The intertwining of religious dogma with political power not only undermines the fundamental principles of separation of government and religion, but also poses a grave risk to American democracy. Recognizing the urgency to address this growing concern, legendary actor, director and producer Rob Reiner has teamed up with director Dan Partland to create “God & Country,” a groundbreaking new documentary film on the rise and dire threat of Christian nationalism to Christianity itself. This week on The State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio program and podcast, host Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush sits down with Rob and Dan for a special episode to discuss how the film can serve as a vital tool to safeguard democratic ideals in the face of evolving Christian nationalist threats.
“I didn’t really even know about the term ‘Christian nationalism.’ What I did know was that there was a movement, a political movement, designed to do whatever it took to get certain ideas and certain policies across, and I knew it was very powerful in the Christian community – but I didn’t know the term Christian nationalism. I knew there was a strong political movement; I didn’t realize how strong and how organized it was.” – Rob Reiner, Emmy award-winning actor and director; producer of “God & Country.”
“I think the first challenge for the film is just for people to understand what Christian nationalism is, what those terms mean, because at first glance, they both sound like very nice things to be: to be a real patriot, you know, to believe in your country and to believe in your faith. Those don’t seem like bad things. So the first goal of the film really has to be to define it.” – Dan Partland, Emmy award-winning director of “God & Country.” His other films include “#UNFIT. The Psychology of Donald Trump.”
“God & Country” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, February 16, 2024.
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