This problem appears most clearly when she attacks elements of 20th and 21st century American evangelicalism that are, in fact, common American elements of even traditional Christian beliefs. Sometimes she seems to think that the correct side in a controversial debate is self-evident, such that those on the ‘wrong’ side need not be proven wrong, but merely dismissed. In some cases (abuse, for example) their actions are easy to condemn. It will not win Du Mez charitable readings from skeptical evangelicals.Ī more substantial problem was that Du Mez often wrote as if the beliefs of evangelical leaders are self-evidently immoral. And what of his vulgarity?…Even sexual assault? Well, boys will be boys…If you wanted a tamer man, castrate him.” Again, this is difficult to demonstrate in a short quote, but because it carries throughout the book it is hard to miss as you read.
It’s difficult to convey in its subtlety, but one example is in the chapter titled, “A New High Priest.” This section, which includes no citations or direct quotes, offers a biting, sarcastic version of evangelical thinking about gender and masculinity in particular: “What makes for a strong leader? A virile (white) man. As a woman, I cringe at this oft-misused critique, but the problem was prevalent throughout the book so it seems important to mention. This makes it difficult to see her as a friendly critic. One of the first things I noticed about the book was that by parroting evangelical voices without using direct quotations or citations, Du Mez’ tone unfortunately often reads as sarcastic. Due to frequent sarcasm as well as a lack of charity toward its critics and, at times, a lack of evidence to back up its claims, I fear this book will be rejected by many of the people who would most benefit from reading it Perhaps I’m a particularly needy reader, but if Du Mez hopes to persuade skeptical readers, you wouldn’t guess it from the book. However, despite the good I see in Du Mez’ work, I have to admit my mixed feelings about it. Every evangelical needs to wrestle with this book.īut I also think Jamie Carlson‘s largely critical, often courageous, and honest review of the book at Mere Orthodoxy raises some great points.
I sung the book’s praises in my interview with Du Mez in Episode 73 of The Way of Improvement Leads Home Podcast and I stand by those words. It’s a strong book that says things about the recent history of American evangelicalism that should have been said a long time ago. If social media is any indication, everyone loves Kristin Kobes Du Mez’s book Jesus and John Wayne.
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