By Andy Hale
This week on the CBF Podcast Conversation, we welcome the Reverend Angela Denker, ELCA pastor and author, to discuss her latest book, Disciples of White Jesus. In this thought-provoking conversation, Denker unpacks how American Christianity has been shaped by a hyper-masculine, power-hungry version of Jesus—one that prioritizes dominance, control, and grievance over the radical love and justice of the Gospel. She traces how this distorted theology has fueled the radicalization of American boyhood, reinforcing patriarchal and racial hierarchies while discouraging vulnerability and emotional awareness in young white men. Through compelling storytelling and cultural analysis, Denker challenges us to recognize the ways in which this version of Jesus is leading many toward anger, violence, and self-destruction rather than the liberating path of Christ.
As both a pastor and mother of boys, Denker brings a deeply personal and pastoral lens to this conversation, urging the church to reimagine a healthier vision of masculinity—one rooted in humility, compassion, and authentic discipleship. She explores how the church has long cultivated a culture that celebrates warrior-like toughness and unquestioned authority while suppressing self-reflection and emotional depth. Addressing issues of loneliness, shame, and racial violence, she calls on faith communities to reject the victim mentality increasingly embraced in some white Christian circles and instead cultivate spaces where young men can flourish in ways that lead to healing rather than harm. Don’t miss this important and timely conversation as we examine the ways White Jesus has shaped our churches and ask: what would it look like to follow the real Jesus instead?
You can listen to the episode here.
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Andy Hale is the creator and host of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Podcast. Hale is the Associate Executive Coordinator of CBF North Carolina. He’s also served as CBF’s Church Start Specialist, the founding pastor of Mosaic Church of Clayton, and the senior pastor of University Baptist Church of Baton Rouge. Follow on Twitter @haleandy.