Lord, Save Us From Your Followers

Writer-director Dan Merchant follows Michael Moore, Morgan Spurlock, and other jovial hams by putting himself at the center of this nonfiction film that focuses on religion's impact on contemporary American society. Wearing a white jumpsuit covered in bumper stickers displaying messages from all corners of the religious spectrum, Merchant's roster of interviewees includes ordinary folks and high-profile figures such as Sen. Al Franken and former Sen. Rick Santorum, as well as a generous sampling of news clips adding input from Bono, Nelson Mandela, the late Pope John Paul II, and others, along with well-known polarizers such as James Dobson, Jerry Falwell, and Pat Robertson. Merchant also throws in some animated bits and a good-natured parody of the Family Feud game show featuring the Young Conservatives versus the Liberal Media Elite. The result is an amiable ramble across fairly familiar terrain, as Merchant discovers that the nation's bifurcation in the faith debate runs along sociopolitical lines and it appears that the only common ground among opposing sides is in agreeing to disagree. Ultimately, Lord, Save Us From Your Followers encourages dialogue on a controversial subject, with Merchant's cheery personality keeping the proceedings merrily rolling along. DVD extras include bonus segments and a music video. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)