Critics are slamming actor and director Rob Reiner after he announced his newest project, a film called “God & Country,” decrying the alleged danger of Christian Nationalism. Reiner shared the trailer for the film on social media, which explores right-wing religious extremism and the supposed danger it poses to both the United States and Christianity itself.
Many have criticized the film, viewing it as just another excuse for Reiner to attack both Christians and conservatives in one fell swoop. The Babylon Bee’s Kyle Mann even questioned whether the film was a mockumentary, stating that if it was, it was “brilliant.” Students For Life President Kristan Hawkins also chimed in, noting that one of the film’s supposed villains is Scott Smith, the Virginia father who was arrested for disrupting a school board meeting in Loudoun County after his daughter was sexually assaulted and the school failed to address it.
The attack on Christianity is ramping up again:https://t.co/fa3VpskA8x
Phil Vischer, the co-creator of the popular faith-based children’s cartoon series “Veggie Tales,” has joined atheist actor, director and producer Rob Reiner in a forthcoming film aimed at criticizing…— ♀️ IAmLookingBackAtYou 🇺🇸 🇮🇱 🇩🇪 🇹🇷 🇫🇷 (@WeRAmerica2022) December 8, 2023
The film has also received backlash for its choice to feature prominent Christian figures such as David French, Phil Vischer, and Russell Moore. Avowed atheist Reiner’s decision to feature these individuals has been met with ridicule, with many questioning why these men would agree to be a part of a film that seemingly attacks their own faith.
Joel Berry pointed out the fear that Leftists have of “normal Christians” who dare to take their faith outside the walls of the church. Commentator Sean Davis also weighed in, referencing a quote from the Bible, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” He questioned whether the answer for French and Moore was “a cameo in a Meatball fever dream masquerading as a documentary.”
Christian Nationalism is not only a danger to our Country, it’s a danger to Christianity itself. Our film will be coming to theaters In February. Watch the trailer here.pic.twitter.com/LJmu1nILNy
— Rob Reiner (@robreiner) December 7, 2023
Critics argue that Reiner’s film perpetuates a false narrative about Christianity and paints it as a dangerous force in society. With its focus on Christian Nationalism, which is defined as the belief that the United States is a Christian nation and should be governed as such, the film has been accused of fear-mongering and demonizing people of faith.
Reiner has not responded to the backlash yet, but the film’s trailer has garnered over 40,000 dislikes on YouTube, with many comments calling the film divisive and biased. As the release date for “God & Country” approaches, it seems that Reiner may face even more scrutiny for his portrayal of Christianity and its supposed role in American society.
