1A Religion: ‘Our Town’ And A Christian Nationalist Takeover In Tennessee
22 snips
Sep 2, 2026 
Catherine Stewart, investigative journalist and author of Money, Lies, and God, examines a Christian nationalist real estate project in Gainesboro, Tennessee. Reporters reveal how Ridge Runner’s wealthy backers aim to build an ideologically aligned enclave. Local residents organize to protect their town’s inclusive identity, while the conversation explores political influence, elite funding, and the movement’s long-term strategy.
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Cash Offers Give Ridge Runner Local Power
- Ridge Runner’s financial advantage comes from venture-backed cash purchases that outbid ordinary local buyers.
- It paid $2.5 million cash for a 450-acre farm and kept acquiring farmland, town property, and a headquarters.
A T-Shirt Sparked Gainesboro’s Resistance
- Nancy Pruitt answered an online attack on educated women by wearing a “Dangerous, educated women” shirt.
- She became alarmed after newcomers openly described moving 50 families into town to control elections.
Neighbors Bought Homes To Block Ridge Runner
- Local residents pooled resources to buy houses Ridge Runner targeted, including properties near the courthouse.
- Outside city limits, however, Ridge Runner became the county’s second-largest landowner and could outspend families.
