Episode 226: Kristin Kobes Du Mez

In this conversation, Kristin Kobes Du Mez dives deep into the hidden crisis of abuse and cover-ups within the church. She pulls back the curtain on the disturbing patterns she's uncovered - where abusers are often quickly forgiven and restored, while victims are shamed and silenced. Kristin shares how her research for the acclaimed book "Jesus and John Wayne" led her to uncover these systemic issues, and how she felt compelled to give a platform to the brave women who have come forward with their stories. We explore the complex dynamics at play - the fear of losing power and reputation that drives the cover-ups, the authoritarian tendencies that enable abuse, and the urgent need for true accountability and justice within the church. This is a conversation that challenges us to confront hard truths, to stand up for the vulnerable, and to imagine a path forward where the church truly reflects the radical love and justice of Christ.

Kristin Kobes Du Mez is a New York Times bestselling author and Professor of History and Gender Studies at Calvin University. She holds a PhD from the University of Notre Dame and her research focuses on the intersection of gender, religion, and politics. She has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, NBC News, Religion News Service, and Christianity Today, and has been interviewed on NPR, CBS, and the BBC, among other outlets. Her most recent book is Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation.

Kristin's Documentary:
For Our Daughters

Kristin's Book:
Jesus and John Wayne