Educational Media Reviews Online

Alvin H. Perlmutter’s documentary, God in Government, explores the relationship between church and state by examining the role of religion in government in the United States. The principle of separation of church and state, the place of the First Amendment in American politics, the intentions of the founding fathers, the rise of faith-based initiatives, the increasing influence of the Christian right, and the impact of a president who is open about the place that religion has in his life are all discussed. Moreover, the situation in the United States is examined through comparison with the role of the ultra-orthodox in daily life in Israel, the struggle with theocracy in Iran, and India’s problem of Hindu/Muslim violence. The liberal/conservative split within the church is investigated as is the ebb and flow of secularism in societies.

Featuring interviews with religious leaders, politicians, journalists, and scholars such as Diana Eck and Jay Demerath, God in Government deftly examines the rise of religiosity in the United States and in other parts of the world. Given the current debate over the appropriate role of religion in the development and execution of government policy this film should be of interest to a wide audience. Perlmutter’s even handed approach should lend itself to discussion about how the interplay between religion and government is affecting the world around us. This film is highly recommended for audiences from junior high through adult and to the libraries who serve them.