Dan Partland - Director of God and Country + (Bonus Content)
Feb 19, 2024
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Director Dan Partland discusses his documentary 'God and Country' on Christian nationalism in the US, featuring prominent voices. They explore the threats Christian nationalism poses to democracy and the importance of including diverse Christian perspectives in the project. Bonus content includes a critique of the film by Brad.
God and Country aims to normalize conversations about Christian nationalism through an accessible narrative structure and diverse perspectives.
By including voices that reject Christian nationalism, the film challenges misconceptions and highlights the importance of protecting democracy.
The release of God and Country presents an opportunity to shape public discourse and generate a shared understanding of the dangers of Christian nationalism.
Deep dives
The film provides an opportunity to open a conversation on Christian nationalism
The film God and Country, directed by Dan Partland, offers a chance to engage in conversations about Christian nationalism on an interpersonal level. While many listeners of political podcasts and readers of books on the topic are already aware of the threats posed by Christian nationalism and authoritarianism in the United States, the film provides an hour and a half of content that can be shared with others who may not be as well-informed. It can serve as a conversation starter and an entry point into discussing the dangers of Christian nationalism with family, friends, and colleagues who may be trying to make sense of the political landscape. By watching the film together, viewers can reflect on its content and engage in productive dialogue.
The film aims to normalize conversations on Christian nationalism
Dan Partland's God and Country plays a crucial role in normalizing conversations about Christian nationalism. It distills the numerous books, podcasts, and articles on the subject of Christian nationalism into an accessible narrative structure, making it easier for viewers to comprehend and engage with the material. By presenting the perspectives of knowledgeable voices, such as Andrew Sidel, Katherine Stewart, Rob Boston, and Anthea Butler, the film helps create a shared language for discussing Christian nationalism. This normalization of dialogue and understanding can extend beyond the film, influencing public discourse and providing a framework for discussing the topic in a more informed and nuanced manner.
The importance of diverse voices in the film
God and Country features a diverse range of voices from various perspectives, including prominent figures like Andrew Whitehead, Andrew Sidel, Rob Boston, and Katherine Stewart. These voices offer valuable insights into the history, impact, and dangers of Christian nationalism. While the film does not prioritize foregrounding specific marginalized voices, it aims to provide a balanced representation of viewpoints. By including voices that reject the influence of Christian nationalism, the film challenges the perception that Christian nationalism is the default expression of Christianity in America. It also demonstrates that people can hold different religious beliefs while still agreeing on the importance of protecting democracy and safeguarding the separation of church and state.
The potential impact of the film on public discourse
With its focus on Christian nationalism, God and Country has the potential to shape public discourse surrounding the topic. By distilling complex ideas into an emotional and accessible narrative, the film can contribute to a more nuanced and informed discussion on the threats posed by Christian nationalism. It offers a meta-narrative that can influence public opinion and generate a shared understanding of the issue. This can, in turn, foster a more cohesive dialogue and encourage broader societal recognition of the dangers of Christian nationalism. The film's release provides an opportunity to engage a wider audience in conversations about the impact of Christian nationalism on democracy.
2024 and the challenges ahead
While the film highlights the dangers of Christian nationalism, it acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead. The year 2024 poses various threats, including potential political violence and escalating culture wars. Despite these concerns, there is a lingering belief in the resilience of American democracy. Recognizing the importance of American civic culture, the film emphasizes the necessity of broader awareness and engagement. The normalization of conversation surrounding Christian nationalism is essential to address the issue effectively and foster a more informed and vigilant society.
Brad's interview with Dan Partland, director of God and Country, a new documentary that examines Christian nationalism in the United States. Based partly on Katherine Stewart's The Power Worshippers, it includes many prominent voices speaking out against Christian nationalism - Andrew Whitehead, Jemar Tisby, Andrew Seidel, Anthea Butler, and many more. Brad speaks with Dan about what drew him to this project, what he learned about the threats Christian nationalism poses to democracy, and why it was important to him to include so many Christian voices in the project.
In the bonus content, Brad spends 20 minutes providing critique and analysis of the film.
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