Hey friends! I recently had the chance to chat with historian Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez about her powerful new documentary, "For Our Daughters." This film gives voice to courageous women who are sharing their stories of abuse and coverups within the Southern Baptist Convention. Kristin wrote the bestselling book "Jesus and John Wayne" which traced the roots of militant masculinity and abuse in white evangelical spaces. This film brings those hard truths to life through the words of survivors like Christa Brown, Tiffany Thigpen, and Jules Woodson. Their clarity and conviction in telling these stories is stunning. It reveals the deep corruption that so often sidelines women while protecting powerful men. If you grew up evangelical, it will likely resonate in a profound way. I'd love to hear your thoughts after watching this eye-opening film. How might it shape your perspective on politics, faith, and speaking truth in the face of backlash? Let me know in the comments!
In this episode, you will be able to:
Explore the Impact of Evangelicalism on Politics and gain insights into its influence on modern-day policies and elections.
Discover the significance of implementing a Survivor-Centered Approach in Abuse Documentaries and how it can lead to a more empathetic and impactful narrative.
Uncover the Historical Context of Gender Roles in Evangelicalism to understand its lasting effects on societal norms and expectations.
Understand the Influence of Christian Nationalism on U.S. Elections and its implications for the political landscape.
Delve into the Role of Historians in Understanding Current Social Issues and gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to shaping our perspectives on contemporary challenges.
My special guest is Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Kristin Kobes Du Mez, PhD, not only a respected professor at Calvin University but also a prominent New York Times bestselling author, has been actively researching the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. Her renowned work, "Jesus and John Wayne," has garnered widespread attention for its insightful exploration of evangelicalism's influence on politics and societal trends. With her latest project, the documentary "For Our Daughters," Kristin takes a survivor-centered approach, giving voice to survivors of abuse within evangelical churches, particularly the Southern Baptist community. Through her historical analysis and extensive expertise, Kristin offers invaluable insights into the impact of Christian nationalism on U.S. elections and the evolving gender dynamics within evangelicalism. Her contributions continue to be a vital resource for educators and historians seeking to comprehend the intricate relationship between evangelicalism and politics.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:02 - Introduction to the Podcast
00:01:14 - Background of Kristin Kobes Du Mez
00:02:30 - Impact of Jesus and John Wayne
00:07:11 - Patterns of Abuse and Response
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
00:44:58 - Impact of the Documentary
00:45:47 - Silence in Evangelical Circles
00:47:25 - Theology of Sexuality
00:48:52 - Impact of Jesus and John Wayne
00:52:46 - Calls to Action
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
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 guests, including Kristin Kobes Du Mez, where she unpacks specific calls to action. @kristinkobesdumez3072
Visit Kristin's Substack Dumas Connections for more of her writing and insights on gender, religion, and politics. @kristinkobesdumez3072
Explore the resources and organizations listed on the For Our Daughters film website to support survivors and bring better practices to faith communities.
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