White Evangelicals: Impact of Jesus and John Wayne on Religion and Nation

The groundbreaking guide, Christianity Right Now: is reshaping our perception of white evangelicals in America. This influential book examines the intersection of John Wayne's ethos with Jesus' teachings within evangelical culture.

Jesus and John Wayne" is a compelling reevaluation of the past 75 years of white evangelicalism, showcasing how evangelicals have reshaped the image of Jesus from the Gospels to one embracing rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism. In the words of a prominent chaplain, they have molded a "spiritual badass.

Renowned scholar Kristin Du Mez emphasizes the significance of recognizing the influence of popular culture on contemporary American evangelicalism. While many evangelicals today may not possess deep theological knowledge, they resonate with cultural touchstones like VeggieTales and texts such as John Eldredge’s Wild at Heart. This cultural immersion often introduces concepts like purity before tackling subjects like sex, symbolized by the ubiquitous silver purity rings. Evangelical media and merchandise play a substantial role in shaping the beliefs of countless individuals, portraying strong, masculine figures like John Wayne and modern-day heroes such as the Duck Dynasty family. These figures, including influential names like Ronald Reagan and Mel Gibson, project white masculine authority in defense of their vision of “Christian America.” John Wayne stands out as a legendary emblem of a bygone era, celebrated for his unapologetic demeanor and unwavering resolve.

Difficult the generally held assumption that the “ethical majority” backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic causes, Du Mez reveals that Trump in truth represented the success, quite than the betrayal, of white evangelicals’ most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule, aggressive international coverage, worry of Islam, ambivalence towards #MeToo, and opposition to Black Lives Matter and the LGBTQ neighborhood. A much-needed reexamination of maybe essentially the most influential subculture on this nation, Jesus and John Wayne reveals that, removed from adhering to biblical rules, fashionable white evangelicals have totally remade their religion, with enduring penalties for all Individuals.

15 black-and-white illustrations