The Surprising Origin of a Violent Culture War

This podcast episode explores the unexpected beginnings of one of America's most violent culture wars, which still continues today. It delves into the story of a young boy named Frank Schaffer growing up in a Swiss mountain commune run by his father, Francis Schaffer, a Christian philosopher. Frank's father made a Christian art history documentary, and Frank, aspiring to be a Hollywood director, saw it as an opportunity to showcase his filmmaking skills. However, midway through production, Frank decided to incorporate scenes about abortion, a topic that was not typically associated with evangelical Christians at the time. The documentaries, filled with vivid imagery and controversial messages, were initially a success, but soon sparked intense protests and increased polarization, ultimately leading to the murder of an abortion provider. Frank and his father, plagued by remorse, attempted to undo the damage they believed their films had caused, but their efforts to change evangelical minds proved challenging.