‘Selling out’: Rob Reiner faces criticism for association with evangelicals
Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner is set to release his latest documentary on Christian nationalism, “God & Country,” in February 2024. Renner, a well-known atheist, is being questioned by an evangelical Christian columnist for associating with conservative Christian influencers for the film.
In a recent column for Religion News Service, Messiah University professor John Fee expressed concern about Renner’s approach in promoting and launching the film. Fay highlighted that some Christian evangelicals associated with the project revealed that Renner came on board only after their agreement to participate. He also raised concerns about possible misinterpretation of his comments by individuals trying to advance their “political and cultural agendas”.
“Should these promotional influencers be the face of Renner’s Hollywood film to be released in February, I believe it will be a massive PR campaign? Are they compromising their principles?” inquired Fei. “Although I acknowledge that these evangelical influencers did not initially know that they were signing up for a Renner film when they joined this Christian nationalist project, it is still worth considering what they would have done if they had What would have he done had he been informed from the beginning. What would have happened if he had been informed would he have done this? What would have happened if he had known about Reiner’s involvement, that would have been his decision.”
He further added, “If Reiner approached me to contribute as a commentator to this film, I’m not sure whether I would participate.” “However, if I were to agree to go on camera, I would eventually object. Regardless, I would expect to engage in extensive reflection and prayer before making a decision.”
Evangelicals interviewed for the documentary include conservative columnist David French, who advocates increased efforts to engage with opposing viewpoints. In a Threads post, French commented, “I’m part of a documentary produced by Rob Reiner, and many people are angry at me for ‘collaborating’ with someone who is not Christian. This is a diverse country. Let’s Let us cooperate.” “As citizens, let us be united in our common goal of addressing Christian nationalism. “I am proud to partner with my Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and atheist friends whose goal is to preserve our classical liberal republic.”
Fey, for his part, said he was reserving judgment on the film until he saw it. However, he stressed the importance of connecting with individuals who hold different beliefs and said that society cannot continually “preach to the choir and label it as ‘truth-telling.’
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