OM DENNE EPISODE
“A Great Awakening” or a Great Misdirection? Unpacking the Christian Right’s Cinematic Propaganda
Who’s Really Behind the Curtain?
In the recent film “A Great Awakening,” directed by Joshua Enck, the portrayal of a friendship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield is less an exploration of historical nuance and more a vehicle for Christian nationalist propaganda. This film, distributed by mainstream studio Roadside Attractions, exemplifies how the Christian Right repurposes history to serve contemporary ideological battles. The decision-makers here, Enck and his co-writers Jeff Bender and Jonathan Blair, leverage their platform not to enlighten but to propagate a distorted narrative of American history.
The Propaganda Machine at Work
The film’s assertion that Whitefield inspired Franklin’s support for human equality blatantly disregards historical accuracy for ideological gain. The reliance on a dubious account by William Steele, debunked by scholars like Louis J. Sirico, Jr. and John Fea, shows a deliberate choice to prioritize narrative over fact. This strategy isn’t just about misrepresenting Franklin’s religiosity; it’s about anchoring the Christian Right’s political ideologies in a sanctified, untouchable American past.
Target Audience: The True Believers
The primary consumers of “A Great Awakening” aren’t just random moviegoers but a specific slice of America: those aligned with or susceptible to the Christian Right’s messaging. The film’s success doesn’t hinge on its artistic merit but on its ability to echo in the echo chambers of this demographic. This tactic of preaching to the choir ensures financial viability and cultural penetration, despite critical panning.
The Larger Pattern of Historical Revisionism
“A Great Awakening” is part of a broader trend among Christian nationalist circles to rewrite history to suit their agendas. Figures like Steve Bannon and David Barton have been instrumental in promoting these skewed narratives, which are then consumed by a base that views these revisions as not just entertainment but as gospel. The film’s poor critical reception outside its target audience does little to diminish its impact where it matters most to its creators: in reinforcing and spreading a reactionary worldview.
Conclusion: The Real Awakening Needed
The story of “A Great Awakening” is less about the film itself and more about what it represents in the ongoing cultural and political battles waged by the Christian Right. It’s a clear example of how entertainment and propaganda can be fused in an effort to reshape public perception and historical memory. The real awakening needed is a societal one, where these manipulative efforts are recognized and challenged, not for their lack of artistic value but for their dangerous distortion of history and their potential to influence political realities based on falsehoods.
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