Lord Save Us From Your Followers (2008)

76% of users liked it
(6,086 ratings)

Filmmaker Dan Merchant explores the friction between faith and culture in America during a time when religious debate has flooded the media yet rhetoric has grown bitterly divisive in the lead-up to the 2008 presidential elections. By conducting man-on-the-street interviews, speaking with experts,… More Filmmaker Dan Merchant explores the friction between faith and culture in America during a time when religious debate has flooded the media yet rhetoric has grown bitterly divisive in the lead-up to the 2008 presidential elections. By conducting man-on-the-street interviews, speaking with experts, and exploring the controversy of religion in humorous animated segments, Merchant examines how the country has been divided by the gospel of love. Dividing his time equally between speaking with such left-leaning media figures as Al Franken and "liberal evangelical" Tony Campolo and such notable conservatives as Michael Reagan, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson, Merchant offers a well-rounded but unflinchingly critical study in the conflicts of faith in contemporary America. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 41 min.
Directed By: Dan Merchant
Written By: Dan Merchant
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Apr 20, 2010 Wide
On DVD: Dec 31, 2008
Studio: Virgil Films

Critic Reviews

Kam Williams, Sly Fox
An extraordinarily-insightful endeavor urging Evangelicals to examine their own morality in relation to Jesus' words instead of conveniently pointing fingers at folks they've long since dismissed as heathens.
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
Has perhaps the most apropos title of any movie you'll see this year.
Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
Although it's somewhat messy in its organization and execution, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers is a great example of the modern essay film in action.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Thomas J

I know personally how I have been damaged by well meaning people using their religion as a weapon in the name of their church, faith and even God. It was refreshing to see a real Christian point to a solution. This movie helps restore some of the faith I have lost. Much more… More
I know personally how I have been damaged by well meaning people using their religion as a weapon in the name of their church, faith and even God. It was refreshing to see a real Christian point to a solution. This movie helps restore some of the faith I have lost. Much more opportunity is available if more conservatives and (in general) Christians as a whole would watch this movie with an open-heart and open-mind.
Jon L

Wow, this was a fantastic documentary. It's something every Christian (and non-Christian) should see. It gives a different perspective on the Christians of today, how they act, how they should act and how people see them. I think it's an eye opening movie and shows what… More
Wow, this was a fantastic documentary. It's something every Christian (and non-Christian) should see. It gives a different perspective on the Christians of today, how they act, how they should act and how people see them. I think it's an eye opening movie and shows what it really means to have love for one another.
Curtis L

This movie really touched me, as lame as that sounds. I found myself walking away with a lot more hope for the ever widening rift in the world. Christians have given themselves a really bad name, and I totally agree that the ideas presented in this film would heal some wounds as we… More
This movie really touched me, as lame as that sounds. I found myself walking away with a lot more hope for the ever widening rift in the world. Christians have given themselves a really bad name, and I totally agree that the ideas presented in this film would heal some wounds as we look inwards at our own shortcomings, start serving others and loving others, and stop trying to win the fight of 'i'm right and you're wrong, and I'm going to fight you until you believe that too'. Nobody wins in that situation.
Mark A

A thought-provoking documentary that explores the damage that has been done by the Church to a hurting world. This viewer could not watch this without being reminded of Anne Rice's recent renunciation of Christianity. If one needed an explanation of why someone might be led to… More
A thought-provoking documentary that explores the damage that has been done by the Church to a hurting world. This viewer could not watch this without being reminded of Anne Rice's recent renunciation of Christianity. If one needed an explanation of why someone might be led to declare oneself to be a follower of Jesus who is no longer a Christian, this film supplies ample ammunition. The film includes interviews with theologians on the forefront of religious thought on tolerance and with ordinary people whom the Church has marginalized. The narrator also recreates an experiment originally related in the Donald Miller book, "Blue Like Jazz", and gets some really poignant footage of the healing power of seeking forgiveness from those who have been wounded by our intolerance. The film does a pretty good job of pointing out where the Church has failed, but is a little short of offering insight into how to heal the divisions that tear us apart. The film is then a good starting point for opening a dialog to find ways to fulfill the mission to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.
Sarah P

Like one of my favorite documentaries "Religulous", this film explores religion in America. Although I love the aforementioned film, it is one-sided (albeit my side), so this was a more impartial take on the topic. I also enjoyed the filmmakers bumper sticker suit...