In 2019

On August 9, the many millions who subscribe to the Netflix streaing service will have access to the premiere of The Family, a new docu-series about the fundamentalist forces in our democracy powered by a secretive network of religious right-wing figures, centered around the National Prayer Breakfast. The series is based on the best-selling book of the same name by investigative author Jeff Sharlet.

This documentary carefully analyzes many of the backchannels and stories of this powerful group. As we will see, the roots of a theocratic takeover of our government run deep through our history. This week on State of Belief, Interfaith Alliance’s weekly radio show and podcast, we’ll discuss efforts to educate Americans about threats the religious right poses, as well as new advocacy efforts aiming to fight back.

One of the most frightening and insidious aspects of nationalism is how it is so often disguised as faith-driven patriotism, which is bad both for religion and for democracy. This week, State of Belief  host Rev. Welton Gaddy is joined by Amanda Tyler, executive director of the Baptist Joint Committee (BJC). The BJC has now launched a new interfaith campaign, Christians Against Christian Nationalism. More information about their efforts can be found at www.ChristiansAgainstChristianNationalism.org.

Unlike our listeners, most Americans remain oblivious to the raw power of the language of faith that has been redefining our democracy, despite the best secular intentions of our founders. Welton will focus on the premiere of The Family on Netflix with a look back at the 2008 book with an archive interview with author and series executive producer Jeff Sharlet, followed by an update with Jeff focusing on the new documentary and the Family’s burgeoning influence in the Trump era.

 

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