Bad Faith Documentary - Exposing A Political Movement
Have you ever felt a little uneasy about some of the big political shifts happening around us? Maybe you've wondered what's truly driving certain conversations, or perhaps you've seen how some ideas seem to mix faith and power in ways that feel a bit off. There's a film out, you know, called "Bad Faith," and it really takes a close look at how some leaders have been using fear and strong feelings for a long time. It shows how they've turned everyday political questions into something that feels like a fight between good and evil, almost like something out of an old story, which is, honestly, a pretty startling thought for many of us.
This film, a 2024 production, actually helps us see how a particular kind of Christian nationalism has grown in the United States. It explores how this movement stands against some basic ideas of American democracy, and it traces the path this movement has taken, from groups like the Moral Majority all the way up to recent events, like what happened on January 6 at the Capitol building. It's based on things written by Anne Nelson and Randall Balmer, so it's got some serious thought behind it, which, frankly, gives it a lot of weight.
What's quite telling is that this particular movement, according to the film, has gotten a lot of its support through a very quiet group called the Council for National Policy. These Christian nationalists, it appears, have been quite successful in taking over a major political party, making it into something that can really push their ideas forward. The film suggests this has turned the party into a powerful tool, almost like a wrecking ball, to change things in a very significant way, and that, you know, is something worth paying attention to.
Table of Contents
- What is the Bad Faith Documentary About?
- How Did This Movement Grow?
- Who Made This Bad Faith Documentary?
- What Does the Film Show Us?
- Where Can You Watch Bad Faith Documentary?
- Why Is This Film So Important?
- Is the Bad Faith Documentary Being Seen?
What is the Bad Faith Documentary About?
The "Bad Faith" documentary, in a way, pulls back the curtain on a very specific kind of political force in America. It aims to show how certain Christian nationalist leaders have spent many years spreading feelings of worry and anger among people. They do this, apparently, by twisting regular political discussions into what they present as big, good-versus-evil battles, like something from a holy book. This approach, you know, can make things feel much more intense than they might otherwise be, and it tends to make people feel very strongly about certain issues.
The film suggests that these groups have been quite effective in their efforts. They have, it seems, managed to gain significant influence within one of the major political parties, turning it into a very strong instrument for their own purposes. This, frankly, is a big part of what the "Bad Faith" documentary wants to explore. It really looks at how this particular kind of Christian nationalism has come to be such a notable presence in the United States, and how its goals often seem to go against the core ideas of how American democracy is supposed to work, which is, you know, a pretty serious claim.
At its heart, the film is a look at a political movement that believes America was set up as a Christian nation, where Christianity should get special treatment over all other belief systems. This idea, as the "Bad Faith" documentary suggests, is a driving force behind many of the actions and goals of this group. It's a movement that, in some respects, seeks to change the very nature of how our country operates, and that, quite honestly, is a concept that many people find a bit unsettling when they hear about it.
How Did This Movement Grow?
The "Bad Faith" documentary does a good job of showing us the history of this movement. It traces its beginnings from earlier groups, like the Moral Majority, and then follows its path through more recent times, including the period when Donald Trump was a prominent figure. It even connects the dots to events like the attack on the Capitol on January 6. This kind of historical look, you know, helps to give us a better sense of how these ideas have developed and gained strength over a long period, rather than just appearing out of nowhere.
The film paints a picture of a political system where, apparently, a hidden political machine has been working very hard to weaken and, in some cases, even dismantle American democracy. This machinery, the "Bad Faith" documentary suggests, has a very specific goal: to bring about an authoritarian vision for the country. This means a system where power is held by a very small group, and that, quite frankly, is a concept that goes against many of the freedoms and shared decision-making ideas that people often associate with a democratic nation. It's a story of a long-term effort, really.
It's interesting to note that the film starts with images that many Americans might recognize. It opens with footage of people involved in the January 6 events, those who wore things with stars and stripes, and other symbols. This visual choice, you know, immediately sets the tone and connects the historical narrative of the "Bad Faith" documentary to very recent and very public happenings, making the story feel quite immediate and relevant to what's happening right now, which is, to be honest, a powerful way to begin a film like this.
Who Made This Bad Faith Documentary?
The "Bad Faith" documentary was put together by two people directing it: Stephen Ujlaki and Christopher Jacob Jones. They are the ones who guided the making of this film, shaping its message and how it tells its story. Their work, you know, is what brings all the different parts of this complex subject into a single, cohesive presentation. It's quite a task to take on a topic like this and make it understandable and impactful for people watching, and they seem to have done just that.
The film also includes contributions from several individuals who share their thoughts and experiences. You'll hear from people like Ken Peters, Eboo Patel, Steve Schmidt, and Katherine Stewart. These individuals, you know, bring different perspectives to the discussion, adding to the depth of what the "Bad Faith" documentary explores. They are, in a way, guides through the various aspects of Christian nationalism, helping the audience to grasp the full scope of its ideas and its influence, which is, frankly, very helpful for a topic that can feel quite large and sometimes hard to pin down.
What Does the Film Show Us?
The "Bad Faith" documentary is, in part, a collection of old records and, in part, a revealing look at hidden things. It brings together historical materials and new insights to show how certain forces have been working behind the scenes. The film, you know, makes it clear that there's a secretive political structure that has been constantly trying to weaken and break down American democracy. Their goal, it seems, is to push forward their own vision for a society where a small group holds all the power, and that, to be honest, is a pretty concerning idea for a lot of people.
The film features various people who have a lot to say about this topic. You'll see experts who have studied these movements, activists who are working to address them, and even people who used to be a part of evangelical groups. These individuals, you know, step forward to question how faith is being used as a tool by leaders who want more control. The "Bad Faith" documentary really highlights how this weaponizing of belief can be a very powerful way to influence people and direct political action, which, quite honestly, is a very important thing to understand.
It opens with a piece of writing that sets the stage. This text states that Christian nationalism is a political movement that believes America was founded as a Christian nation, giving Christianity special standing over all other beliefs. This statement, you know, immediately tells you what the "Bad Faith" documentary is getting at. It lays out the core idea that the film will be examining, and it helps you to see the foundation upon which this entire movement is built, which is, in some respects, a very clear starting point for the discussion.
Where Can You Watch Bad Faith Documentary?
If you're wondering where you can actually see the "Bad Faith" documentary, there are quite a few options available. It started showing on April 26 on several different platforms. You can find it streaming on services like Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google Play. So, you know, it's pretty widely available for anyone who wants to check it out, which is good because it means more people can learn about what it's discussing.
Beyond those, you can also stream the "Bad Faith" documentary on Amazon Prime Video, Peacock Premium, OVID, and even Amazon Prime Video with ads, or Peacock Premium Plus. It’s pretty convenient, really. If you prefer to own it, you can buy it on Amazon Video or Apple TV as a download. And if you'd rather just rent it for a short time, that's an option too on Amazon Video and Apple TV. You get 30 days to start watching it once you rent, and then 48 hours to finish it once you press play, which is, you know, a fairly standard setup for rentals.
What's really good is that you can also stream the "Bad Faith" documentary for free on Kanopy. This means that if your local library or university is connected to Kanopy, you might be able to watch it without any extra cost, which, honestly, makes it very accessible for a lot of people. This wide availability, you know, helps the film reach a broader audience, which is quite important for a topic that has such significant implications.
Why Is This Film So Important?
Many people who have seen the "Bad Faith" documentary have had strong reactions to it. One person called it the "scariest film I've seen in a long time," describing it as exploring the rise of Christian nationalism and much more. Another reviewer said it was the "scariest and most penetrating political documentary of the year," even though, apparently, the media didn't talk about it much. These reactions, you know, suggest that the film really makes an impression on people, making them think deeply about the issues it presents.
The film, in some respects, captures how a former president, Donald Trump, seemed to fit perfectly with the goals of Christian nationalism as he worked to become a leader with more control. It shows how he fashioned himself in a way that aligned with this movement's dream of turning America into a theocracy, a country ruled by religious leaders. This connection, you know, is a central point of the "Bad Faith" documentary, helping people to see how these political and religious ideas can intertwine in very powerful ways, which is, honestly, a rather striking observation.
One of the main purposes of the "Bad Faith" documentary is to teach people about the history and the real dangers of Christian nationalism. It also tries to encourage people to get out and vote, which is, to be honest, a very direct call to action. The film is described as being informative, making you think seriously, and even being a bit chilling and frightening. But, importantly, it also contains glimpses of hope throughout, which, you know, suggests that while the situation is serious, there are also ways to respond and make a difference.
The film's approach to inspiring action is, apparently, rooted in some historical efforts. Its organization took inspiration from Martin Luther King Jr.'s final campaign in 1968, which was called the Poor People's March on Washington. That effort, you know, demanded fair chances for jobs and homes for people who were struggling. This connection suggests that the "Bad Faith" documentary is not just about showing a problem, but also about encouraging people to work for a more just and fair society, which, honestly, is a pretty noble aim for a film.
Is the Bad Faith Documentary Being Seen?
The reach of the "Bad Faith" documentary has been quite impressive. Last year, there were over 1,400 individual showings of the film in 48 different states. These events, you know, were put on by local people or by groups that focus on non-religious topics or faith-based ones. Many of these showings even had speakers that the filmmakers brought in, and there was no cost for the local hosts, which, honestly, made it much easier for communities to participate.
These screenings were, apparently, very good at helping to build connections among people in different communities all over the country. The film is, in a way, the story of these efforts and the people involved. It's a documentary that lasts about 1 hour and 29 minutes, and it came out in 2024. The fact that it has been shown so widely, you know, suggests that its message is resonating with a lot of people and helping to spark conversations across various regions, which is, to be honest, a very positive sign for a film with such an important topic.
Bad Faith Documentary
Bad Faith Documentary
Bad Faith Documentary
