CNN anchor Pamela Brown is set to present an hour-long documentary titled "The Rise of Christian Nationalism," scheduled to air on March 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT during "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper." This investigative piece delves into the ideology of Christian Nationalism, positing that the United States should uphold Christian values in its laws and institutions, as the nation was ostensibly founded as a Christian one.
The documentary stems from Brown’s reporting that began in early 2021 when she traveled to Moscow, Idaho, to interview Pastor Douglas Wilson, a prominent figure in the Christian nationalist movement. Wilson, who founded a church in the 1970s that has since expanded into a network of over 150 churches worldwide, has been influential in promoting ideas about Christianity's role in governance, schooling, marriage, and household values.
Brown's documentary seeks to provide an immersive and comprehensive insight into how Christian Nationalism, once a fringe element within white evangelical circles, has recently gained prominence and political sway. The documentary also explores the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Christian nationalist, which Brown suggests became a rallying point for those aligned with the movement.
The Christian Post and Newsbusters report that preview segments of the documentary have drawn criticism for potentially linking Kirk’s murder to the broader rise of Christian Nationalism. In a clip, Brown narrates how Kirk's death and the subsequent memorial events became a unifying and activating force for those involved in the movement. Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University, contends in the documentary that such memorials have served to galvanize American Christians who feel increasingly sidelined by contemporary culture.
The documentary reportedly responds to an outpouring of interest following Brown’s initial report on the subject, indicating a public desire to understand the dynamics of this redefining movement. Faith leaders have noted a 15 percent increase in church attendance in the wake of Kirk's assassination, suggesting the incident's significant impact on the Christian community.
Through her work, Brown aims to shed light on the challenges and controversies surrounding Christian Nationalism, offering viewers an opportunity to better understand its implications for American democracy.
