Scott Derrickson is a filmmaker with a knack for movies that make the spiritual palatable for mainstream audiences. Movies like Sinister, The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Doctor Strange have all invoked a spiritual dimension, and it’s no surprise. Derrickson is outspoken about his Christian faith on Twitter, but he’s also made it clear he thinks something is deeply wrong with Christianity in America and in a recent tweet conversation, he explained why.
American Christians have long loved their pop culture heroes. I have frustrated attempts to make me one because of this singular heart-felt conviction…
…In America, we Christians are not the solution. We are the core problem.
— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) January 7, 2019
When asked to elaborate by one of our editors, Derrickson gave the following prognosis.
1. Reject Christian nationalism — it’s a straight-up heresy.
2. Read the gospels — Jesus was about aiding the poor, the judged, the sick, and the socially oppressed.
3. Reckon with fear and racism — they are deceptively deep roots in the American faith. https://t.co/RTLbkZ6wNX— Scott Derrickson (@scottderrickson) January 8, 2019
That third point comes on the heels of Southern Seminary’s own reckoning with its racist roots and legacy of slavery and white supremacy. “We must repent of our own sins,” wrote Southern President Dr. Al Mohler. “We cannot repent for the dead. We must, however, offer full lament for a legacy we inherit, and a story that is now ours.” If an institution as old and living legend-y as Southern can attempt to grapple with its history of racism, than Derrickson’s hope for the future of Christianity in America may not be all that fanciful.
Derrickson’s currently hard at work on a Doctor Strange sequel.
