God & Country

This is a great movie that is very insightful and comprehensive as it shows us the breadth and depth of white Christian nationalism. It is fast-paced and with the highest production values. The low reviews by alt-right trolls prove the point of the movie! This movie will help all of us see the danger of the toxic mix of political theocratic extremism and big-money organizations that do not want democracy to flourish. The betrayal by the Trumpists of the founding principles of our country is done by falsifying our history. The many voices in this movie are virtually all from conservative evangelicals. When "Bob the tomato" says something is unChristian, we have to listen!

It doesn't take a genius to realize that Christian Nationalism (like any other religious nationalism, for example in Iran) is dangerous, because almost nothing can be more dangerous for a country than when it's ruled by people who are 100% convinced that they were chosen by none other than the Creator of the Universe himself to fix the world. And fixing the world means forcing their religion on all people. Christian nationalists believe in an angry, vengeful god who does not tolerate dissent and is eager to punish Humanity. Since God is not here to personally do it, his followers will do his job for him. Christian nationalists want to placate the wrath of their god, by imposing his will, which, in the case of this deity, is written in a heap of copies of rags of parchments from the Iron Age, with myths also from the Bronze Age.

I recommend the book "Liberated from Religion", by Paulo Bitencourt, which brilliantly exposes this great danger.

Stewart's book is must read! The film deviates from the book in it importantly examines the effect negative effect Christian nationalism has on Christianity. While this is very important, thought more focus on the impact to democracy. Woukd have be valuable to those wanting to learn more about this movement. That said the thoughts of David French and Russel Moore are important to understanding the film does a good job with the difficult job of revealing the disguise of Christian nationalism'a use of religion to organize a political movement. If you are a fan of the Orange Jesus you will hate this film. If you are confused by how so many devout Evangelicals could support OJ this will help provide a perspective.

Uncovers the origins of Christian Nationalism and where it sits during the polarized political climate America sits in today. As someone who grew up in a southern Baptist church, I found it helpful to see where this political ideology stemmed from in comparison to my own experiences growing up and now as an adult. Prior to viewing, I already felt the conflation of Christian Nationalism with Christianity is a threat to both democracy and my core religious beliefs - it was refreshing to see I am not going crazy with what is happening. Overall, the documentary had me going back to my Bible to re-assess the teachings of Jesus, and take Christianity back to the gospels/away from politics.

"God & Country" is a stirring and thought-provoking documentary that dives deep into the complex relationship between faith, nationalism, and politics in contemporary America. The film offers a nuanced exploration of how religious beliefs shape public life and political ideologies, striking a delicate balance between different viewpoints without becoming preachy or overly partisan.

One of the most unsettling aspects of the documentary is its unflinching portrayal of Christian nationalism, a movement that seeks to merge American identity with a particular brand of Christianity in ways that are both exclusionary and authoritarian. The film captures how terrifying this ideology can be, as it fuses faith with political power to push a vision of the country that marginalizes religious and cultural diversity. The documentary highlights the potential dangers of this movement to democracy itself, as it seeks to reshape the country according to a narrow, rigid set of beliefs-often to the detriment of civil liberties and the separation of church and state.

"God & Country" makes it clear that Christian nationalism isn't just a fringe movement, but a rising force that has captured significant political momentum. The film features voices from within the movement itself as well as those who are pushing back against it, showing that this isn't just a philosophical debate but a real and urgent political battle.

The documentary calls on viewers to recognize the threat posed by this ideology and to fight back through civic engagement, education, and activism. The message is clear: safeguarding the future of a pluralistic, democratic society requires vigilance and action against efforts to impose religious dominance in the public sphere.

Visually, the documentary is beautifully shot, with captivating footage of religious ceremonies, political rallies, and everyday American life. The score is subtle but effective, adding emotional weight to the film without overwhelming its message. The editing is sharp, and the narrative flows well, keeping viewers engaged throughout its runtime.

However, "God & Country" occasionally falters in its pacing, particularly during the middle act, where some segments feel a bit repetitive. Additionally, while the film does an excellent job of capturing the current moment, it could have delved deeper into the historical context that has shaped the intersection of religion and politics in America today. A bit more historical grounding would have provided additional layers of depth.

Overall, "God & Country" is a compelling documentary that sheds light on one of the most pressing issues of our time. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of American society, especially in an era where faith and politics are increasingly intertwined. Though not flawless, it is a powerful and necessary film that will leave viewers reflecting on their own beliefs and the future of the country.