Jesus and John Wayne - by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

The book "Jesus and John Wayne" is a groundbreaking exploration of the intersection of white evangelicalism and popular culture in America.

Written by acclaimed scholar Kristin Du Mez, this book uncovers how evangelicals have replaced the Jesus of the Gospels with an idol of rugged masculinity and Christian nationalism.

Through a sweeping historical analysis, Du Mez reveals how evangelical books, films, music, clothing, and merchandise shape the beliefs of millions and how these cultural artifacts perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and reinforce white male dominance.

The book challenges the commonly held assumption that the "moral majority" backed Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020 for purely pragmatic reasons, instead revealing that Trump represented the fulfillment of white evangelicals' most deeply held values: patriarchy, authoritarian rule.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complex and often problematic relationship between religion and politics in America.