American Heretics

American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel will be shown at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

The film is being sponsored by Harmony Creek Church, a progressive Christian community in Kettering, Ohio. The film seeks to provoke a deeper understanding — both theologically and practically — of an enlivened faith that seeks to create a world that is good news for everybody, especially poor, the oppressed and the marginalized.

This documentary film takes audiences into the buckle of Bible belt where a group of defiant ministers, congregations, and community leaders are challenging deeply rooted fundamentalist Christian doctrine in favor of a Gospel of Inclusion. Labeled as “heretics” for their beliefs and actions, they refuse to wield their faith as a sword sharpened by literal interpretations of the Bible. Especially those fundamentalist Christian interpretations that continue to justify nationalism and hack away at landmark civil rights protections for women, minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ communities.

This poignant story challenges what we think we know about the Christian heartland by offering a rare personal glimpse into the contentious and often misunderstood history of religion, race, and politics in America. These Heretics are still interested in saving you from hell, but it is the earthly one, where poverty, discrimination and nationalism oppresses “…those who are the least among us.”

The film event will be followed by a 30-minute panel discussion and Q and A session with several local justice activists.