Pastor Allen Jackson Denounces CNN ‘Christian Nationalism’ Doc as ‘Functionally Dishonest’
A prominent pastor is criticizing CNN’s recent documentary on Christian nationalism, calling it a misguided attempt to undermine a faith he says is deeply rooted in the nation’s history.
Pastor Allen Jackson of World Outreach Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn., voiced objection in an interview with Fox News following CNN’s broadcast of The Rise of Christian Nationalism, a documentary the network said explored “how a movement once largely confined to the margins of white evangelical culture has gained new visibility and political power,” according to a CNN news release.
The same news release described Christian nationalism as an “ideology rooted in the belief that the United States was founded as a Christian nation and that its laws and institutions should reflect Christian values.”
“It's so misguided,” Jackson told Fox News. “And to be honest, it's just functionally dishonest. There is no question that our founding documents and our Founders intended a Judeo-Christian worldview to shape our nation. We've never been uniquely Christian – it wasn't a requirement. We've never had a state-sponsored faith, but those Judeo-Christian values shaped our founding documents, our legal system, our educational system, our approach to business.”
The United States, he said, is unique among the world’s countries.
“Just look at the nations in the world that have Muslim governments or governments oriented towards Islam or Buddhism or communism – we are dramatically different. So it's an intentionally dishonest piece [by CNN], and it's unfortunate that they try to take values that have brought prosperity and strength and freedom and diversity to our nation and somehow try to besmirch them.”
The documentary featured CNN anchor and chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown, who said she was inspired to pursue the project after interviewing pastor and author Douglas Wilson. Brown “travels to faith-centered communities where Christian nationalist ideas shape daily life, education, and governance,” the CNN release said.
Meanwhile, Jackson said he sees signs of a spiritual awakening among young people – a renewed hunger for faith that is supported by data showing Bible sales surging and worship gatherings drawing packed college arenas as part of the Unite Us movement.
“We see it in our church and with the relationships that extend beyond just our local community,” he said. “I think Gen Z has a hunger for authenticity, and they are awake enough that somehow they're avoiding the propaganda that's come through so much of education and academia – and it's really a fascinating time to watch that hunger they have for God and the way that He's beginning to reveal Himself to them. I think we'll see it gain momentum.”
Jackson added, “God is moving in the earth, and you see it in the young people that are coming to churches.”
Related Article
The State of Christian Nationalism
Photo Credit: ©allenjackson.com
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published February 25, 2026.
