A new documentary titled 'God & Country' directed by Dan Partland sheds light on the growing influence of Christian Nationalism in the United States. The film, produced by Rob Reiner, offers a comprehensive overview of this political movement that has been causing concern among the majority of American adults who do not align with its ideology.
Christian Nationalism asserts that America is a Christian nation and that its founders intended it to be so. However, the documentary emphasizes that this movement is primarily political rather than religious in nature. It aims to roll back advancements in feminism, LGBTQ rights, and abortion, while also advocating for the introduction of Christianity in public schools or the substitution of public schools with private Christian institutions funded by vouchers.
One of the most alarming aspects highlighted in the film is the movement's determination to suppress voting rights. The documentary features a notorious speech by Paul Weyrich, co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, in which he openly expresses his opposition to universal suffrage. Weyrich states, 'I don't want everybody to vote. Elections are not won by a majority of people. They never have been from the beginning of our country, and they are not now.'
The strength of 'God & Country' lies in its interviews with numerous subjects who are both devout Christians and politically conservative. These individuals express their concerns about the distortion of religion and the rewriting of history by the Christian Nationalist movement. A constitutional scholar featured in the documentary explains that the founding fathers intended the separation of church and state to protect religious freedom for all faiths, and that the country was not founded on Judeo-Christian principles.
Contrary to popular belief, the documentary reveals that the movement was not primarily catalyzed by the Roe v. Wade decision but rather by the Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The film also explores the role of former President Donald Trump in courting the evangelical vote during his 2016 campaign, despite his personal controversies. Trump ultimately secured 81% of the white evangelical vote.
The prevalence of conservative Christian media further contributes to the divisiveness associated with Christian Nationalism. The documentary also draws attention to the rise of violent extremism linked to this movement, as evidenced by events such as the Charlottesville rally. It is pointed out that certain interpretations of the Book of Revelations are used to justify violence.
In a chilling revelation, the film highlights the unfortunate similarity between Christian Nationalism and the rise of Nazi Germany. A pastor and former pro-life activist recounts how he discovered that a reference book he had been instructed to consult during his religious training was written by a known Nazi and anti-Semite.
The documentary concludes with footage from the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol, where Christian Nationalists prominently displayed crosses, signs with bible verses, and images of Jesus. However, the film does not offer a clear solution for preventing the country from transitioning from democracy to theocracy.
'God & Country' serves as a wake-up call, providing valuable insights into the rise of Christian Nationalism and its potential implications for American society. It underscores the importance of understanding and addressing this political movement to safeguard the principles of democracy and religious freedom.
