Film Explores the Rise of Christian Nationalism
Brazilian filmmaker Petra Costa turns her lens on a movement reshaping politics in Brazil and the United States. In her new documentary, she examines the growing influence of Christian nationalism—a version of evangelical belief that departs sharply from traditional Christian teachings of compassion and care for the marginalized.
From Democratic Norms to Religious Politics
In her work, Costa revisits a familiar scene from Brazil’s recent history: the gradual abandonment of democratic conventions during tumultuous political times. While one branch of Christianity preaches “love thy neighbor as thyself,” Costa contrasts this with a strain of religious thought fixated on apocalyptic visions. This ideology draws emphasis from the Book of Revelation and appears to encourage the violent destruction of one’s enemies—a stance that starkly contradicts the nonviolent message found in the Gospels.
Witnessing a New Political Reality
Costa recounts a revealing experience in Congress during the impeachment of Brazil’s first female president. Rather than engaging in political debate, legislators were seen blending faith with governance—blessing their seats and speaking in tongues under the guidance of a pastor-politician. When she inquired about the fate of Brazilian democracy, she was told that in a “government of the Godly, everything was in God’s hands.” This encounter marked the awakening of a powerful, transformative force in Brazilian politics.
A Troubling Marriage of Faith and the Far Right
The film highlights how elements within American conservatism echo these ideas. Costa observes that while many Christians advocate for social justice and charity, Christian nationalism has shifted focus to a more militant, divisive agenda. The ideology—extending even into the rhetoric of some influential political figures—calls for the annihilation of opponents, a stance that undermines the fundamental democratic principle of coexistence with one’s adversaries.
Echoes in U.S. Political Discourse
Recent events in the United States have further blurred the lines between religion and state. Critiques of political opponents using aggressive language and the deployment of military force in response to protests have drawn unsettling parallels. For instance, a former president has employed incendiary rhetoric and actions that recall these extremist ideas, including a call for martial discipline against disruptive forces. Such actions, Costa warns, reinforce a dangerous alliance between deeply held religious convictions and far-right politics.
Warnings for Democracy
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s public display of religious symbols—such as a prominent cross and a tattoo referencing biblical verses—serves as a stark reminder of the growing intertwinement of politics with the doctrine of Christian nationalism. According to Costa, the consequences of merging religious fervor with state power are severe. The traditional separation of church and state, originally designed to protect citizens from intra-religious persecution, now faces the risk of disintegrating, thereby opening the door to renewed conflict and intolerance.
Looking to the Future
Costa urges viewers, especially those for whom religion has never been a central part of daily life, to acknowledge its profound influence on society. Ignoring the role of faith in political life means overlooking a significant segment of the population. The filmmaker calls for a renewed commitment to maintaining a clear boundary between religious belief and government action—one that is essential to safeguarding democracy against the perils of ideological extremism.
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