Rob Reiner's God & Country Trailer Reaction | Christian Nationalism

Rob Reiner has produced a documentary on Christian nationalism and the trailer has been making the rounds online. Let's take a look.
#robreiner #christiannationalism #godandcountry

[@mattwilly7959]

Just from the trailer, I am interested. It does bother me how Christianity has been abused in America to be used for politics

[@bipslone8880]

The Trump Cult took over a big portion of American Christianity.

[@pamtaylor6]

I think it’s meant to divide the Christian community. They have divided the large groups now they are subdividing all of us.

[@bipslone8880]

The Trump Cult took over a big portion of American Christianity.

[@duaneb21]

The extremists in the church are the ones that have divided it.

[@riftshredder5438]

Leave it to an atheist to tell Christians they are all wrong

[@christinadobbs6877]

That's not the message he is trying to convey and an atheist can have an opinion about any religion.

[@barrywhite6060]

What I can't stand as a Christian about CN is that they think that they have the right to force others to live and believe as they do when it clearly says in the bible that our service to God is a choice, that if you force someone to do as you do and believe as you believe that he doesn't except that because what matters to him is that your coming to him with love and faith in your heart and not because someone is telling or forcing you to. So every day their behavior shows that for people who want to throw their faith and beliefs into other people's faces, that it shows they don't know the bible and what it says because if they did then they would know that their actions are against God's will.

[@PastorJeremyCollins]

I’m more skeptical than you are that this won’t just lump all conservative Christians into the CN camp, that’s the sense I got from the trailer.

[@Pdubbcooking]

Is it fair to say most ‘conservative Christians’ don’t speak out against it? If so, why not lump them in? They aren’t doing anything to stop it and are likely going to be fine with it if it’s implemented.

[@Wren_Farthing]

@@Pdubbcooking I think you're on to something.

[@PastorJeremyCollins]

@@Pdubbcooking personally, in Bible studies, small groups and conversations that I have with people (which I believe is a better barometer than social media) most if not all would condemn the Doug Wilson and Wolfe brand of CN.

[@Pdubbcooking]

@@PastorJeremyCollins have you read Project 2025 and if so would your version of Christianity speak out (and vote) against it and those who support it?

[@PastorJeremyCollins]

@@Pdubbcooking I have not, what is Project 2025?

[@reformedpilgrim]

I'm critical of Christian Nationalism, but I'm not sure why Christian leaders would pair with Rob Reiner to criticize other Christians.

[@Wren_Farthing]

Because they're united in their concern over Christian Nationalism?

[@va3svd]

Why would they shy away from speaking to an issue when given an opportunity? Paul spoke on Mars Hill.

[@reformedpilgrim]

@@Wren_Farthing It just strikes me as odd.

[@Wren_Farthing]

@@reformedpilgrim Why? CN is a political ideology. Many Americans- Christian and non-Christian- are concerned.

[@reformedpilgrim]

@@va3svd There's a difference between preaching the gospel in an open forum and partnering with someone who does not like Christianity to criticize Christians, which will earn money for the Christian-hating filmmakers.

[@ThisisPam]

While we definitely need pushback against CN, I’m not sure this film is something to get behind.

[@cruzaderawaken9600]

Same here

[@geographicaloddity2]

This isn't a new thing and everyone acts like it is. David Barton was my first exposure to it and it nearly pulled me in. CN provides both an explanation of what's wrong with things in the country now, but a solution. Nevermind that a lot of the basis for the belief system is not entirely accurate, or that most of the solutions won't work, people who are into this are almost impossible to reason with.

[@Historian212]

It’s for sure not a new thing, but because of social media and other things, there’s a current resurgence going on. People need to learn about it as a current issue, so they can be well informed.

[@johnmorgan2357]

You're more gracious than I have been today. I hope you're right. I just finished Tim Alberta's latest book The Kingdom, The Power, & The Glory. I don't agree with everything in it, but I agree with a ton more there than I don't. Tim is a mainstream journalist that is also a committed Christian from a conservative Presbyterian background. He is also the son of a pastor. I believe he handles the subject with grace and a desire to help the church. I've been a big fan of David French and Russell Moore. I'm SBC, and I've been aligned with Russell through the events of the last few years regarding abuse and corruption. I was frankly disappointed when I saw them on this trailer. They have taken even more hits from the right in the last 24 hours than they normally do. I hope they indeed, as you mentioned, approach this from the lens of the gospel. I hope this isn't a Rob Bell moment for them...I give them the benefit of the doubt that it won't. I do believe that the alliance here with Hollywood will do more to bash the intended target rather than cause them to turn away from Trumpism. Or, as the title of a blog post I saw this morning says: "Rob Reiner's God & Country Will Only Make More Christian Nationalists". I can see people in my church doubling down on Trumpism as a result.

[@MATTHEWJOHNBELL]

Did you agree with Russell Moore that those who weren't getting the COVID vaccine were disobeying Christ by not loving their neighbor?

[@gregoryantonucci8683]

I’m in the middle of Tim Alberta’s book. And same , I disagree in a few places but there’s a lot in there that’s opened my eyes.

[@ezbody]

People align with Trump not because they were fooled, but because that's what they are, they are just like Trump, and no arguments can change their nature.

[@Pdubbcooking]

You’ve read Project 2025??

[@Historian212]

I recommend finding one of the interviews Reiner has done to promote this documentary. He really did his homework. He’s very clear that there are different types of Christians, and he’s supportive of believing Christians who are not political extremists. I’m looking forward to seeing it. Agree that this is a conversation for all Americans.

[@violeteyes5255]

There was a reason why in the T.V. series "All In The Family" Rob Reiner was called "Meathead."

[@BillWalkerWarren]

This is going to be interesting. Rob Reiner is a political animal . He is heavily involved in politics. He considered running for governor of California but decided not to. He has campaigned for Hillary Clinton, and Howard Dean. He has also worked on several political issues in California. Living next door to California you do hear about the hot topic issue there , and many times he is involved. I am just wondering if he isn’t going to not bring his politics into this. He is an extreme atheist , but he lumps cultural Christianity and Christians into the same category. Example of one of his beliefs is that Christians are responsible for slavery because it’s promoted in the bible. So I am somewhat skeptical about this. Thanks for the video I had no idea he was doing this. Praying for you and yours Blessings

[@sarademoret425]

Young men like you are an encouragement to an older Christian like myself.

[@williamoarlock8634]

Also overweight windbags.

[@kimber_]

Documentaries are always biased, but there are times when a bias can be helpful (if it's honest and open to correction). If this is a biased perspective that clarifies the differences between the monster that is politicized christendom in the states and what it is to follow Christ, then I think it could be a helpful thing to suggest to our non-believing friends! A resource to offer that helps people disentangle the God of the universe from the mess that no one should bless (CN).

[@va3svd]

So I will express my fears about this project and hope they don’t materialize. Most of those fears are due to Rob Reiner’s own very public beliefs. Just to declare my biases, I am both strongly Reformed and libertarian. I believe that for the most part the only proper function of the State is to protect our natural rights, including the right to assemble, speak, worship as we see fit, and those rights properly are vested in the individual. That means the State has just as much obligation to protect my freedom to attend my Reformed Presbyterian Church and speak to my beliefs as it does to Mr, Reiner’s freedom to make documentaries I may disagree with. And we should be able to have open discussions in the free marketplace of ideas without censorship or coercion. So I welcome this discussion to go forward, but I have concerns. My first concern is that Meathead (I’m sorry, he played the role, so he gets to wear the label) is a very noted militant atheist (he is a big supporter of Freedom From Religion Foundation) and socialist. As such, his political philosophy has zero qualms about using State power to coerce or cudgel people’s beliefs or actions to conform to *its* moral view of the world. Honestly, if you were to take an honest survey of most professing Christian Nationalists and see to the extent to which they really want to intrude into private lives, and compare that with most professing collectivists (like socialists), I would be willing to bet that the CNs have a less aggressive role planned for the State than the collectivists. So my question would be, is Meathead really concerned that Christian Nationalism if implemented by power of the State would be harmful to people and society? Or is he concerned that it is challenging his philosophy for dominance in that sphere? This is a question a discerning viewer should bring to this film. My second concern would be if this film is really a propaganda piece discouraging Christians from bringing their values to the public sphere at all. I am pretty convinced, based on Meathead’s history, that this is the underlying agenda. It is entirely one thing to sound the alarm bells about restricting freedom of conscience and advocating for an open and inclusive society where all may participate to the extent that they can. That’s all fine and good, and I would agree. However, these discussions often involve using intimidation and fear of ostracism against Christians for taking Christian stances on things publicly. Obviously this objection to Christian Nationalism is going to be to some extent a stalking horse for the arguments against anti-abortion legislation in the USA. So as Christians, we need to be very strong on asserting our freedom to act and advocate according to our conscience. My fear is that Mr. Reiner is going to use this platform as an attempt to convince us not to, and to convince non-Christians to use force to not allow us to. Basically, my greatest fear is that this film will end up being some sort of “Die Ewige Christin”. And as much as I want to condemn the Christian Nationalists for bringing it on us, I am more prepared to fight in the trenches alongside them, than I am to man the trenches with unhinged, militant, collectivists like Meathead.

[@Wren_Farthing]

Your concern makes some sense to me, but I suspect it emanates more from your libertarian beliefs than your Christian ones.

[@va3svd]

@@Wren_Farthing Frankly speaking, it comes from both in about equal measure. I abhor the Freedom From Religion Foundation’s agenda of basically banning political speech by Christians, and am very leery of Meathead’s agenda with this film because of it.

[@Wren_Farthing]

@@va3svd Respectfully, I don’t think it does come from both equally. None of us wants to have our rights encroached on by anyone, but when it comes down to it, Christians have a greater responsibility to defend the name and message of Christ than to defend our rights. That’s a bitter pill, but it’s true. I’m not ready to catastrophize either Christian Nationalism or this documentary, but if I had to name the greater threat, it’s Christian Nationalism, less because of what those people would do if empowered (though it wouldn’t be good), and more because of what it’s already doing to the Christian witness.

[@va3svd]

@@Wren_Farthing So your perspective is that the Christian witness would be more damaged by Christian Nationalism than Socialist Internationalism? Even understanding that you will not be free to share your Christian witness in the public sphere, and Christian institutions would be under constant attack by the State? That seems like an odd take.

[@bionic_woman77]

I think you are biased by the director. This is to different between the known split in Christianity right now. Particularly in evangelicalism

[@JhutaNabi]

@DeanLentini have you watched the documentary now that it’s out? If so, would you be doing a podcast on the documentary?

[@Underdogtheology]

I didn’t know it came out. I’ll try to see if it’s available up here.

[@JhutaNabi]

@@Underdogtheology Correction, it opens in theaters this Friday, Feb 16, 2024.

[@bordendonna]

I just always think about that Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This ideology doesn’t line up with scripture. Whenever Pres T used to say, “Make America great again” I just cringed. The dominionist people believe this stuff. Yeah, the film will be Christian bashing. It’s growing.

[@frankshannon3235]

This "documentary" is entertainment for leftists and little more. I'll bet the trailer is more of an executive summary than an advertisement.

[@Kendojin]

I agree, I don't think this movie is going to be a huge threat. I don't think the majority of people care enough to even watch it... It will disappear with all the other shocking documentaries we forgot about. However, I do think the minority, specifically the anti-Christian types, who watch it will use it as ammo every time they see a Christian in a voting booth. A brief search shows Rob Reiner's an atheist and he's been openly against the Christian Right in politics. So this will just feed that a little bit... Not a lotta bit. But a little bit. The whole "Don't bring your religion to politics" saying has been around as long as I've been alive. The ignored "I vote based on my values, not my religion" response... also my whole life... It's really annoying. Right up there with "Oh it didn't scan? It must be free, then, hurr hurr hurr!"

[@ezbody]

No one needs to trash Christianity, you are doing an excellent job yourself.

[@Kendojin]

@@ezbody me specifically? Or all of us as Christians

[@godlovesu2m]

Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. No where in the MAGA movement can you find this principle. It’s all about the money getting the bag for the Liers and Con-Men in leadership

[@SpiritualDiscernment91]

I think Christians are being used on both sides. I don't agree with Christian nationalist because I think that it could cause chaos. In addition, our duty is to reach people with the true gospel point people to christ through ministry not through law. I do believe that we submit to the government and do our jobs as christian. However, if the governement based law to stop christians from preaching the gospel and to teach the Holy Bible, we do have a duty to push back in the sense like preaching the gospel while ignoring those laws, not warlike but in spirit , love, and in truth. We should be gentle as doves and wise as serpents. There is a time and place for things. We just have to accept that God put people in places of power, and it will be people we dont like who doesnt have fear for the Lord all these things must come to past, so the end will come that great and terrible day.

[@KennyVert]

I appreciate your response very much. Thank you.

[@Themoomabides]

This will upset the conservatives and make the non-Christian nationalists feel better about their idea. No one will change their minds.

[@bipslone8880]

Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.

[@ka9fon]

How much akin is CN to neofascism or even anti democratic. I stand with world believers who dont identify with political nationalism.

[@Payton20ADZ]

Where can we see this documentary?

[@Underdogtheology]

Not sure when it’s coming out. This was just the trailer.

[@margiebrogdon9552]

I heard in Feb

[@Wren_Farthing]

It remains to be seen how the documentary actually covers Christian Nationalism, but I don't share the level of concern that other commenters have about how it will form public opinion of Christians. Why would a film featuring Christians speaking out against Christian Nationalism have the effect of implicating all Christians as Christian Nationalists? What am I missing?

[@TonyThomas10000]

100% agree...our mandate is just to preach the Gospel, not exert political force. And, judging by the stats, Christian nationalism is doing a great job of alienating the multitudes that need Jesus more than ever.

[@margiebrogdon9552]

You're right. All through the New Testament it warned that false Christians would try to bring back biblical law. They'd lose their salvation and alienate everyone else.

[@johnnywomack548]

Alienated is the correct description. The word "evangelical" has become a perjorative to many people. The CN are doing a fantastic job of making people want NOTHING to do with not just evangelicalism, but christianity altogether and my observation is that the general public sees a lot more evangelicals supporting CN than they do opposing it. I've known about this movement for over 35 years and watched it grow into the satanic monster that it is today. The CN bunch reminds me of Romans 2:24 which says 'As it is written: “God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”' CN is the work of satan. Period. Yeah, I said it and no I didn't blaspheme the Holy Spirit when I said it because regardless of what the CN people say, Jesus never told christians to create a theocracy.

[@crystalcarter2490]

I don't know where you are from but it, Christian Nationalism, here in the south. I have lived in South Carolina and I am now in Florida and it is bad....

[@lukasmiller486]

What have they done to you personally besides have a different point of view from yourself? Did they burn your house, blow your car up, harass you in the streets, vandalize your property, try to kill someone in your family?

[@bionic_woman77]

I think you have been missing the religious right for the last 50 years.

[@bionic_woman77]

Meaning it’s not a cultural Christian thing. As for Wes Moore, there has been a HUGE split in the southern Baptist convention between those that believe we are a Christian nation and those that don’t. This is sooo much more far reaching than I think you understand.

[@DIYRobotGirl]

I am atheist and that movie is nothing but democrat propaganda. I will wait for it on Netflix and probably won't watch it then neither.

[@PSDMusique]

So you decided what it is and will never watch it?

[@DIYRobotGirl]

@@PSDMusique What I think is it meant for the target audience its intended for. I am not that target audience. It's a bias propaganda peace.

[@johnnywomack548]

You haven't watched it but you know it's "democrat propaganda"? I've got news for you: I grew up in the evangelical world and I've known about the CN movement for over 35 years. It's real, it's a threat to our constitutional freedoms, and it's a hungry wolf on our country's doorstep.

[@johnnywomack548]

You haven't watched it but you know it's "democrat propaganda"? I've got news for you: I grew up in the evangelical world and I've known about the CN movement for over 35 years. It's real, it's a threat to our constitutional freedoms, and it's a hungry wolf on our country's doorstep.

[@thisguy2985]

I think in general it could be considered fringe, but i also think american evangelicalism is a subculture, so something that might be considered fringe in general could be more of a problem within a subculture that comsists of less than the general population. Almost like it's more concentrated. I think it's mostly because a lot of people are becoming more angry and political, so a lot of people are starting to flock to more aggressive voices amd talking points. Of course, I could be completely wrong lol.

[@ataxcollector695]

I don't think this is going to be a good movie for true Christianity. Don't get me wrong, Christian Nationalism is perhaps the biggest stumbling block in the US/Canada to the Gospel, but I don't think the people being interviewed in this movie (except for Russell Moore) are going to accurately describe what the Gospel is. From the look of this trailer, it sounds like the people being interviewed are going to describe the Gospel as being solely about social justice and meeting people's felt needs. We all know that those things are important, but they are not the Gospel of repentance and faith in Christ.

[@KenWaite]

I am confident the film will not be about Christian bashing. It will be about bashing that section of Christians who are fully invested in establishing a theocracy, and imposing biblical law on all of society. Christian values, must NOT, indeed cannot come from outside though legislation, but must come from within the human heart. Even an atheist like Reiner would agree with that.

[@va3svd]

…except Reiner doesn’t want you to be able to preach the gospel in any public forum. Keep that in mind. He is a huge participant in the Freedom From Religion Foundation.

[@KenWaite]

@@va3svd that’s OK. That’s not what the film is about. It’s not about attacking Christianity. It’s about attacking a corrupted Christianity. I would rather stand side-by-side with an atheist, defending democracy, then to stand with a “Christian” who is OK with authoritarian fascism.

[@Wren_Farthing]

I suspect that some of Reiner’s interest in fighting Christian Nationalism is rooted in his being Jewish. Historically, the Venn diagram of Christian Nationalists and antisemites has had considerable overlap.

[@ethan9868]

@@KenWaite You think Rob Reiner sees someone who preaches that abortion is murder, or that homosexuality is a sin is a "true" Christian, or will they get lumped in with CNs?

[@va3svd]

@@KenWaite If you think Meathead is motivated by having a more pure Christianity, I have some swampland in Florida you would definitely be interested in buying. My goodness, the naïveté. Also, if you think socialists are interested in political freedoms, everything I said applies doubly.

[@lukasmiller486]

“If we do this right…what a country we will be.” And that guy complains about the right wanting to start a utopia. Talk about the pot calling the kettle black.

[@johnnywomack548]

OK, now that you've made a wisecrack, do you have anything substantive to say? I've known about this movement for over 35 years. These people want to force my grandchildren to live according to THEIR beliefs. I have a big problem with that.

[@lukasmiller486]

@@johnnywomack548 I sure do. You’ve got one kind of bad-the extremist side of the right wing fringe who preaches ‘holy war’ like QAnon, Proud Boys, Westboro and the like. And then you have a DIFFERENT kind of bad with the left wing fringe that wants to add sexual elements in children’s curriculum and teach men to hate their masculinity and white people to apologize for their whiteness and encourage people to try to gain victimhood status based on whether they qualify for certain groups. But the makers of this documentary will NOT talk about the bad side of the fringe THEY associate with because in their eyes they can do no wrong.

[@doublevision84]

If you wonder why Republicans and considers the right and the Democrats are considered the Left Ecclesiastes 10 "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left"