To make a drastic understatement: we live in unusual times. The past six months (and, let’s be honest, the years leading up to them) have been so surreal and off the map of recognizable experience that it can be difficult to fully comprehend the full scope of the situation. But of the dozens (hundreds, thousands, etc.) of incongruities of American life in 2017, one of the most puzzling is this: how has a vain, uncharitable libertine with no recognizable religious affiliation, who cannot cite a single Bible verse, and whose chief adviser has openly and favorably compared himself to Satan, been so fully and wholeheartedly embraced by the mainstream Christian community?
This is the question which has been confounding documentary filmmaker (and Film Flam contributor) Christopher Alan Maloney. Maloney has taken to Kickstarter to fund his current project, In God We Trump, a feature-length documentary probing the inscrutably chummy relationship between our Commander in Chief and the Evangelical Christian community. We spoke to Chris about his upcoming film, and the walking orange theological paradox at its heart.
BOSTON HASSLE: Of all the bizarre aspects of Trump’s rise and presidency, what drew you to this topic in particular?
CHRISTOPHER ALAN MALONEY: The support of the Christian community is what baffles me most about Donald Trump’s success. I kept asking myself, during last year’s election season, how is it that a population based on some idea of righteousness is backing a guy whose entire campaign seems to be aimed at hurting people? I’ve seen a great disparity before between the teachings of Christ and the actions of the Religious Right, but I really thought they would balk at a guy like Trump. When they didn’t, I was forced to reevaluate how I view this particular group of people. It’s this thought process that has propelled this project forward.
BH: Just in the time since you began your kickstarter, we’ve seen the president sign an order on “religious liberty.” Any initial thoughts on how that might play into the project?
CAM:The executive order speaks directly to the subject of this documentary – the relationship between Trump and Evangelicals. It’s called Religious Liberty, but its purpose is to make it easier for churches to endorse political candidates (which many do already). Trump and the Religious Right are enamored with each other, and the EO Thursday was a perfect example of that – he’s pandering to his base.
BH: In researching this project thus far, what have you found particularly striking?
CAM: One of the most striking things to me is that despite Trump’s lewdness and insulting behavior, 4 out of 5 people who identify as evangelicals still voted for him. At the same time, there was a story recently that reported that 14% of the Christian population has stopped going to church because of how their church handled events surrounding the 2016 election. I also am finding that Christian supporters of Trump largely still support him, despite his historically low approval ratings. Their attitude toward him is the same attitude toward faith – they feel they have to believe no matter what. I’d like to figure out how exactly he has attained their devotion.
BH: Who are some of the more interesting voices in this debate?
CAM: Something that has really gained traction through the Trump resistance movement process is the idea of the Christian Left. Many influential voices have risen to the occasion, and several have agreed to speak on camera for this film. We have spiritual leaders who challenge traditional ideas of what or who they’re supposed to be, including environmental activists, feminists, and members of the LGBTQ community who all consider themselves Christians. It’s their faith that leads them to resist.
BH: Do you have any plans for the film’s release?
CAM: I think we’ll do well with the film festival route, as I think there’s a lot of interest around this particular topic. At the same time, I’d like to open it up to local theaters that I love before it goes anywhere else – places like the Somerville Theatre, the Brattle, the Luna Theater in Lowell. There’s a wonderful film scene right here in Boston, and I’d like them to see it first.
BH: Finally, at the risk of “spoilers,” what is your stance (as of right now) on the film’s central question?
CAM: I think there’s an enormous divide between the Religious Right and the Christian Left, and that divide has never been wider. The Religious Right put Trump in office, and the Christian Left is trying to get him out.
The Kickstarter for In God We Trump runs through 5/24. To help support it (and learn of the rewards, which range from credit thanks to cookies!), click here!
