roles, patriarchal authority structures, and staunch nationalism, this new evangelical movement has both amplified existing social divisions and created new ones.
Through vivid storytelling and sharp analysis, Jesus and John Wayne offers an unprecedented look into the culture wars that have divided our nation over the past decades—and also provides hope for a better future. It is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand how white evangelicals became so politically powerful—and why we must work together to reclaim our faith from those who have distorted it.
My Experience for Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
Once upon a time, I was a white evangelical who found myself in the midst of an ever-widening spiritual crisis. My faith had been corrupted by a narrative of Jesus and John Wayne. Growing up, I was taught that being a good Christian meant following a strict moral code, one that promised success and prosperity if followed correctly. But as I grew older, I saw how this version of Christianity had fractured our nation in so many ways.
Searching for answers, I stumbled across the book Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. Immediately, I knew it was going to be my guide towards understanding this crisis and learning how to heal from it.
The author’s deep dives into history and culture provide an eye-opening look at how white evangelicals have distorted Jesus’s teachings and abused their power to further their own agenda. The book also examines why so many people are drawn to this version of Christianity despite its obvious drawbacks. I gained valuable insight about what is truly important in life as well as how to use my faith for good instead of harm.
Since reading Jesus and John Wayne, my outlook on life has changed drastically. I no longer feel bound by the rules of the past but instead empowered to make decisions that are rooted in love, justice, and mercy. This book has truly been a game changer not just for me, but for our entire nation!
What I don’t Like
Product Disadvantages:
1. The book focuses primarily on the white evangelical movement in America, with limited information on other countries.
2. It may be difficult to understand all of the arguments if you are not familiar with American politics and culture.
3. It is a very dense read, which could make it less accessible to readers who are not used to such an academic style.
4. Some might find the tone of the book overly critical, as it paints a bleak picture of white evangelicals’ influence on politics and society.
How to Make the Most of Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is an eye-opening book that reveals how powerful forces have long sought to shape American Christianity in their own image. This book is essential for anyone wanting to understand the influence of white evangelicals on American politics, culture, and faith.
This book offers readers a deep dive into the history of evangelicalism and its roots in the early 20th century — from the rise of the fundamentalist movement, to the religious right’s resurgence in the 1980s, to its present incarnation as one of the most influential political forces in America. Through interviews with pastors, theologians, politicians, and everyday churchgoers, Jesus and John Wayne provides an illuminating look at how white evangelicals have shaped our nation’s religious landscape.
Here are some tips on how to make the most out of this book:
- Explore Different Perspectives: As you read through Jesus and John Wayne, take time to consider different perspectives on key issues. Examine both sides of debates about abortion, sexuality, racial justice, gender roles — or any other contentious topic that arises.
- Engage With Theology and History: Jesus and John Wayne draws upon a wealth of theological insights and historical evidence. Take advantage of these resources by engaging deeply with the material presented in each chapter. Ask questions, do further research — dig deeper into your understanding of evangelicalism.
- Think Critically About The Text: The book offers plenty of food for thought — so don’t be afraid to think critically about what you’re reading! Consider why certain arguments are made (or not made), who is being included (or excluded), and how these factors might affect your interpretation.
- Apply Your Learning In Real Life: After you’ve finished reading, reflect on your new knowledge by applying it to real-life situations. Think about how white evangelicalism has impacted current events or your own life experiences. Use what you’ve learned to inform your conversations about faith and politics.
Questions about Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation
What is Jesus and John Wayne?
Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is an eye-opening book that examines the ethical, political, and spiritual implications of America’s evangelical culture. Author Kristin Kobes Du Mez explores how traditional evangelical beliefs have become intertwined with right-wing politics, resulting in a damaging mix of religion, masculinity, and nationalism.
What topics are covered in Jesus and John Wayne?
Jesus and John Wayne covers a wide range of topics, including the rise of the Christian Right, the influence of white evangelicalism on American politics, the intersection between faith and patriarchy, the implications of male religious authority, the crisis of masculinity in the modern world, and much more. The book also offers insight into how these issues are impacting individuals, communities, and our nation as a whole.
Who should read Jesus and John Wayne?
Jesus and John Wayne is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the impact of white evangelicalism on American society. It provides an important perspective for Christians who want to understand how their faith has been used to promote conservative ideals. It is also essential reading for those seeking to gain insight into how gender roles shape our culture.
Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.