American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel (Christian Nationalism Documentary) | Real Stories
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2022
- American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel takes audiences into the buckle of Bible belt where a group of defiant ministers, congregations, and community leaders are challenging deeply rooted fundamentalist Christian doctrine in favor of a Gospel of Inclusion. Labeled as “heretics” for their beliefs and actions, they refuse to wield their faith as a sword sharpened by literal interpretations of the Bible. Especially those fundamentalist Christian interpretations that continue to justify nationalism and hack away at landmark civil rights protections for women, minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ communities.
Twitter: / realstoriesdocs
Facebook - / realstorieschannel
Instagram - @realstoriesdocs
Subscribe to Real Stories #Shorts for bitesize documentary content: shorturl.at/dAKT3
Content licensed from [MVD]. Any queries, please contact us at: owned-enquiries@littledotstudios.com
If you loved this film, Real Stories has hundreds more full-length documentaries, click the link to enjoy: bit.ly/1GOzpIu - ภาพยนตร์และแอนิเมชัน
A Southern Baptist minister I met at a PFLAG meeting told me, "There's nobody meaner than people being mean for Jesus"
I was so glad to hear someone say that being Christian is about what you do not just what you believe. Christianity is (or should be) an active verb, not a passive noun.
Faith - works = 💩
Depends on what you are doing in it's name. You could be DOING something that may seem good to you, but is bad for others. I've seen it done by those in my faith also ( I'm not talking about terrorism) sometimes our ego masquerades as piety.
Yeah but it says in the Bible " not by good deeds alone...your deeds are like a dirty washcloth"
If you want to get biblical.
The Bible did not invent morality Christianity did not invent morality religion itself did not invent morality.. It only claims to.
Actually Christianity is a set of beliefs and principles derived from the Bible. It is faith that should be treated as a verb not a noun. If you pile up little blocks of “faith” like bricks they would be useless except for keeping people either in or out. But as a verb it can do wondrous things
@@prepperjonpnw6482 Look at the successful secular countries at the top of the Democracy Index, Happiness Index, Social Progress Index, and Press Freedom Index. Those Capitalist Democracies are more Christian than America's 9.1% of GDP for religion (tax free)and homeless epidemic, denial of medical care and eugenics of the poor is state sanctioned by the pro-life party.
I found this to be an extremely insightful and enjoyable documentary. I am an atheist but have immense respect for those of religious faith who clearly have an understanding of the historical context of the textual transmission of the biblical texts & a willingness to think about things from other people’s perspectives - if only more people in our society were so respectful & educated ❤
Have you noticed the movement to rewrite history? Where is that coming from?
AS SOMEONE WHO WANTS AN EXEGISIS EXPOSITORY ARTICULATION OF THE GOSPEL I CANT WAIT TO WATCH THIS! I agree
Amazing to me that open minded people willing to peaceably discuss controversial topics are now rare and even persecuted and looked down upon in many cases. Thank goodness for this couple willing to do public service and take on and articulate these important topics.
NO ONE has covered this as well as "Some More News"
in his second GOP-Video.
They are showered with Praise for their Talk about
Abortion. That said: It should be noted that Atheist-TH-camrs (who you may have a negative picture
of thx to demonizing and/or strawmanning) have fought-back against
Religion intruding into Politics for Ages now.
Who are open minded?
"The ability to entertain a thought without accepting it is the mark of an educated mind" (paraphrased)
@@DarksideJohnny Arrow's Impossible Matrix is 66.6%. Accepting 2/3rds is the mark of a civil society. 1/3rd of Americans refuse the reality of 2/3rds being right. Conservative in America means regression and devolution, living in biblical times.
They have always been persecuted.
As an athiest, I believe that religion becomes a problem when you use it to become God over those around you. It is not up to you to determine another person’s humanity. These people are clearly good to their core and I am glad to know they are sharing that with others. Hate will never reward you in this life or after.
That's ego masquerading as piety.
@@rasheedjamal9091 hello, that's what I despise about religion, the hate and judgement from some religious people.
@@bsqwahlE lol. How can you hate judgement, when you just used it in your comment.
@@gundamt437 Perhaps he sees
“making a judgment” as being different from “being judgmental”???
@@kindtimetraveler they are both the same thing, people have been mislead thinking that they are different.
The word judgement can mean giving punishment for a crime, which is what the judges do in courts.
The word also means coming to a conclusion based on information a person has. Or coming to a conclusion based on someone's actions, or words.
We make judgements based in people actions or words, and come to conclusion. The issue/problem is making a judgement based on limited information.
Also, we have been led to interpret "judge not lest ye be judged' wrongly to mean that we must not tell people when they are wrong, or we think they are wrong, so we are led to believe that we must allow any actions or words to be done, which leads to the detriment of society as a whole
I had family ask me the exact same question: "Are you going to go to heaven when you die?"
I said "Not if I stand idly by being indifferent to the suffering of Lazarus at my gate"
How many abortions did you have?
@@NSOcarth That's a convenient way of ignoring an obvious truth about the parable.
I was surprised that an adult would ask a question like that in earnest.
As an atheist, I will show respect for these people and their religous beliefs that I do not feel the religous right deserves. At least they are not hypocrites , preaching love and hate simultaneously. We are all humans on this rock orbiting the sun, we have this one life and we must help each other.. There is one big difference between you and an immigrant, chance.
Love this!
That's not respect. That is tolerance. Sorry to differentiate but "respect," means to place value on something
@@ianhansen6840 people have value .
I can’t get my head around forgiveness for men who are rushing headlong into creating legislation regarding reproductive health. After Dobbs a 10 year old incest victim was forced find another state to decide what to do. In North Texas as young pregnant woman bled to death because the hospital didn’t want to violate Texas law. In Texas a young woman named Kate went to the hospital four Times with intense cramps and a fluid running out of her body. The hospital lawyers would not authorize life saving care for the mom with the non-viable baby. Her husband finally gave up and took her to a blue state.
The white male SBC show no understanding of female healthcare. They are zealots. All zygotes are fully on their way to successful delivery as a bouncing baby.
These white men are so obsessed with controlling women they debate legislation that would require all high school girls athletes 33:37 to report their period status.
@robinhood20253 People do, but Christianity isn't a person lol
The scene at 102:00 is incredibly powerful. The pastor doesn't lament his "downfall" or talk about how he is hurt by his revelations. Rather, he talks about how his actions caused pain to those around him and how he's incapable of doing anything to ease their pain. As an open minded atheist who recognizes that there are good things that come from religion, I feel like this is how a true Christian should react.
I completely agree. It brought tears to my eyes. As a person who grew up in a fundamentalist Christian household, product of Christian education, the values I learned of American Christian culture completely drove me away. In fact now I associate Christian with being something I run in the opposite direction from. This church here is something I could get behind and involved with. The genuineness of this congregation is what true Christianity should be embracing to heal our country.
@@livfrehley It's sad that "Christianity" pushed you away from Christianity..... I hope that you are able to find a similar church in your area that you feel comfortable joining. America can use all of the healing it can get its hands on these days.
An open-minded atheist doesn't preach about how another religion should act. That's a Christian's take on how an atheist should act.
@@julien.4617 Sure thing. I guess that I'm a close-minded atheist then. Or a no-minded one?? Or perhaps I'm Christian, and just haven't realized it yet.
You've given me a lot to think about tonight, Julie. Thank you for that!!
@@shawncharles9980 My point was, you don't get to set the parameters of what constitutes a "good" practitioner of another faith should act. You completely missed the point. In reality, you judged a person's actions and attributed it to his religion. You can despise or appreciate a religion. You can do the same for a person. Case in point. "Muslims are bad because of 9-11." No, those people were bad. You shouldn't attribute actions of a person according to their religion.Religion then becomes justification for good/bad behaviour and a scapegoat.
As an Oklahoman, this video actually gives me some hope that there are decent people in this state willing to help others at cost to themselves. This is inspiring. Now if we could just quit voting for TERRIBLE people to run our state!
Historical novel referencing Oklahoma history I recommend: "Mean Spirit", Linda Hogan.
This video documentary PhD guy's opening statement is:
""Nobody has the absolute truth.
No one can be absolutely certain of anything.""
Just curious to know if he actually believes his own statement to be absolutely certain and true?😅
In which case he wouldn''t, in his own words: ....""have to have faith.""
His, ...is a crash course on how one psychologically undermines ALL truth and EVERYTHING that is good.
His faith is thus declared null and void by his own words.
A man of no true faith?
We can be certain of SOME things.
Even many things?
Perhaps, in theory, MOST things?
But we cannot be certain of ALL things.
And HERE is where faith and humility comes in!❤
Blessings!
I am also from Oklahoma, the churches that condemn people are not following Jesus teachings, Jesus did not come to condemn, he came to tell the good news of salvation, to love everyone!
I think Oklahoma is a much better state than California (where I am from)
I'm curious, is discounting another human being an act of faith and humility? It didnt tead that way
Church is supposed to be for social justice not for political influence. This documentary is very well done.
They should be taxed once you are involved with politics.
They need to reign in their believers and remind them of separation of church and government.
Unless you specifically mean charitable donations that statement is absolutely absurd.
Its not a documentary. Its bias propaganda
@@sarcasticallyrearranged John Adams wrote that our American Constitution was made for a moral and religious people. "It is wholly inadequate for the government of any other." Therefore, there is no such idea of separation of Church and state in the Constitution. A religion that does not influence society is worthless. Even Jesus says so in his teachings about Christians being the salt of the earth.
It really depends what you mean by social justice dude...cause Jesus warned how people will try to twist his teachings to fit their own selfish desires.
im not religious but i grew up in a very religious community, so it breaks my heart to see and know how Christianity is being weaponized.
It’s not just being weaponized in pushing it so much it’s turning people away.
If Christians get too much power in the U.S., look for shades of the Taliban or Boko Haram of Nigeria.
@@michaelellringer5600 I agree just look for shades of Christian crusade
@MsArrika I feel you on this, as an agnostic theist who stands for human rights
It breaks my heart to see Christianity demonized.
I've been on a deep TH-cam dive into Christian Nationalism, scaring and depressing myself in equal measure. This documentary has renewed my faith in humanity, and I can absolutely attest the leaders of this beautiful church are doing God's work. From a random atheist on the south coast of England, Thank You!
When Fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross ... Sinclair Lewis
If fascism ever comes to America it'll come in the name of liberalism
~Ronald Reagan
Looks like Reagan was right on this one.
@@melmee2235 Fascism is a right wing movement and one which essence can be described as “blood and soil”,the nation first the preferred ethnic group first.Sound familiar?America first anyone?Used by Reagan and Trump. th-cam.com/video/1T_98uT1IZs/w-d-xo.html
Fascism also had a strong merge with Christianity in several countries such as Austria,Portugal and Spain where their particular forms of fascism can be said to be ; “Our nation first,our race first and our religion first,all the rest be damned”
Liberalism is the opposite of fascism which is extreme nationalism.Now liberalism comes in many forms.In US you have two forms,a progressive liberalism or social liberalism in the Democrats and a conservative or nationalist liberalism in the Republicans.Sadly undeniably there is a new emerging illiberal element in the Republicans that looks good at nations like Russia and Hungary which are illiberal and nationalist and much closer to fascism historically,I let you be the judge.
@@mauricio9564 define the word fascism. This is why you're not respected in the world your revisionism has you blind to the fact that demokkkrats are the party of the kkk and you redefine words to suit your argument. You have no idea what the word fascism even means. No its not EXTREME NATIONALISM you Brainwashed fool. Why am i even talking to you, its like discussing fiscal responsibility with a Democrat mayor you have no idea what you're talking about. You all just regurgitate the opinions of others and have no opinions truly your own
The January 6th rioters fit the bill!
Sadly the Tulsa Race Riot/massacre isn't the only time a black community was destroyed in the U.S., and most Americans haven't heard of either of the two I know about.
Im glad to see that there are still good, kind, loving and accepting Christians
Sabbath is no longer for us to keep, otherwise we would ruin the 6th commandments, which says: DO NOT KILL!
Matthew 5:21
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
it is the sabbath or the 6th commandment. Cant have both.
Thank you for making this documentary. I'm not religious, or even American, but it hurts me to see all the laws being passed in the States as a result of evangelical hate. We need more churches like these!
Texas here, it's terrifying. I'd say pray for us, but, you know... sigh/cry
Beautifully done. Growing up in a toxic southern baptist community and now being an atheist, this is my dream for Christianity. Building people up instead of dictating their lives and breaking them down with shame and toxic belief systems. It gives me so much hope to see this church in Oklahoma, of all places. I so hope this spreads.
Old saying: Religion was created for the fear of the many and the cleverness of the few. Those millionaire Televangelists wouldn't argue with that one!
@@michaelellringer5600 More like "corrupted" rather than "created".
@May God bless you on your journey!!!
@Spa-Peggy & Meatballs 🎯🎯🎯 Same, except Church of Christ. 🫤
@Spa-Peggy & Meatballs, God bless you on your journey!!!
I was really hesitant to view this as religion has been behind so much of the evil abuse I suffered in my childhood. This has been a balm . Thank you
I think the best comment was by the guy who said that our political parties are bifurcating into a race and gender party and a religion and nationalism party.
Except, it’s really not - but the Christian Nationalists forces the Dems to be it!
And both are owned/sponsored by corporate interests behind the scenes. Their platforms & stated beliefs are just a marketing tactic. The bar for allowing 3rd parties to even enter televised debates is so high as to be impossible. Every year, the Green Party candidate gets arrested outside the debates just for trying to participate. The degree to which our media, politicians & other institutions are owned by billionaires is breathtaking. We should be on the rails burning it all down.
Funny thing is the only ones talking gender and race 24/7 is the Republicans
Dems are pro your rights....we don't care what you call yourself or who birthed you.
Our political parties aren’t doing that at all. People are and always have chose parties based off their personal beliefs and value system. Some people are conservative and align more with Republican “values”… and vice versa. People freely decide on what aligns with them
@@MimiB1974 How does your assessment explain America having perpetual "Red and Blue States"? This doesn't look like free will guiding political alignments to me.
Many years ago, a man and his wife of the Jehovah's Witness denomination came to my door to proselytize their beliefs. I invited them in, treated them with dignity, and we discussed our own ways of believing. I was still under my own spell of religion at that time.
When the subject turned to the issue of abortion, the woman made it plain that she looked down on women for what she perceived was their heartless acts of aborting “babies.”
When I asked her if there was a woman in her presence that suffered from a botched abortion if she would help her, she answered in a haughty manner, "I don't know!!! She chose to do that, so, I just don't know!"
I then asked the question, "From your perception, what do you believe Jesus would do in that circumstance?"
She stared at me, speechless. Her husband, whose head was hung as he stared at the floor finally broke the silence. With a voice that was barely audible, he said, "I believe Jesus would help the woman."
It might not be a good idea to be too hasty about what your supposed savior “believes.”
Yeah, the View of what Jesus would do has changed massively.
I personally think he was 'basically a Socialist,
but if i say that to Christians,
they chase me with a BROOM.
@@slevinchannel7589 I don't believe that Jesus was other than a fictitious character in a book, meant to start a new religion, foreign to, and offensive to, Judaism.
So I can see here that neither of you have understanding. First off Jesus was not a socialist. Nor a greedy selfish capitalist. He preached a moral Kingdom of conscience. HE IS the Prince of Heaven and King of the world. He blesses some and not others as they would desire. Our Father loves us and gives us only what HE has prepares us to receive. HE does not set HIS Children up to fail or lose their souls. HE requires kindness and compassion as pre requisites for entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Stop trying to put HIM who is greater than all of your " isms" combined into your manageable little boxes. Second of all to the main Commenter, you are no longer a believer. It doesn't matter what you say in judgement of our family in Christ. I'm sure you believe it does and this godless wicked society has overstepped their authority when in fact they have NO authority over the Body of Christ. Take the good get rid of the bad is wisdom in any matter that may come up even debating unbelievers but in truth all Good comes from our Lord above and HIS house in surely self sufficient meaning whether there is any good to be found in what you're saying we don't need you to find it in Truth. Only God is good and for us there is only ONE Lord.
@@ruintheliarsschemes I'm thankful that I believe Jesus was nothing other than a fictitious character in a book, USED to start a new religion, foreign to, and extremely offensive to ... Judaism.
Any man that preaches that he was sent to earth by a god to save all humanity from sin, ought not to be idolized ... ... not worshiped ... not believed. ... but rather empathized with, as being needy of attention, and very childlike concerning his behavior.
Had Jesus lived, he simply would have been a Jewish Rabbi and he most certainly would have been horrified at his picture hanging in a Catholic or a Protestant church.
And had his mother Mary been real, she would have been horrified to have been labeled as a Catholic saint.
You'll spot the lies, but only when you are ready and "willing." Been there ... did that.
@@ruintheliarsschemes
Note how the modern word Krishna, was at one time spelled "Chrishna." And that is because when the Christians used the word "Christ" as being their savior ... the Hindus felt it necessary to change their spelling of their savior's word to Krishna.
The World’s Sixteen Crucified Saviors … Christianity before Christ, by Kersey Graves … first published in 1875.
Pagan Miracles
And we have the same kind of evidence that the Hindoo Messiah, Chrishna, of India, restored two boys to life who had been killed by the bites of serpents, as that Jesus Christ resurrected Lazarus and the widow’s son of Nain; and as much proof that Bacchus turned water into wine, as that Jesus performed this act six hundred years after.
Having grown up in a strict evangelical household and later joining the Catholic church I realised that organised religion is indeed really terrible for women (and others). I appreciate efforts by some to change this, however they seem to be in the minority. I have since left organised religion to focus on spirituality instead and have never been happier.
I suppose if I was raised in a strict evangelical household I may very well resent it like you but unfortunately that was a misrepresentation of Christianity…
Women have been written out of history religion and other wise by a mostly misogynistic country and our voices need to get louder so that women in these churches hear us, the world hears us, the churches and Maga intend on putting our faces in the dirt and our bodies in prison. This must stop ✋️ 🫸 🫷
I’m not religious but this warms my heart. It’s nice to hear positives in such a crazy time.
It's not religion that warms your heart It's community.. that existed long before religion was ever invented.
Wise enough👍
I remember when the Church started preaching politics in church in the late 79s and early 80s I knew it was going to be bad news ... I stopped going in early 90s because of it!
I'm a Native Texan but claim no one religion. I find most of my community nauseates me ad nauseum.
I was one of those church of Christ "child preachers" who followed the way his dad did. Because, that is the way I was taught, and then read for myself. I'm now an Exvangelical. I can still recite everything that was drilled into my head while I was in the coC. I held my breath when he started talking about his father, the church and the theology.
Evangelical ??? That's not a religion it's a cult.
Humanity can only pray the religious wake up to how they are manipulated, stifled & lied to. 🙏
Spoken by people who believe men can be women, the government can save you, get the jab you won't get covid, masks work, BLM burning our cities isn't a riot its a protest
I’m Jewish, but not religious. It’s so nice to see that good people like this exist in churches, as I’ve never had a good experience in one. Very interesting documentary!
Never in my life would I have thought: “I would like to be in Oklahoma “. Until I watched this documentary , God, I love that church!, that’s what the love of Jesus is all about!
Would you ever have thought that Oklahoma was established as Indian Country, the destination for the Native Americans that were uprooted by the Indian Removal Act?
I recommend a short novel titled "Mean Spirit", by Linda Hogan.
I hate the way organized religions use the Bible to pick and choose passages to support their prejudices and hatreds. This documentary was an eye opener and shows some hope for a better religion.
I am watching from South Africa and as a black queer believer this is just breathtaking thank you for sharing.
I've never seen so many who claim to be Christian who so completely misunderstand the Bible, Jesus, God and true Christianity.
What exactly is it that is Completely Misunderstood?
@@tonysmith952 why would these people follow the OT and Paul? Pa
Ul was a frigging misogynistic twit. Why would anyone believe a bronze age mythological test anyway????
Was Jesus brown??
I'm pretty well versed in its core context : Divine ordained Subjugation.
👇🎩👇
* old Testament Boss: conservative "Christian" nationalists Subjugation apologist's boss
*Exodus 21:7
7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants
*Exodus 21:32
32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.
* Exodus 21:20-21
20 “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.
* meet the New Testament Boss : conservative "Christian" nationalists Subjugation Apologist Boss .
*Ephesians 6:5
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
*Ephesians 6:9
9 And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
😠👉same as the old Boss
"No true scotsman" fallacy.
It's distressing that the evangelical right that claim to be Christian are the least Christian people you'll ever be likely to meet. Their intolerance and hatred is disgusting to see. I am not a Christian, I became an atheist at a very young age, but I respect Christians that actually live by the teachings of Christ: tolerance, compassion, charity and forgiveness. Using Christianity as a tool to beat people with seems utterly disgusting, so devoid of any of the compassion that is the very backbone of the Christian faith.
I am not a hardcore atheist...I can totally understand why people choose to have a faith. But when that faith is used to denigrate others and to catapult their agenda above that of other faiths, it becomes ugly and obscene. It totally negates the reason for having a faith in the first place. All faiths are an attempt by humans to understand and validate their existence...regardless of the brand of the faith that they have. True faith means that you are comfortable with your place in the world, and do not need to propel your view on that existence on others.
In the Bible God says, “you cause people to blasphemy my name.” He’s talking about people just like American conservatives.
@@KarlMarxFanClub i.e. God protect me from your followers.
My Greatgrandmother had a saying: "Beware of a loud praying man". The more people try to convince you what a good, upstanding, moral person they are the less they actually are.
we don't choose to have a faith. that would be like a coin toss; heads i believe, tails i don't. we choose to have a God. another analogy is when you get married, you choose to have a husband or a wife. you don't choose to trust a husband or a wife. i know it might seem like i'm mincing words, but stay with the distinction for a bit.
you do not get to decide what version of christians are christians and those that are not. Anyone who claims to be a christian is in fact a christian. The level of dishonesty to attempt to claim someone else isnt a christian when they profess their faith is beyond me. Remember, even Hitler was a devout christian.
Confused...what's so different about Christian nationalism and sharia law? Worshiping the correct God?
They both worship the same god, it's just about what they call that god (and also their skin color, but they won't admit to that).
different brands of the same product really
Christian nationalism is a satanic inspired movement devoid of truth in the hands of fascist priests or priests too petrified to speak against the fascists. They are the same in summation
All Abrahamic traditions are mythology. ✌️
Never seen a Christian woman being forced to use a burka or whatever, or to leave the house with one male guardian ... Don't be ignorant to christianism
Heartbreaking, inspiring, beautiful documentary. Can’t recommend it enough.
a powerful documentary. Hopeful and frightening about where your country is going. As a Canadian, we can be affected by what happens in the States
I feel sorry for Canadians. It's been said it's like having a nice apartment upstairs over a meth lab. If or when these uber-God-botherers take over the government, it's a matter of time until, after having purged the incorrectly-believing Americans (watch out for a LOT of refugees!), they will be moved to make war on others. And, with the most frightening military machine in the world. We can only hope that it takes awhile, until other countries have better military equipment - these so-called religious who would take over the government are also anti science and anti education.
Bro Canadians are losing their rights at a rapid rate, and your critiquing america lmao
It's good to be Danish 😉😘
When I left the LDS church (Mormons), I had so many questions about god. I went to the Portland, OR UU congregation for awhile to just find a community who I felt comfortable being myself with no judgement. I have moved on from being strictly Christian, being open to all theologies, but I cherished that feeling and am so happy to see something similar in Oklahoma. I wish this kind of church would grow more here in Utah because it's sorely needed to give voice to those who are not on the fundamentalist side of the conversation. Too many people are just focused on their own lives & think "well, they're not me. I'm a good person" and not recognize this hate in almost every Christian community which is conservative. Those who are against hate have got to recognize it in their own communities and fight against it. It will ultimately destroy those who feel hate, but it will severely harm those who try to feel love first. It hurts us all. It's time for love and acceptance.
I had no idea how lucky I was to be raised Congregational/Unitarian.
The LDS church is almost unbearable in Utah but I find it a much better community elsewhere. The culture of it where it dominates, so really Utah, is toxic and the opposite of Christian.
@@UniqueArtsCostcoPicasso I absolutely agree. I grew up in Oregon, but the problem is that they indoctrinate such awful values but couch them in 'niceness'. I'm still close w my family & they are some of the best people, as are so many others, but at the core of the religion is hate. It's just not taught that it's hate. It's pretty insidious what rules they have to follow & their devotion to awful corrupt leadership.
There is also so much systemic abuse which is completely ignored & hidden.
I think you're on the right track. That is largely my own path. I kind of, without knowing it then, was acquiring a UU attitude.
@@cruisepaigeUU is a cool denomination.
We in Europe also have radical christianistic groups, but they are a very small minority hidden in obscurity. I wonder if the fact that the USA has no real history is part of the feeding ground of this Christian Nationalism. Europeans are still traumatized by what christian history did to them during the first two thousand years of its existence (till today with the child abuse incidences of the catholic church, what is the only relevant christian movement with any semblance of radicalism remaining in today's Europe), and we have learned to despise and fear anything resembling to what becomes known as Christian Nationalism in the USA - and that is not only aimed at Christianity, but at all radical versions of religion.
I really can't understand how any sane person cannot see the bigotry and massive internal contradictions of the gospel Christian Nationalism offers. But we are talking USA, a country where nearly half of its adult people voted for a person like Trump to be their President - twice. Their is some kind of weird mass delusion going on there.
A teacher of mine in school once lectured, that history is like a pendulum - always oscillating between extremes. Most of the times, the pendulum ist somewhere between extremes, occasionally even in perfect equilibrium, but also sometimes at the extreme positions. In the the last century, we had a period of extreme religion liberalism and freedom and now the pendulum is moving towards the other extreme, a phase of radical religiosity actually to be witnessed in many parts of the Globe and among them radical Christianism - and I think, we haven't seen all of it yet. US Americans should prepare for the next Inquisition in their country. This will cost many lifes, starting already with women now dying in the USA because of restrictive abortion laws.
Very well said, thank you. Frankly here you get a lot of people disagreeing with the conservative Christian Nationalism like in the comments here, only to turn around and espouse some other Christian flavor of hyper-religiosity. Even the ones who supposedly eschew all organized religion in favor of a “personal relationship with Christ” or a deistic spirituality are caught in a weird unfalsifiable supernatural solipsism, convinced of their own correctitude.
Sadly, with so many people with their heads in the clouds, we’ve lost sight of anything that resembles real community or societal cohesion outside church walls, and are so civically illiterate we’ve no idea how to advance the American project of a nation that was conceived in liberty and a government formed to be of, by and for the people. I think you are so right, as bad as it is, we still have a way to go to rock bottom.
Catholicism pretty much built up Europe, don't be dense.
Ahh, a careful observation. The question is, which demographic has more numbers, and by default, more wealth and influence in America currently? Follow the money.
If you were of the said ethnicity, would you be ready to release your power and comforts so minorities could also partake of it?
The answer is no. Resoundingly.
That is why Trump was elected, and people continue to put their version of the Bible ahead of being humane and treating minorities with respect.
Oh. My. GAWD. This is a brilliant piece. This is going on my Favorites List because I'm definitely rewatching this one. I learned SO much and pieced together things I see in my hometown everyday, but didn't understand.
Thank you for restoring my faith - in people!
People prepared to think about things & reason for themselves.
The most authentically Christian thing I've seen in a while; along the lines of "The Celluloid Closet" and "Jesus Camp." I especially appreciated the historical review (Emperor Constantine, Council of Nicaea, New Testament Canon), which is so at odds with Biblical literalism. But the best part of this may be the people who are featured in the documentary; it's good to know they're out there.
The Christian historian did for some reason forget to note that the first ever Christian Ecumenical Council, the Council of Jerusalem was held in 50 AD (Acts 15).
I'm always wishing I could share my ancestors' story, they made their mark on history but you hardly hear about them. They were called Anabaptists, christians labeled as heretics by the catholic church because they felt a) church and state needed to be separated and b) they felt that religion being forced onto children and others was heretical. I won't go into detail about how they were punished, but for 200 years they gave their lives standing up to true heresy and ended up in isolated communities, they're what you now know as 'Mennonites' and 'Amish mennonites'. And there IS a lot of good work being done by missionaries, personally I grew up visiting Juarez with church people every summer to build houses for displaced people. You hardly hear about real christians because sometimes people just want to look for the bad and wolves in sheep's clothing have so much bad to distract you. From a christian perspective, one might argue that kind of distraction is one of the devil's favorite schemes.
@@Lerian_V he didnt miss that out. He didnt consider it to be a Christian Ecumenical Council. He stated that all the early Christians were actually regormist Jews. The Christians or the "Jesus movement" only became known as Christians after the Council of Nicea.
@@Lerian_V Were James and Paul still fighting about the circumcision thing? Christian Jews followed Jesus but required circumcision. James knew his brother was no virgin birth and his followers knew it, too. But, that circumscribing thing could be overcome if they look in the old testament to find a gimmick, Angels always work, that's why the scammers keep one n their pocket..
@@dthomas9230 I don't get what you're trying to communicate.
“I’m a person of faith …”
= “I will believe almost anything, based on no reliable evidence …” 👏🏼
God saved me from myself. I was forced to go to church as a boy/teenager. The trauma and chaos surrounding me led me down a road of addiction and I had to completely lose myself to be found by God.I didn’t HAVE to rather I chose to, so easy to do as a man.
Today, I’ve surrendered my ego, I’ve been humbled before God! I’m not perfect, I’m still trying to change habits and thoughts but the stronger I build my relationship with God the more he reveals to me. It’s been such a journey and a blessing, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. I know I experienced the darkness and made it back to share the light with others.
I've been working the program of alcoholics anonymous for years now. They have respect for women and don't try to write us out of history. I don't feel that from a church. It's always upset 😡 me when the only time Jesus mother Mary was respected was Christmas. Yes I'm aware of the few books with women but it doesn't say much.
I grew up in Oklahoma as a Southern Baptist. I promised God that I would never again set foot on Oklahoma soil as long as I live.
This show made my eyes watery, especially the grandmother and Lori's connection.. love the love ❤️
This is amazingly well done. This is the kind of community I would relate to.
Those Christian fundamentalists, if they lived in the times of Jesus, would have had him crucified. In fact that is exactly what happened, because he spoke powerfully against fundamentalism and it's written in the Gospels that they were actively seeking a way to kill him. I don't understand how people can read the Gospels and not see that. But even this wasn't a surprise to Jesus who said: they have ears but do not hear, they have eyes but do not see.
Well said!
Christians were crucified people in the Bible? What?
Love and Respect to these pastors and people who actually follow Jesus' teachings of love, acceptance, and forgiveness and who do the good work of caring for all God's children. We are all family.
I was raised catholic within a catholic region of my country. I have learned, that the main aspect and driver of Christianity is the unconditional love of God for humanity and each individual. Than I took notice about how much hate was spread by people praising the word of God, and learned about what was done to people in the two thousand years of history of Christianity, often expressively in the name of God.
How can someone who believes in God hate people just because of their gender, the color of their skin, their religious beliefs or non-beliefs, their sexual orientation, or their nationality. These are all people and God wants us to love all of them, this is the core of Christian belief as I've learned it. What takes place in the USA as reported by this film, has nothing to do with Christianity, it is actually destroying all what is regarded important by the christian doctrine.
@Zero Clutter Art and Design that Psalm is expressing the anger of Israel, and most Christians and Jews acknowledge that's an evil thing to wish for. Not every text in the Bible was written for the same reason, and that one is not the will of God at all.
Any tradition teaching " other" is teaching pure evil. We are humans first. Dogma that divides should be called out for it's unholiness.
In 2010, when the Boston Globe exposed the scandal , I walked away from the Cath church and have never looked back. I now belong to the "Church of Holy Roman Kindness." I have just tried to imitate Christ.
You are a Christian nationalist. Just be honest
It’s confusing to me that “Christian” extremists only worships of the vengeful, jealous God of the Old Testament and completely ignores the New Testament, the new covenant between God and people brought to people by Christ. This ideology wouldn’t allow Christ into the church if He were at the door, so how on earth can they use the title of “Christian” when everything they love is against the teachings of Christ?
They need a new title. One that omits “Christ” like they omit “Christ” from everything they do.
Christian churches hardly even exist anymore. They’re just political gathering places that worship money and power over the vulnerable. They need to be taxed.
Tax the Churches
Tax the businesses owned by the Churches
Have you actually ever read the new testament? The god depicted in it isn't much better tbh, the same creation of a political activist mixed with the trend of the time, apocalypse movement ideology.
When I read the New Testament I see that God still has wrath as He does in the Old Testament. I also see that God’s kindness is the same in the Old Testament as it is in the new. However, I think that both God’s wrath and kindness are needed for God to love people. For example, I don’t think God would be loving if He had mercy on everybody. And the reason for this is that there are many people that have done some terrible things that have hurt people tremendously. And as humans sometimes we can’t give people the justice that they deserve. However, I believe it is apart of God’s love that He can do that. In both covenants it’s the same message on morality which is that if people love, they are shown mercy and if not they are shown judgement. The good news is Christians know very well how they are called to love people. And if they don’t do that while knowing it’s wrong Hebrews 10:26-27 says “For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries.” Christians that know they are going against God’s teachings are seen by God as His adversity, unless they come to Him, say what they’ve done is wrong and change. So for example if a Christian were to hate someone that is apart of the LGBTQ+ community, this verse applies to them since were not called to hate anybody.
True!!
Thanks for your feedback, I want bother watching.
A refreshing, inspiring, attention grabbing and amazingly informative take on the diverse and much neglected Christian landscape so crucial to understanding present day America.
Why are you painting these vile religious fundamentalist racist scum in such glowing terms? Are you insane?
You feel that you love illegal immigration, how much of your salary would you donate yearly
@@casey7763 Zero idea what you're on about mate.
Neglected Christians?
You must be joking!
Especially when they're the majority and are doing everything to infiltrate government positions and inflict their beliefs on everyone!
@@sarcasticallyrearranged Well I meant that a kind of deep soul searching study of the complete landscape of American Christianity and the evolution of American belief systems is neglected in today's mainstream and popular discourse. With a secular outsider's POV I have come to realise that under the superfice of mainstream as-seen-on-TV America is a nation in search of a nationalist religion. Mormonism was a very early attempt. But now the quest is closing in on its Holy Grail.
Documentary like this is giving me some hope that there are people still believe in good and trying to make some change
In Chicago right now, December 20th, 2023, church volunteers are going door to door asking for donations feet away from the homeless. Religion can't get us out of this mess. We need to follow the example of Secular Netherlands.
The people closest to absolute truth are near death experiencers, but even they would still say there are things they don't know. The highest truth is unconditional love.
This has been truly uplifting ro my heathen soul. I see some much tragedy lately but ive also been given glimpses of real GOOD being done and it keeps me going
Thank you for the revelations, so easily understood. As I weep I also pray and give many thanks.
I'm just glad someone who doesn't look like me, loves like me, worships like me, hasn't had the same experiences like me, gets it.
Live doing the best you can, be your personal best, and help others when there is an opportunity
It's such a blow of fresh air to see Christians like this still exist! ❤❤❤
Helping that mother with the sick child, that's gods work right there. The xenophobia spread around this days is disgusting. I can never admonish someone for seeking a better life and care for their family. I hope they will be okay 🙏. I'm not from Oklahoma, but from Kansas and this is how all churches should conduct themselves: caring for others. Maybe if they followed that model so many people wouldn't be leaving the church.
That's not God's work that's human work, those are humans helping It's within them a desire to help another person, It is a love that comes from within them and it's not God. Its a human spirit of lovingkindness.
*A preacher stated in the year of 1896:* "The work of the Gospel is to make peace between men and God, and
wherever a heart surrenders to God the spirit of *militarism and nationalism must go.* {November 26, 1896, PTUK 755.8}
As opposed to communist internationalism which, ya know, just murdered Christians, the clergy in particular. (For the record the mild patriotism of the vast majority of evangelical Christians falls woefully short of what was meant by "nationalism" in the 19th century)
@@ThisCanNotBTheFuture
You’re just throwing absurd buzzwords.
Do you know what Stalin actually did to the Clergy?
He replaced it!
Those who were send to the Gulags, or even executed, was the ones who were enemies of his regime - those who had been most loyal to the Tzar and who demanded that the church should continue to have all the influence and wealth it had before!
I’m not saying he wasn’t a murderous dictator, but it wasn’t "Communism" that murdered those Clergy men, it was their refusal to give up political influence and a regime that couldn’t afford dissent from the pulpits!
Of course! Jesus commands us to seek peace with all men. Not some who think just like you, but everyone. Religious conservatives don’t believe that.
AMEN!
As a generic healthcare chaplain and a kirk elder in Scotland this gives me hope for the future over the pond and here of the kirks
Kirks??
This is so thrilling. This is a paradigm shift, a new way forward! True hope for our country's lost soul!
I was genuinely proud of their church becoming a sanctuary church. We need more enlightened people in this world. Staying closed off will be the end of this country.
Honestly amazing, it's so nice to see diversity and good will triumph in a toe hold in the sheer and cragged face of the US. But there's such an air of foreboding in this. These people are swimming against very strong currents, I hope they are not swept away. Maybe God will preserve them. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.
What makes you believe diversity is inherently a good thing? Commie politics ? You certainly cannot garner that idea from the Bible it's a political trope
An extremely honest and beautiful doc. There's hope after all.
I am watching this a second time. This is very well done. I have been thinking to myself as I watch all these evangelicals.. is this what Jesus would do.. is this how Jesus would act.. I don't think so.
When I hear televangelists or some politicians,in the background I hear a man shouting at the top of his lungs,"Thou hypocrites!"
Thank you for all you do. May your mission and message spread to every heart in our society.
Whaf a terrific and eyeopening video....thanks SO much!!!
Very interesting video. As an evangelical Christian, self proclaimed moderate conservative, graduate of Liberty University (MA In Executive Leadership which I earned online), and retired Navy Chief Petty Officer I can say this is a very interesting documentary. (I also hold an MBA from Southeastern Oklahoma State University)
I don’t agree with everything here but I will say that many so-called Christians do a poor job of living out Matthew 25 which is to take care of the hungry, the poor, the downtrodden, the prisoners, etc. My hat is off to those who are willing to serve the needs of the people. While our theological views differ, the heart we have for people does not. Compassion should trump differences in theology, lifestyle choices, race, gender, etc.
Also, I was intrigued by the appearance of Bishop Carlton Pearson in this documentary. I was introduced to his preaching and music nearly 30 years ago and knew he had a falling out with the Church of God in Christ and other Pentecostals. It’s nice to see him still serving.
As I said, interesting video and I DO NOT think these ministers are heretics at all. I have less issue with them than TV preachers who fleece poor and vulnerable people out of their limited financial resources.
Thanks for posting the video.
This is one of the best, most honest and deeply touching documentary I have ever seen. Thanks and greetings from Germany.
I'm not a Christian and will never be but I love this because these people know how to love. I now have hope in people again.
You will never be? How sad for you.
@@Mercurychyld1 agreed
I was like you ,atheist, agnostic and even nihilistic but people like these pastors changed my mind. My only wish for you my brother/sister is whatever path you choose is that it gives you peace and harmony with your environment
Do not put your hood in man
Dude.
Chill.
This is the best video about religion/politics/human rights and love I have ever seen!
30:55 NaJust putting this out there hearing the pastor and her grandma sing. As a native Philadelphian, the song "Oh Dem Golden Slippers" is a staple song during the Philadelphia Mummers New Years Day parade. I have heard this song every New Year's Day for my entire life... Never knew it was a church hymn though... And yet somehow, I should've known. 🤣
I'm happy to see those open and tolerant Christians. It gives me hope.
It is wonderful. Hopefully they will, in time, prevail. The cruelty, bigotry and hate has to stop.
@@harrietharlow9929 amen to that.
You'd love Rev Ed Trevor's here on youtube.
He calls maga pastors, asshats.
These aren’t Christians. They are apostate infidels.
@@matty206 they are Christians.
Have you read the bible? Heard about kindness? What does jesus say about a rich man getting into heaven?
Excellent story. I can now say I have respect for at least one church in America. We actually need something like what they attempted in the French Revolution, The Cult of Reason. It would provide the community and integrity development infrastructure and could make social change.
The Cult of Reason created a bloodbath.
I love how this video explains everything about your area and religion. Shared it already.
This was phenomenal. I wish more Christians could see through the propaganda and divisive tactics. I was raised in the sda religion, going back 5 or 6 generations (my grandpa just retired as pastor at 90yo... so I mean IN it)....
It's the self righteous superiority, hypocrisy and lack of follow through on the more difficult teachings. Claiming martyrdom and persecution while actively supporting the oppression and discrimination of others. And being shamed and scapegoated for being different, an sa survivor and growing up knowing I had to do things their way or I would risk their love, acceptance etc. That drove me from the church. That and I couldn't blindly buy in to tye young earth creation belief.. I always asked way too many questions. I now know I was dealing with undiagnosed adhd/autism.
Freedom of religion also means freedom from religion. ✌️💜
As a former Reagan Republican, I will say the mainstreaming of "Christian Nationalism" and its open adoption by today's horrific #GOP convinces me the trend towards religious non-affiliation will accelerate even more than it has.
I did so enjoy the Golden Slippers @ 30:55 ! Thank you!
Amen I am in agreement with you fully
I’m less than 20 minutes into this video and I could already have easily spent over an hour rebutting most everything being propagated here… In fairness I certainly will continue to listen with an open mind…
This is a great video because it highlights the continued fulfillment of Jesus’ words found at Matthew 7:20-23. Which says in part, “…I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!”
Yes. Religious hypocrites.
Yes! The whole Chapter 7 of Matthew is so prescient concerning today's Christians.. it's downright scary.
If I was Christian, for sure it will be my church, but, it will be complicated 'cause, I even don't live in U.S.A., never been to Tulsa, and Oklahoma is the last state I want to visit, after watching this. But, I twice visit your country, and is a beauty!
JUDGE NOT, LEST YOU BE JUDGED. Matthew 7:1. I'm a DEMOCRAT and a CHRISTIAN. I believe in the Trinity and God is a forgiving God..
I've studied or shall I say, meditated on God's Word and the Holy Spirit has been my Guide. I believe today certain people that claim to be Christian show no different conduct than the non Christians.
The fruits of the Spirit are many. Not just what was written in Galatians 5:22. Maybe 5:22-23. Anyways, HUMILITY is a fruit of the Spirit and is a STRENGTH.
It's more harder to not react than it is to automatically cuss someone out.
Today, with this Christian white Nationalism happening, I believe that THAT CULT is trying take over the U.S.
Their dangerous.
It’s fascinating to see the atheists, who are progressive democrats, show more compassion and love. They understand and see yet conservative Christians don’t believe in loving your neighbor as yourself, compassion, understanding.
Glad to see there a some churches that are not Christian nationalist, lately all I've been hearing and seeing is the latter.
AMAZING. SIMPLY AMAZING. I left the Baptist (All Religion) when I was 18 and almost 35 years later this has made me reconsider when you see people who embrace others the way Jesus and God would. I put no faith in the Bible or Religion, but do in Jesus and God and they encourage me on a daily basis, while most religious just judge and terrorize in the name of their perceived God.
I love this, these are true Christians. A rare kind.
anyone who claims to be a christian... is in fact a christian.... its that simple
I didn’t hear one of them profess Jesus is lord, and they denied the fact that america was a Christian country. You’re getting pysopped
Love Rev. Laurie's prayer that how the reps vote may make the legislature a ligjt on the hill!!!
As a atheist I have no problem per say with believes, even those without proof. Everyone has a right to their opinions even the misguided ones. The problem is when those beliefs enter in contradictions with human rights or the constitution, especially if the individual or group is taking action based on those beliefs(i.e biggoted actions against homosexuals, other religions, atheist....etc). It also must be separated from the state, something America has failed spectacularly unfortunately. Your religious beliefs must never take precedence over human rights and the constitution. They must never be used as a political weapon. Religion is and must remain a private thing.
Every time that I searched for "Christian Documentary". The first video result I saw was this one. The first time I have watched this I was thinking what garbage this is until it was when I watched it again when it opened my eyes on how a religious person should live. Now this is my favorite religious film of all time.
The Family. Ntflx
Good content. Thank you for making and sharing this video. Best wishes to everyone out there!
I spent 39 of my 43 years as an active Jehovahs Witness (they kicked me out, finally…they got wise 🤣), so I find this pretty fascinating. ‘Social justice churches’ has always seemed like an oxymoron. Maybe I was wrong to throw all religious people under the same bus 🤷🏼♀️ Shame on me 🤷🏼♀️
figure out what real christianity is. it's your relationship between you and Christ, a real living person whom we are free to access spiritually, on our own.
This kind of blew my mind. Thank-you for posting this
I hope you succeed in reforming Christianity; I can't because I left to become an atheist for a variety of reasons.
Hands down the best explanation of the early church's history I have heard, so important to remember the dogma came much later
My wife and children are still tracked in fundamental Christian tradition. I'm glad that my wife is understanding and sympathetic to my views.
Has an atheist I think religion causes more problems than it solves. But I think everybody has the right to believe in the imaginary guy in the sky and to attend their church, synagogue or mosque or Worship in their home freely. But I don't want it in my government and I expect the same respect from them. This is America, freedom from and freedom of religion. Religious people need to remember that this country is run on the Constitution, not the Bible.
Just had this video recommended to me today. Very well done. I was raised in the deep south of Louisiana in a Southern Baptist home and church. Fortunately, the bigotry and racism didn't take on this white person. I found it repulsive even as a child seeing it in full bloom back in the 1950s. As I grew up and became an adult, I went into a deep dive to discover the roots of Christianity and the idea of god belief. I read the Bible from cover to cover, twice in order to get a good idea of its contents. After that, I began to dig into the scholarship on the ancient people who were the "founders" of the religion, what it was in the early days. It was anything but peaceful or harmonious. I went deeper into what came before those men and before the times of the ancient Hebrews, as I studied ancient known history, it became clear that all gods are manmade and the stories around them are pure mythologies. Now you can form an ideology for yourself around any of the ancient mythologies and live your life by them, but believing any of them are actually real and true is absurd. Using any of them such as Christianity to assume some sort of superiority over others is downright evil and unacceptable in modern societies and must be opposed. We as a society must come to grips with the fact that we cannot organize a nation based on a Bronze Age mythology created by ancient ignorant men in the middle east and survive and thrive in the modern world. Our nation will fail and fall.
I don't know if I can ever believe in God, but this is how I believe Jesus would have wanted it.
I do remember something about Jesus says that he didn't come here for saved, but for those who are lost.
Bless you guys who are doing the very hard work of bringing people together instead of tearing them.apart.n
I spent ten years figuring this stuff out on my own. Watching this was very assuring and vindicating.