Oscilloscope Laboratories has acquired U.S. rights to Dan Partland’s “God & Country: The Rise of Christian Nationalism.” The film, which was produced by Rob Reiner, is set for release in early 2024. It features interviews with prominent faith leaders, who share their fears about this movement.
According to its official description: ‘”God & Country’ looks at the implications of Christian Nationalism and how it distorts not only our constitutional republic, but Christianity itself…[it also] asks this question: What happens when a faith built on love, sacrifice, and forgiveness grows political tentacles, conflating power, money, and belief into hyper-nationalism?”
The film features commentary from author David French; co-creator of “VeggieTales” and Holy Post podcast host Phil Vischer; pastor, author and Holy Post podcast host Skye Jethani; historian and author Kristin Kobes Du Mez; Christianity Today editor-in-chief Russell Moore; historian and author Jemar Tisby; U.S. Presidential Medal of Honor winner Sister Simone Campbell; social activist Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II; Evangelical pastor and activist Doug Pagitt; journalist and producer Reza Aslan; journalist and advocate Rob Boston; journalist Jack Jenkins; pastor and author Rob Schenck; political commentator and author Charlie Sykes; sociologist and journalist Andrew Whitehead; historian and author Anthea Butler; journalist and author Katherine Stewart; and journalist and attorney Andrew Seidel.
“Christianity is in crisis,” said Partland. “To be clear, Christianity is not the problem, and having one’s faith inform one’s political beliefs is not the problem. The problem is the intertwining of a Christian identity with a political identity such that it can be hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. The danger to democracy led me to explore this topic, but what I learned in the process is that the threat may be even greater to the Church itself. I’m thrilled to partner with Oscilloscope, as they understand the importance of bringing awareness to a divisive, political version of Christianity that has little in common with Christian principles.”
“Not since the Civil War has our country been so divided. ‘God & Country’ throws a spotlight on the role that Christian Nationalism has played in stoking that division,” said Reiner. “With the deepest respect for Christians who are sincere in their faith, but who are misinformed about the dangers and history of Christian Nationalism, I was compelled to produce this film to use my voice to draw awareness to the threat it poses.”
O-Scope’s Dan Berger said, “’God & Country’ is a clarion call to Christians all over the nation. Their religion, the tenets of which are based on kindness, caring, and love is being co-opted in the name of something entirely other that derives its strength from fear mongering and obfuscation. The ‘God & Country’ team has created a film that is not only important, but immensely effective in communicating a very complex and often messy issue in a clear and concise manner. We are thrilled to be able to help this crucially important film get in front of as many people as possible at a time when it’s most needed.”
Partland is an Emmy-nominated director whose work includes “Intervention” and “American Race.” Reiner’s credits include “A Few Good Men,” “The Princess Bride” and “Stand By Me.”
