Netflix’s The Family: A Spiritual and Psychological Critique of the Documentary
Drawing from theology, developmental theories, and personal experience, Marc and Clint discuss the disturbing documentary with humor and precision.
A conservative evangelical movement known as “the family” has maintained a strong influence on world leaders and American politics since the beginning of early 20th century. It has existed rather secretly until the recent documentary mini-series on Netflix. It’s definitely worth binge-ing if you haven’t already, and while many viewers find themselves disturbed and irate, Marc and Clint retain their composure in dissecting the various themes:
- What is the mentality and psychological process of the kinds of Christians who would do this?
- What are the implied theological underpinnings of The Family’s mission?
- How has Marc’s own upbringing given him an inside look into such dynamics?
What goes through the heads of evangelicals who revere an almost medieval sense of authority in a nationalistic spirit, when the Founding Fathers drafted a constitution of Enlightenment and Raitionalist ideals?
Going Further:
Jeff Sharlet executive produced the documentary and speaks during film. He is an associate professor at Dartmouth College. He previously wrote two books about The Family that influenced the documentary.
C Street: The Fundamentalist Threat to American Democracy
The Family: The Secret Fundamentalism at the Heart of American Power
Doug Coe was a long time leader in The Family before he passed.
Jesse Moss was director of documentary.
I did find the film disturbing. Friends who watched it called it "creepy." And that is a good word for it – the secrecy was alarming. Beside the overt nationalism, false pride, authoritarianism, and racism there was the lack of women and the way they treated the younger men. All such bad stuff while calling on the name of Christ as their leader.