What follows is a 2019 documentary released by Java Films — a French film company. Produced by Sarah Fournier, the documentary provides the best portrayal of American Evangelicalism I have ever seen.
I am a former Evangelical preacher. I spent 50 years in the Christian church, 25 years pastoring Evangelical churches in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. I am well-versed in all things Evangelical. This video does a good job explaining Evangelical Christianity. No, the video is not all-encompassing. It doesn’t cover every shade or flavor of Evangelicalism, but its breadth is sufficient to give non-Evangelicals a good understanding of how American Evangelicals think. Of particular interest to me is how Evangelicals view atheists (who evidently are all communists).
If readers want to know what kind of pastor I was, this video describes the type of Christian I was for most of my teen and adult life. I have often wondered where I would have ended up had I remained an Evangelical Christian? Would my beliefs, theologically, politically, and socially, have become more stringent, narrow, and defined had I stayed on the straight and narrow? How different would my marriage and family be if I was still Rev. Bruce Gerencser? I shudder to think how things might have turned out. Fortunately, thirteen years ago in November 2008, I left Christianity and later embraced atheism and humanism. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to change the course of my life. The journey has been rough at times, but all in all, I am pleased with where I am in life. As you watch this video, remember I once was, as were thousands of you, just like the people portrayed in this film. Change is possible.
I have one quibble with the video. On at least three occasions, the narrator uses the word “evangelism” instead of “Evangelical.” Not a big deal, but I do wish media companies would have people familiar with Evangelicalism and its lingo proof their work, thus eliminating errors such as this one.
Please watch the video and let me know what you think in the comment section.
Bruce Gerencser, 67, lives in rural Northwest Ohio with his wife of 46 years. He and his wife have six grown children and sixteen grandchildren. Bruce pastored Evangelical churches for twenty-five years in Ohio, Texas, and Michigan. Bruce left the ministry in 2005, and in 2008 he left Christianity. Bruce is now a humanist and an atheist.
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