Watch American Heretics: The Poltics of the Gospel

American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel, released in 2019, is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the intersection of religion and politics in the United States. Directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmakers Jeanine Isabel Butler and Catherine Lynn Butler, the film focuses on a group of progressive Christians who challenge the conservative Christian establishment in Oklahoma.

The film features interviews with several religious leaders, scholars, activists, and journalists who analyze the role of Christianity in American politics. Among them are Nehemiah D. Frank, a black activist and founder of the Black Wall Street Times; Robert Jones, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI); and Robin Lavanhar, Senior Minister of All Souls Unitarian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The film begins by highlighting the strong influence of the religious right on Oklahoma politics. This influence is evident in the state's laws, which restrict women's reproductive rights, oppose LGBTQ+ rights, and promote Creationism in public schools. However, the film challenges this status quo by showcasing the efforts of a group of religious leaders and activists who advocate for a more inclusive and progressive Christianity.

The film highlights several issues where religion and politics intersect, including reproductive rights, environmental protection, LGBTQ+ rights, and racial justice. It also raises questions about the role of religion in public life, the separation of church and state, and the meaning of Christian values in a pluralistic society.

One of the key themes of the film is the tension between different interpretations of Christianity. The progressive Christians featured in the film argue that their faith compels them to engage in social justice work and advocate for marginalized communities. They see Jesus as a radical figure who challenged the religious and political establishment of his time, and they believe that Christians have a duty to challenge the status quo as well.

In contrast, conservative Christians often prioritize individual salvation over collective action and emphasize personal morality over social justice. They tend to align with the Republican Party and support policies that promote traditional values, such as opposition to abortion and same-sex marriage.

The film also highlights the racial divides within Christianity, particularly in the context of Oklahoma's history of racial violence. Several interviewees discuss the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, in which a white mob killed hundreds of black residents and destroyed the prosperous Greenwood district, known as "Black Wall Street." This event has enduring repercussions in the city's racial dynamics, and the film suggests that a progressive Christian movement can play a role in addressing racial injustice.

Throughout the film, the interview subjects offer a nuanced and complex view of the relationship between Christianity and politics. They acknowledge that the religious right has been successful in shaping the political landscape in many parts of the country, but they also argue that there is room for a more expansive and inclusive vision of Christianity.

Ultimately, American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel is a powerful and timely film that challenges viewers to consider the role of religion in American politics. It raises important questions about the meaning of faith, the nature of Christian values, and the prospects for progressive change in a deeply divided society. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and politics in the United States.

American Heretics: The Poltics of the Gospel is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes.