Community Converges to Explore Christian Nationalism with Screening of "Bad Faith"
On Monday evening, approximately 500 individuals gathered at B’nai Emunah Synagogue in Tulsa for a thought-provoking screening of the film "Bad Faith." This compelling documentary provides an in-depth look at the history of Christian nationalism in the United States over its 90-minute runtime and draws connections between current political discourse and evangelical movements, notably linking Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to a network of evangelical activists aiming to reshape the federal government.
The event, co-sponsored by around a dozen local churches, marked a significant moment of unity among community members concerned about the intertwining of politics and religion in contemporary governance. With screenings of "Bad Faith" scheduled nationally until the end of October, the film resonates beyond just one community, igniting important dialogues across the country.
Attendees were captivated not only by the film but also by the subsequent panel discussion led by Brian Silva from Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Esteemed speakers including Rabbi Dan Kaiman from Tulsa, Reverend Shannon Fleck from Oklahoma City, and Columbia University scholar Anne Nelson shared their insights and analyses of the film’s themes.
An eye-opening moment came from Nelson, who revealed an alarming nearly 900-page document known as Project 2025. Despite Trump’s attempts to distance himself from the report, it is viewed as the proposed agenda for a potential second term. Nelson outlined the radical goals presented in the document, which include the removal of the phrase "reproductive health" from federal documents, restrictions on CDC vaccination recommendations for students, and dismantling critical federal agencies like the Department of Education and the Environmental Protection Agency. The implications of these proposals, she argued, are far-reaching and warrant urgent public discourse.
The panel emphasized the importance of voter engagement and political advocacy as crucial tools for those opposed to such extremist ideals. Reverend Fleck called on attendees to unite under a letter from the Oklahoma Faith Network, urging lawmakers and educational boards to reflect the values of their constituents. Rabbi Kaiman shared his vision of grassroots advocacy, highlighting successful legislation around Holocaust education in the state and suggesting that similar efforts should be made to address historical events like the Tulsa Race Massacre and the histories of Indigenous peoples in Oklahoma.
As communities across the nation grasp the repercussions of intertwining faith and politics, "Bad Faith" serves as a pivotal educational resource. The next showing of this important film is scheduled for Tuesday in Lexington, North Carolina, with another screening set for Oklahoma City on September 15 at the New Covenant Church.
This event in Tulsa not only provided a platform for discussion but also signified a growing awareness and commitment within communities to challenge the currents of Christian nationalism in the political arena. With films like "Bad Faith" sparking conversations and mobilizing action, the journey towards a more informed electorate continues.
