Overview of “Jesus and John Wayne”
Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s “Jesus and John Wayne” explores how white evangelicals have embraced a militant, masculine identity. The book examines the figures and cultural forces that shaped this transformation within American evangelicalism over the past 50 years.
Key Arguments of the Book
Du Mez argues that white evangelicalism has been corrupted by a focus on masculinity, militarism, and American exceptionalism. This shift moved them away from core Christian values, contributing to the fracturing of the nation.
The Central Thesis: White Evangelicalism’s Corruption
The central thesis of “Jesus and John Wayne” posits that white evangelicalism in America has undergone a significant corruption. This corruption stems from the embrace of cultural ideals centered on a militant form of masculinity, intertwined with notions of American exceptionalism and a longing for a perceived “golden age.” Du Mez argues that this embrace has led to a distortion of Christian faith, prioritizing power, patriarchy, and political dominance over traditional values of compassion, humility, and social justice. The author contends that this corruption is not accidental but rather a deliberate construction, fueled by specific historical forces and figures who actively promoted a particular vision of Christian identity aligned with conservative political agendas. This ultimately fractured the nation.
John Wayne as a Symbol
John Wayne, in the context of Du Mez’s book, represents a figure embodying the ideals of rugged masculinity and American exceptionalism. He is a symbol of the values embraced by white evangelicalism.
Masculinity and American Evangelicalism
Du Mez’s work highlights the significant role masculinity plays within American Evangelicalism. She argues that a certain brand of militant, Ameri-centric masculinity, inspired by mythical ideals, has come to define white evangelical identity. This ethos often includes elements of American exceptionalism, white supremacy, and a traditional view of the nuclear family.
The embrace of figures like John Wayne symbolizes this shift, representing strength, dominance, and a commitment to law and order. This hyper-masculine ideal contrasts with traditional Christian values, potentially leading to a corruption of faith. The book explores how this emphasis on masculinity has influenced evangelical attitudes towards gender roles, politics, and social issues, shaping their worldview and actions.
Historical Context and Analysis
The book provides a deep historical analysis, tracing 50 years of evangelical history. It explores the messaging around masculinity, patriarchy, gender roles, feminine submission, and politics within the evangelical movement over time;
Tracing 50 Years of Evangelical History
Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s work meticulously charts the evolution of white evangelicalism over five decades, providing a comprehensive historical backdrop. This exploration reveals how certain ideals came to define white evangelicalism. The book delves into the messaging surrounding key themes, including masculinity, patriarchy, gender roles, feminine submission, and political engagement.
Du Mez analyzes the cultural shifts and influential figures that contributed to this transformation, illustrating how a faith tradition became intertwined with specific notions of American identity and power. She examines how figures like John Wayne became symbols within this evolving landscape. The historical narrative clarifies the complex relationship between faith and cultural forces;
Reception and Reviews
“Jesus and John Wayne” garnered significant attention, sparking discussions among Christians and non-Christians alike. It received praise for its historical analysis and critique of evangelicalism’s embrace of militant masculinity.
Critical Acclaim and Discussion
Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s “Jesus and John Wayne” has generated substantial critical acclaim and widespread discussion. It has resonated with both Christian and non-Christian audiences, prompting reflection on the intersection of faith, politics, and American identity. The book has been lauded for its rigorous historical research and provocative analysis of the cultural forces shaping white evangelicalism.
The work’s impact is evident in its feature on NPR’s Morning Edition and recommendations from prominent figures like Beth Moore and Jemar Tisby. Discussions surrounding the book often revolve around its central thesis: how white evangelicals have embraced a militant, masculine ethos, influencing their political views and cultural engagement. Some reviews consider the book essential reading to fully understand the erosion of separation of church and state.
Themes Explored
The book delves into themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and gender roles within American evangelicalism. It analyzes how these concepts have been intertwined with political and cultural ideologies over the past 50 years.
Masculinity, Patriarchy, and Gender Roles
Du Mez’s work meticulously dissects the intertwined themes of masculinity, patriarchy, and gender roles within white evangelicalism. The author illuminates how a specific brand of rugged, militant masculinity, epitomized by figures like John Wayne, has been cultivated and promoted. This ideal reinforces patriarchal structures, positioning men as leaders and protectors, while simultaneously advocating for feminine submission.
The book further examines how these gendered ideals are linked to broader cultural and political agendas within the evangelical community. Du Mez traces the historical development of these concepts, revealing how they have shaped evangelical attitudes towards family, sexuality, and national identity. By analyzing popular culture, religious teachings, and political rhetoric, the author demonstrates the pervasive influence of these themes on American evangelicalism.
Impact and Influence
Du Mez’s book highlights the significant impact on American culture and politics. It explores how evangelical views on masculinity and power influenced political engagement and contributed to the erosion of church-state separation.
Erosion of Separation of Church and State
“Jesus and John Wayne” is a quintessential piece of backstory, helping to understand the erosion of the separation of church and state. Du Mez’s work demonstrates how a specific brand of white evangelicalism, characterized by militant masculinity and a longing for American exceptionalism, has profoundly impacted the nation’s political landscape. The embrace of figures like John Wayne symbolizes a shift towards prioritizing strength, order, and a particular vision of American identity, often at the expense of nuanced theological considerations. This ethos inspired ideals of white supremacy, the nuclear family, and law and order. This transformation contributed significantly to the blurring of lines between religious belief and political action, ultimately weakening the principle of separation of church and state.
Criticisms and Counterarguments
While widely praised, “Jesus and John Wayne” has faced scrutiny for its portrayal of American evangelicalism. Some critics argue that Du Mez’s narrative is one-sided, failing to acknowledge the diversity within the evangelical community. It is important to note that not all evangelicals supported the figures and ideologies highlighted in the book. Some critics question the extent to which figures like John Wayne, Teddy Roosevelt, Oliver North, and Ronald Reagan were central to evangelical identity, noting that some were from mainline contexts. Additionally, some argue that the book overly emphasizes the negative aspects of masculinity. It can be argued that the book does not offer a balanced perspective on the complex relationship between faith, politics, and gender.