Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez Releases New Book on Christian Womanhood

Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez has published her latest work, titled Live Laugh Love: The Secret History of White Christian Women and the World They Made. The book examines the development of a specific ideology regarding Christian womanhood in America, tracing its historical roots and cultural influence. Du Mez explores various threads within this history, including the impact of charismatic traditions, the influence of New Thought, and the prevalence of multi-level marketing schemes within these communities.

While reviewers have praised the book for its engaging narrative style and detailed biographical accounts, such as the life of 19th-century author Hannah Whitall Smith, the work has also drawn critical analysis. Some commentators argue that while the historical details are compelling, the author’s broader conclusions regarding evangelicalism as a totalizing system are not fully supported by the evidence presented. The book continues the author's ongoing academic focus on the intersection of American evangelicalism, politics, and gender roles.