Christian fundamentalism and the Religious Right have long puzzled liberals, including sociologist and documentary filmmaker James Ault. In an effort to understand New Right conservatism, Ault, who grew up the son of a Methodist minister (and as an adult, considered himself an atheist "if I thought about it at all"), set out to make a comprehensive film about fundamentalist Christianity.
For three years, Ault participated in the life of a Massachusetts fundamentalist church he calls "Shawmut River Baptist." He attended services and home Bible studies and shared meals with members. In the resulting book, Ault carefully portrays the fundamentalists he befriends with both honesty and sympathy—as people, rather than as caricatures.
In lucid prose, he unfolds the story of a growing but financially troubled church committed to helping restore traditional family values, even as it is riddled with conflict that eventually changes many lives.
Through it all, Ault slowly progresses toward a renewed faith. This brilliant book is essential for anyone who wants to better understand fundamentalism—or for fundamentalists who desire to understand how they are viewed by others.
While we pray for peace, we need moral clarity about this war.
We’ve got little information on Jesus’ appearance and personality. But that’s the way God designed it.españolFrançais
Leader explains why the movement is seeing its biggest membership bump in 30 years and its mission for the years ahead.
