An unsettling docu-thriller on the apocalyptic influence wielded by the fundamentalist Christian lobby in US politics.
While we may be all too aware that evangelical Christianity intersects with American politics, Praying for Armageddon exposes the shocking truth that the situation is far worse and more dangerous than we imagined. Over years of reporting, director Tonje Hessen Schei tracks how the Christian Right shapes the policy of Washington D.C. From grassroots pastors to backroom deals, this gripping documentary uncovers a movement incentivised to bring the destruction of civilisation, due to a belief in a saving rapture event. Convincingly methodical rather than paranoid, this deep dive into power unveils how politicians driven by faith embrace Israel as the key to their prophetic vision for the end of days, and deliberately escalate the spirals of violence in the Middle East.
“The core thesis is abundantly, horribly clear: there are a growing number of people in positions of major power in US politics and broader society who are actively working to bring about the end of the world as we know it. It does not feel fine.” (Variety)
“Imagine not only believing the world is coming to an end, but wanting it to happen. Eagerly. Then, take it a step further and imagine people with such a mentality engineering American politics and foreign policy to bring about the very thing they seek – the apocalypse.” (Deadline)