Jesus and John Wayne: The Evangelical Hero and the Cowboy Star

Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation

by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	365 pages

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By Kristin Kobes DuMez

Jesus and John Wayne: How the Evangelical Hero and the Cowboy Star Shaped America is a fascinating exploration of the ways in which two iconic American figures have shaped our culture and understanding of ourselves. Author Kristin Kobes DuMez argues that the evangelical hero and the cowboy star are both ideal types that have been used to define American manhood and shape our national identity.

DuMez begins by examining the evangelical hero, a figure that emerged in the early 19th century as a response to the perceived decline of traditional values. Evangelical heroes were typically seen as strong, courageous, and patriotic men who were committed to defending their faith and their country. They were often portrayed as larger-than-life figures who were willing to sacrifice their own lives for the greater good.

The cowboy star, on the other hand, emerged in the late 19th century as a symbol of the American frontier. Cowboy stars were typically seen as rugged, individualistic, and self-reliant men who were adept at handling both horses and guns. They were often portrayed as loners who lived outside the law, but who were also capable of great acts of heroism.

DuMez argues that the evangelical hero and the cowboy star have both played a significant role in shaping American masculinity. Evangelical heroes have provided a model of Christian manhood that emphasizes strength, courage, and patriotism. Cowboy stars have provided a model of American manhood that emphasizes ruggedness, individualism, and self-reliance.

These two ideal types have often been used to promote a narrow and exclusionary definition of American manhood. Evangelical heroes have been used to promote a vision of masculinity that is based on dominance and aggression. Cowboy stars have been used to promote a vision of masculinity that is based on violence and conquest.

DuMez argues that these two ideal types are not the only models of masculinity available to American men. She suggests that there are other, more inclusive and compassionate models of masculinity that can be found in both Christian and secular traditions.

Jesus and John Wayne is a timely and important book that challenges us to rethink our understanding of American masculinity. DuMez's work is a valuable contribution to the growing scholarship on gender and religion in the United States.

Further Reading

• The New York Times: 'Jesus and John Wayne' Review: The Evangelical Hero and the Cowboy Star
• The Washington Post: How John Wayne turned evangelicalism into a weapon
• NPR: Jesus And John Wayne: How The Evangelical Hero And The Cowboy Star Shaped America

Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation

by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8115 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	365 pages

FREE