White Evangelical Racism

The Politics of Morality in America

By: Anthea Butler

Narrated by: Allyson Johnson

The American political scene today is poisonously divided, and the vast majority of white evangelicals plays a strikingly unified, powerful role in the disunion. These evangelicals raise a starkly consequential question for electoral politics: Why do they claim morality while supporting politicians who act immorally by most Christian measures? In this clear-eyed, hard-hitting chronicle of American religion and politics, Anthea Butler answers that racism is at the core of conservative evangelical activism and power.

Butler reveals how evangelical racism, propelled by the benefits of whiteness, has since the nation's founding played a provocative role in severely fracturing the electorate. During the buildup to the Civil War, white evangelicals used scripture to defend slavery and nurture the Confederacy. During Reconstruction, they used it to deny the vote to newly emancipated Blacks. In the 20th century, they sided with segregationists in avidly opposing movements for racial equality and civil rights. Most recently, evangelicals supported the Tea Party, a Muslim ban, and border policies allowing family separation. White evangelicals today, cloaked in a vision of Christian patriarchy and nationhood, form a staunch voting bloc in support of white leadership.

©2021 The University of North Carolina Press (P)2021 Tantor

white men's heaven, black man's hell.

"White Evangelical" by Anthea Butler is a thought-provoking and timely exploration of the intersection of race, religion, and politics within the evangelical movement in the United States. Butler's incisive analysis delves into the complex history and contemporary dynamics of white evangelicalism, shedding light on its influence on American society and politics.

One of the book's strengths is its meticulous research and scholarly approach. Butler draws on a wealth of historical and sociological evidence to build a compelling narrative that traces the evolution of white evangelicalism and its entanglement with racial issues. Through her rigorous examination, she offers readers a comprehensive understanding of the forces that have shaped the movement and its impact on American culture.

Moreover, Butler's writing is both accessible and engaging, making "White Evangelical" a compelling read for both scholars and general readers interested in the subject matter. Her ability to distill complex concepts and historical contexts into clear, compelling prose ensures that the book is both informative and enjoyable.

In "White Evangelical," Butler fearlessly confronts challenging and controversial topics, offering insightful critiques of the ways in which white evangelicalism has intersected with issues of race, social justice, and public policy. Her unflinching examination encourages readers to grapple with the complexities of these issues and their implications for contemporary American society.

Ultimately, "White Evangelical" stands as a significant contribution to the scholarly literature on religion, race, and politics. Anthea Butler's masterful exploration of white evangelicalism is sure to spark important conversations and deepen our understanding of this influential religious movement. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious reader seeking to understand the nuances of American evangelicalism, "White Evangelical" is a must-read that offers valuable insights and perspectives on a vital aspect of contemporary American culture.

Truly A Thought Provoking Endeavor

This is a very in depth look at White Evangelicals In American Society and it’s synergistic relationship with racism and bigotry.

Answers our questions about Church and Politics!

I could never wrap my head around why Christians and Poltics didn't equal Love:acceptance.

Ties It All Together

This book is a must read or listen to. It explains a lot of guestions about evangelicals embrace of Republicans and Trumpism. Lots of interesting history all the way to present day. Highly recommended.

Required reading.

This book was very informative and very interesting. The author did a lot of work researching the book and connecting ideas. Also, I think the book answered many of my questions about evangelicalism, and provided information for me to do more study on this topic. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in civil rights and civil rights issues.

A deep dive that's eye opening.

If you want to understand the intricate detailed history of whiteness, supremacy culture and how it is intimately intertwined with the current state white political conservative power this is a must read.

Very Educational

I really enjoyed listening to this book and learned so much that I did not know. I would highly recommend.

Every White Evangelical MUST read this!!

As a black man who has been in the church with folks, I can attest that this is real. We won’t have proper healing until white evangelicals take accountability for their own racism. This is a 5-star read!

Christ And Anti-Blackness

This is a must read for ALL pastors who “profess” the word of God, “in Jesus name”.

A must read for today’s “Republicans”

A brief, but enlightening, book on the history of the evangelical movement and its evolution over time