American Heretics

We are excited to announce a screening of the new documentary, American Heretics: The Politics of the Gospel, at our Spring Meeting, which features the life and work of Westar scholars and members, among others. This film takes audiences into the Bible belt where a group of defiant ministers, scholars, congregations, and community leaders are challenging deeply rooted fundamentalist Christian doctrine in favor of a Gospel of Inclusion.

Labeled as “heretics” for their beliefs and actions, they refuse to wield their faith as a sword sharpened by literal interpretations of the Bible. Especially those fundamentalist Christian interpretations that continue to justify nationalism and hack away at landmark civil rights protections for women, minorities, immigrants, and the LGBTQ communities.

This poignant story featuring Westar Fellows Rev. Dr. Robin Meyers, Bernard Brandon Scott, PhD, Westar Associate the Rev. Lori Walke, and others, challenge what we think we know about Biblical literacy and its impact on the contentious and often misunderstood history of religion, race, and politics in America. These Heretics are still interested in saving you from hell, but it’s from an earthly one, “where poverty, discrimination and nationalism oppresses those who are the least among us.”

The screening will be Wednesday, March 20th from 7-9pm; it's free and open to the public.

As Marketing and Digital Education Director, Alexis Waggoner works closely with both Westar’s Marketing Committee and the Executive Director to advance the presence and value of Westar in our culture through social media and the use of digital media in public education. Alexis brings to Westar a unique blend of digital marketing and religious education experience. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary.