Abstract
Aimee Semple McPherson (1890–1944), itinerant revivalist and founder of Angelus Temple, established a popular and notorious preaching career that attracted devoted followers and outspoken critics in seemingly equal measure. This essay suggests that popular critiques of McPherson—which came from rival clergy, prominent journalists, and vocal atheists—can best be understood as a manifestation of popular anxiety over gendered styles of Christianity. McPherson adopted and adapted the evangelical revival rhetorical style, known for the femininity of its emotional and embodied performances, and she innovated feminized personae including the servant and the bride. Her critics took issue with this feminized rhetorical style, which had fallen rapidly into disfavor over the preceding decades. The exchange between McPherson and her critics illuminates the backlash against feminized Christianity as it also highlights the dangers of associating femininity with emotions and appearances.
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