The inspiration for Dr. Lerone Martin’s new book the Gospel of J. Edgar Hoover : How the FBI Aided, Abetted, and Rise of White Christian Nationalism came from a combination of a friend’s book about how African American writers were harassed and followed by FBI agents and the 2014 murder of Michael Brown. Dr. Martin was a St. Louis resident who had spoken with ministers about Brown’s death. They explained that FBI agents approached them with the question, “What are your plans to do to ensure that (the city) doesn’t explode?”
The FBI’s attempts to collaborate with Black church leaders and infiltration of Black spaces is still a problem, particularly around the Black Lives Matter and anti-police protests. The Stanford Center for Racial Justice sponsored a Dr. Martin talk with Shirin Sinnar, a Stanford Law Professor, about his new book. He shared important historical and current lessons for those concerned with domestic terrorism, police violence, and persistent racism in America.
The first part of the discussion was Dr. Martin’s research on J. Edgar Hoover. He also spoke about the impact he had as first director of FBI. This span spanned 38 years from his birth in 1924 to his death in 1972. Hoover’s influence directly contributed to the undermining of civil rights movements and activists, especially Martin Luther King Jr., whom Dr. Martin studied extensively throughout his career and was Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Director, Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute.
It was also very effective. The Washington Post conducted a 1965 poll asking Americans: “Who do you sympathize most with: J. Edgar Hoover, or Martin Luther King Jr.?” Dr. Martin stated. This is just three months after King was awarded the Nobel Prize. Yet, Americans voted for Hoover as the true patriot of the country.
Dr. Martin broke down his book into three main arguments. One, Hoover made white Christian nationalism a foundation of the minor modern security state. Two, Hoover and white evangelicals collaborated to authenticate and support white Christians nationwide. Three: Hoover and the FBI were adjudicators for evangelical identity and truth and faith. This was a deliberate mission by his army “spiritual troops.” What is the reason for these practices? Hoover believed that White Christian nationalism was necessary to protect Americans from “bitter religious enemies” during the Cold War. To prove these arguments Dr. Martin relied on evidence from Hoover’s phone calls, FBI letters, and Hoover’s written works. He referred to the FBI figurehead, who was a self-appointed “moral curator” for America.
Dr. Martin concluded his discussion by explaining Hoover’s legacy to the FBI. He said that Hoover’s legacy continues to influence how the FBI and national security state run their business today. Concerning personnel, Dr. Martin shared the fact that the majority FBI staff is white and male. Robert F. Kennedy made this a priority when he became Attorney General. They have been complicit with conservative extremism or a type of “Christian nationalism”, he said. He also pointed out Jan. 6 as an example how federal law enforcement would have looked “very different” if “people of color, or Muslim brothers, and sisters” stormed the U.S. Capitol.
Dr. Martin stated that his book was for everyone to read, enjoy and learn from during the Q&A. Dr. Martin acknowledged the importance of having books reviewed and discussed by scholars. However, he said that his ultimate goal is to be honest with the facts and offer a path forward.
Watch this video to learn more about Dr. Martin and his new book in.