Want to understand the impact of evangelicalism on politics and how to make a difference? Discover how a historian, NY Times best-selling author and filmmaker are centering survivor voices to bring about change. Get ready to dive into a conversation that's making waves and sparking crucial conversations. Stay tuned for more.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Explore the impact of evangelicalism on politics and uncover its influence on key societal issues.
Understand the significance of a survivor-centered approach in abuse documentaries and its potential to reshape narratives.
Gain insight into the historical context of gender roles in evangelicalism and its relevance in contemporary discussions.
Uncover the influence of Christian nationalism on U.S. elections and its implications for the political landscape.
Discover the essential role of historians in understanding current social issues and shaping informed perspectives.

My special guest is Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez, a New York Times bestselling author and professor of history and gender studies at Calvin University, is known for her groundbreaking work on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. Her book Jesus and John Wayne has had a significant impact, shedding light on the influence of evangelicalism on politics and societal trends. In her latest project, the documentary For Our Daughters, Dr. Du Mez delves into the survivor-centered approach, highlighting the voices of abuse survivors within evangelical churches, particularly the Southern Baptist community. Through her extensive research and expertise, Dr. Du Mez offers a unique historical context, outlining the complex dynamics that have shaped the evangelical landscape and its impact on contemporary social issues, including the influence of Christian nationalism on U.S. elections. Her work continues to be an essential resource for educators and historians seeking to understand the evolving intersection of evangelicalism and politics.

Watch the documentary For Our Daughters to hear the impactful stories of survivors and gain a deeper understanding of the abuse crisis in evangelical churches.
Read Kristin Kobes Du Mez's book Jesus and John Wayne to gain historical insights into the intersection of gender, religion, and politics in evangelical spaces.
Join the Difference Maker Community on Patreon to access exclusive interviews with Kristin Kobes Du Mez, where she unpacks specific calls to action.
Visit Kristin's Substack Du Mez Connections for more of her writing and insights on gender, religion, and politics.
Explore the resources and organizations listed on the For Our Daughters film website to support survivors and bring better practices to faith communities.
Listen to EPS 39 where Dr. Du Mez discusses her book Jesus and John Wayne.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:13:17 - Comparison of Evangelicalism and Politics

00:14:27 - Patterns of Support for Powerful Men

00:16:31 - Political and Hierarchical Networks

00:20:10 - Intersection of Evangelicalism and Politics

00:23:53 - Default Response to Abuse

00:27:46 - Survivor-Centered Approach

00:29:45 - The Power Dynamics Within Evangelicalism

00:30:44 - Recognizing the Prevalence of Predators

00:32:40 - Impact of the Film "For Our Daughters"

00:37:03 - Undecided Voters and the Importance of Democracy

00:42:31 - Advocating for Survivors and the Impact of Silence

Podcast Social Media Links

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Get the future of podcasts.