Dr. Kristin Kobes Du Mez is author of the New York Times bestseller Jesus and John Wayne and a writer, speaker and scholar who explores the intersection of religion, gender and politics. Her work examines the history and influence of American Christianity, addressing questions of power, identity and public life while calling faith communities toward confession, lament and greater faithfulness.
A historian by training, Kristin holds a Ph.D. in U.S. history from the University of Notre Dame. She is recognized for bringing scholarly research to broad audiences through writing, teaching and public speaking. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Religion News Service, NBC News and Christianity Today, and she has offered commentary for outlets including NPR, CNN and the BBC.
Kristin has spoken at colleges, universities and faith communities across the country, including Harvard University, the University of Notre Dame, Columbia University and the University of Chicago’s Martin Marty Center. She teaches at Calvin University and lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with her husband, three children and their dog, Paco.
Her new book, Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made, explores what Christian women have long been taught about happiness, success, and submission and how that shapes the world all of us inhabit. Combining sweeping cultural history with intimate storytelling, Du Mez uncovers the roots of today’s glittering, Instagram-ready culture of white Christian femininity.
