Kristin Kobes Du Mez - Jesus and John Wayne, Christian Nationalism, and the Evangelical Reckoning

Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez — “Jesus and John Wayne, Christian Nationalism, and the Evangelical Reckoning”
Recorded April 18 2024 • Knox Presbyterian Church, Waterloo, Ontario
Part of our Beyond Culture Wars: Fostering Solidarity in an Age of Polarization conference (April 18–20 2024)

ABOUT THIS KEYNOTE
Historian Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez (Calvin University; New York Times–bestselling author of Jesus and John Wayne) traces how race, gender, and power have shaped North‑American evangelicalism—from early women’s‑suffrage activism to today’s Christian‑nationalist currents—and invites Christian communities to reclaim a gospel rooted in justice, truth‑telling, and solidarity.

CONFERENCE CONTEXT
“Beyond Culture Wars” was co‑hosted by Institute for Christian Studies (ICS) and Martin Luther University College to move faith communities—and the wider public—beyond zero‑sum “culture‑war” rhetoric toward constructive dialogue and cooperation. Learn more at icscanada.edu/beyond‑culture‑wars.

UPCOMING EVENT — FREE TO BE FAITHFUL
Join Kristin Kobes Du Mez and philosopher Nicholas Wolterstorff for a live online conversation about faithfulness in a polarized age.
Date: Saturday, May 3 · 7 PM ET
Register (free): events.icscanada.edu/freetobefaithful
Medium

TIMESTAMPS
00:00  Welcome & Introductions
03:17  Defining “Culture Wars”
11:02  Masculinity, Militarism & Evangelical Identity
25:44  Christian Nationalism in Historical Perspective
38:09  The Erasure of Black Evangelicals
59:52  The Forgotten History of Evangelical Feminism
1:18:35  “The Gospel of Jesus Christ does NOT need your protection.”
1:28:10  Q & A — Accountability, Hope & Next Steps

CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
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• Explore our graduate programs in philosophy & theology: icscanada.edu/academics
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• Join the discussion on social media with #BeyondCultureWars and #FreeToBeFaithful

© 2024 Institute for Christian Studies (Toronto, Canada)
Video & captions courtesy of ICS Media Services
Licensed music: “Visions of Hope” (Artlist)

Keywords: Kristin Kobes Du Mez, Jesus and John Wayne, Christian Nationalism, Evangelicalism, Gender Justice, Faith in Public Life, Nicholas Wolterstorff, Free to Be Faithful, Institute for Christian Studies, Beyond Culture Wars