Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation is not just another book about religion; it's an eye-opening journey through the evolution of white evangelicalism in America. Authored by acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez, this New York Times bestseller offers a sweeping overview of the last seventy-five years, detailing how the faith has transformed into something often unrecognizable. Central to this transformation is the problematic intertwining of faith with culture, particularly through the lens of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism.
Du Mez's research reveals that many evangelicals today might lack theological rigor, yet they are well-versed in popular culture. Whether it's singing along to VeggieTales songs or immersing themselves in the teachings of Wild at Heart, these cultural elements shape their worldviews. The embrace of robust masculine myths—from figures like John Wayne to contemporary pop culture heroes—reflects a deeper ideological shift away from the teachings of the Gospels.
At the heart of this book is a critical examination of figures like John Wayne, who symbolizes a time when men were often seen as bastions of strength and defiance. Du Mez argues that the beliefs held by modern white evangelicals have been profoundly influenced by these heroic narratives, which assert white masculine dominance in an ever-evolving sociopolitical landscape.
In a thought-provoking analysis, the book challenges the notion that white evangelicals supported Donald Trump purely out of political pragmatism. Instead, it posits that his presidency was a culmination of their long-held values, steeped in patriarchy, authoritarianism, and a disquiet towards progressive movements such as Black Lives Matter and #MeToo.
*Jesus and John Wayne* urges readers to reflect on the ramifications of this cultural and ideological shift. With 15 black-and-white illustrations enhancing its narrative, the book serves as a critical reexamination of a potent subculture shaping American identity and politics today. Ultimately, it offers insights not only for those within the faith but for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of contemporary American society.
