BATTLE FOR THE MINDS

Upstanding Christians turn their backs on the Reverend Billy Graham's daughter during her sermon. Why? For the offense of not having been born Billy Graham's son. Though they claim to honor and respect the role of women in their ministry, right-wing fundamentalists methodically purged females from positions of authority throughout the Southern Baptist Convention. After all, notes one true believer, he saw no girl shepherds during his trip to the Holy Land. In tones of muted urgency, Steven Lipscomb's documentary shows how conservatives coveting political power proceeded to assimilate Baptist seminaries and institutions in the 1980s (resistance was futile). Now a religion once founded on egalitarianism and freedom has calcified into a narrowly doctrinaire, white patriarchy whose clout smites the White House itself. Part parable, part prophecy, BATTLE FOR THE MINDS sounds a trumpet for viewers of all faiths. – Charles Cassady