By Sydney Byerly
The Indiana Citizen
March 2, 2026
A community group in Hamilton County is hosting a documentary screening and discussion focused on the relationship between religion and American politics.
The nonprofit, From Strangers to Neighbors, will host a community screening of the documentary “Bad Faith: Christian Nationalism’s Unholy War on Democracy” on March 8 at the Carmel Public Library at 425 E. Main St.
The free event, co-sponsored by Voices4Democracy Indiana, will run from 2 to 4 p.m. in Community Room B and will include a post-film discussion led by Matthias Beier, an associate professor at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis.
The 83-minute documentary explores the historical roots and modern political influence of Christian nationalism through interviews with scholars, clergy and former movement insiders. Directed by Stephen Ujlaki and Chris Jones and narrated by Peter Coyote, the film examines how political organizing within the religious right — including groups such as the Moral Majority — helped shape modern conservative politics. The film was named one of the 10 best films of 2024 by Variety.
Beier, an Indianapolis resident and former United Methodist minister, will lead a question-and-answer session following the screening.
“Faith is being widely misused in our society today to stoke fear and justify inhumanity,” Beier said. “In light of the documentary ‘Bad Faith,’ I want to help answer why this is happening, and show how faith is actually designed to foster a truly humane society based on trust.”
In a press release, organizers said the event is intended to encourage community dialogue about the role of faith in democratic life.
“Right now many people do not understand the roots of current government policy and actions,” Sharon Boller, president of the From Strangers to Neighbors board, said. “This event creates a safe space for neighbors within our community to come together, learn, and engage thoughtfully with important issues affecting our community—particularly the topic of immigrant arrests, detentions, and deportations.”
Beier previously participated in a public debate with Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith about Christian nationalism as part of an IndyStar series on religion and government.
The event is free, but advance registration is required.
Sydney Byerly is a political reporter who grew up in New Albany, Indiana. Before joining The Citizen, Sydney reported news for TheStatehouseFile.com and most recently managed and edited The Corydon Democrat & Clarion News in southern Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s in journalism at Franklin College’s Pulliam School of Journalism (‘Sco Griz!).
The Indiana Citizen is a nonpartisan, nonprofit platform dedicated to increasing the number of informed and engaged Hoosier citizens. We are operated by the Indiana Citizen Education Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) public charity. For questions about the story, contact Marilyn Odendahl at marilyn.odendahl@indianacitizen.org.
