Christianity in the Victorian Era: When Masculinity Was Genteel

A farmer wearing overalls in a field of wheat.

What were Christian men like during the Victorian Era? How and why did masculinity change around the turn of the 20th century? A professor of history and gender studies at Calvin University, Kristin Du Mez, presents an intriguing perspective of Christianity in the Victorian era in her book Jesus and John Wayne. She focuses on men and masculinity and argues that they were quite different than they became in the 20th century. Read more to understand Du Mez’s views.

The Rise of the Religious Right in America (Kristin Du Mez)

The sun beaming on the Christian cross and the American flag.

How are the election and presidency of Ronald Reagan connected to American Christianity? Who popularized the religious right? In Jesus and John Wayne, history and gender studies professor Kristin Du Mez traces the link between politics and evangelical Christianity in America. She lays out the roots of the religious right and how it entered the mainstream in the 1980s. Continue reading to learn about the rise of the religious right in America.

Brittany Broski on World War I, Period Pieces, and Books

A World War I soldier holding a gun behind cover.

Why does Brittany Broski have an interest in World War I? What are the effects of World War I on art? As mentioned in The Broski Report, Broski’s interest in World War I was reignited by her introspective thoughts on mortality, sparked by a TikTok age filter. This interest extends to its impact on art. Let’s explore Brittany Broski’s World War I fascination below.

Billy Graham Criticism: Did He Promote Militaristic Masculinity?

Billy Graham preaching to a crowd.

Is any Billy Graham criticism deserved? What feathers has he ruffled? Billy Graham was a highly effective Christian evangelist who’s admired by many. But, history and gender studies professor Kristin Du Mez has a bone to pick with him. She contends that Graham advocated for militant masculinity. Keep reading to learn about Du Mez’s criticism of Billy Graham.

Soft Patriarchy in Christianity? Exploring the Complementarian View

A preacher reading from a Bible in a church with stained glass windows behind him.

What’s the complementarian view of scripture? Does it represent “soft patriarchy” in Christianity? Professor of history and gender studies Kristin Du Mez writes that, in the early and mid-20th century, evangelical Christians shifted toward a militant view of masculinity. Then, a lack of a US military opponent in the ’90s caused this conception to soften. Continue reading to understand Du Mez’s perspective on “soft patriarchy” within evangelicalism.

Christianity in the 20th Century: A Gender-Based Critique

A half full congregation of a Christian church service inside.

How did Teddy Roosevelt help shape American Christianity? What impact did the wars of the 20th century have on the American church? As a professor of history and gender studies at Calvin University, Kristin Du Mez shares a new perspective on the history of American Christianity. She traces the evolving concept of masculinity within evangelicalism throughout the last century. Keep reading to get Du Mez’s take on American Christianity in the 20th century.

2023 UAW Contract Negotiations Reach an End (NPR News Now)

Auto workers standing proudly in a car manufacturing facility.

What happened with the 2023 UAW contract negotiations? What’s in store for auto workers and the industry? After dramatic negotiations, the United Auto Workers (UAW) ratified new contracts, boosting wages and union influence. Despite some dissent, the majority backed the agreement, paving the way for better conditions and potential expansion into non-union plants. Continue reading for a summary of this podcast episode from NPR News Now.

Christianity in the 21st Century: A Gender-Based Critique

A congregation in a Christian church building.

What impact did the 9/11 attacks have on Christianity in America? Why did many Christians support the election of Donald Trump? In the 1990s, American evangelical Christianity shifted toward a less militant concept of masculinity. But, this was short-lived. Kristin Du Mez claims that 9/11 caused an immediate return to the militaristic masculinity of decades past, ultimately culminating in the 2016 election of Donald Trump. Read more for Du Mez’s perspective of American evangelical Christianity in the 21st century.

An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: Overview

Books sprouting out of a tree

What can we learn from An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States? What perspectives have been left out of most American history books? An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States tells the story of how Native American nations have struggled to survive throughout the European colonization of America. This history is extremely important to make sense of the current status of indigenous nations. Read on to learn about indigenous American nations and how they have survived and developed since European colonization.

America Before Colonization: Dispelling Myths With Evidence

A sprout growing on the forest floor

What was it like in America before colonization? How did Native Americans live? America, before colonization, was a collection of richly developed, sophisticated nations that cultivated the land and lived sustainably. When you look at evidence of how people lived, you can see how the idea that indigenous people were uncivilized is a myth. Keep reading to see how Native Americans lived and why it matters to have an accurate historical picture.