Book Synopsis

Reveals how mundane social interactions in an evangelical church silence difference and reinforce right-wing conformity

Small talk, whether enjoyed or despised, is often thought of as trivial and largely useless. In certain situations, however, it can be surprisingly powerful. Whispers in the Pews offers a bottom-up explanation of Christian nationalism, revealing how cultural homogeneity within evangelical church communities is upheld by an active, manufactured effort to dodge reflective engagement with topics that could stir up diverging points of view.

Whispers in the Pews exposes how small talk is utilized to construct an appearance of social and political sameness in evangelical church communities. Based on an ethnography of a church that appeals to students, working class residents, and racial minorities alike in a politically divided Southern college town, McDowell showcases how churchgoers avoid consequential issues that could expose disagreements on border control, electoral politics, race and gender.

By confining themselves to blander topics, the church, which prides itself on inclusivity, positions itself as welcoming to all. But by creating an environment in which certain topics are discouraged from discussion, a façade is developed in which everyone is assumed to believe the same things, and any sort of debate is silenced. Whispers in the Pews shows that the presumption that everyone is of the same mind makes it difficult for churchgoers to articulate or contemplate progressive views, and by extension, advances the idea that differences of opinion are un-Christian, and therefore un-American.

Review Quotes

"Whispers in the Pews is ethnography at its best, with compelling, engaging accounts that are analytically rigorous and reflexive, theoretically informed, and offer something new and original about the state of evangelical Christianity and the role of silence. If one wants to understand the future of Christian nationalism, the disdain for diversity, anti-immigrant sentiment, race relations, homophobia, and anxiety about the future, then look no further."--Waverly Duck, coauthor of Tacit Racism

"A tour de force of ethnographic insight. McDowell has produced that rare scholarly achievement: a book that fundamentally reorients how we understand religious communities and political formation. By documenting the intricate interactional work of achieving sameness--the strategic silences, the conversational redirections--Whispers illuminates mechanisms that profoundly reshape our grasp of American politics. Invaluable for scholars, students, journalists, and anyone seeking to understand the deeper dynamics shaping contemporary political life."--Mikael Klintman, Professor of Sociology, Lund University, Sweden

"McDowell deftly illustrates how a friendly, casual church strives to "Welcome Everyone!" while silencing the experiences of most. An ethos of small-talk prevents conflict while members worship a "God of order" who is okay with jeans but prioritizes the social power of those already at the top. An ethnographic masterpiece."--Dawne Moon, Marquette University

"Understanding evangelical political culture has never been more important, and this book is a vital step in that direction. Deeply researched and beautifully written - sociologists will admire McDowell's skill, and every reader will benefit from her insight."--Nancy T. Ammerman, author of Bible Believers: Fundamentalists in the Modern World

About the Author

Amy D. McDowell is Associate Professor of Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Mississippi.