It was easy for television viewers to forget the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights struggle and women’s liberation when immersed in the gauzy nostalgia of The Andy Griffith Show or The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet. Then, in 1971, producer…
Not all Black Americans are highly religious, BJC podcast explains
The assumption that Black Americans are highly religious, and almost universally Christian, overlooks the theological and ideological complexity of the African American community, Anthony Pinn said on the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty’s “Respecting Religion” podcast. But a clearer…
With three weeks until statewide deadline, school district of ‘chaplain’ bill’s author is set to reject it
The school district that is home to the state senator who got a bill passed last year to allow public schools to hire unlicensed “chaplains” to replace licensed school counselor is poised to reject his plan. Sen. Mayes Middleton lives…
Defeating authoritarian impulses requires a broad coalition, strategist says
It will take a broad coalition of Americans willing to set aside political and cultural differences to defeat the growing authoritarian movement bent on undermining constitutional freedoms, pro-democracy activist Chris Crawford said on the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty’s…
‘God + Country’ documentary to debut Feb. 16
A new film about Christian nationalism exposes a disturbing picture of the movement’s use of intimidation and violence to express disapproval of those it considers religious and political adversaries, said Amanda Tyler, executive director of Baptist Joint Committee for Religious…
U.S. Capitol hosts first screening of ‘God + Country’ documentary
To better understand the events of the January 6 insurrection, you have to understand the role Christian nationalism played in that fateful day. A new film explores the upsurge of religious extremism and its potential dangers to our nation. God…
Alabama legislator seeks to duplicate Texas law on school ‘chaplains’ even as resistance grows in Texas
The campaign against a new Texas law permitting school districts to hire unlicensed chaplains is gaining momentum just as Alabama legislators prepare to debate an identical measure in their upcoming session. The Texas statute went into effect in September and…
BJC essay contest expands to allow TikTok submissions
Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty will expand its annual scholarship contest this year to include TikTok-style video submissions in addition to traditional written essays that explore the link between Christian nationalism and book bans. “It’s critical for us to…
BJC’s first field organizer is fighting Christian nationalism in North Texas
The first-ever field organizer for the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty has been charged with organizing opposition to Christian nationalism in Texas. A native of Dallas-Fort Worth where she is now based, Lisa Jacob said she was drawn to…