A forthcoming CNN documentary exploring what it calls the “rise of Christian nationalism” is drawing sharp criticism from Christian leaders and commentators who say the network is unfairly portraying believers as radicalized and politically dangerous—while also casting suspicion on classical Christian education.

The hour-long special, led by CNN anchor and chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown, has been promoted throughout the week ahead of its Sunday broadcast. In preview clips, Brown describes Christian nationalism as an ideology rooted in the belief that America was founded as a Christian nation and that its laws and institutions should reflect Christian values. She frames the movement as gaining momentum in recent years, pointing in part to the aftermath of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk last September.

According to Brown, scholars she interviewed described Kirk’s death as a “pivotal moment” that unified Christian nationalists and political leaders who honored him. Matthew Taylor, a visiting scholar at Georgetown University’s Center on Faith and Justice, argued in the preview that memorial events for Kirk helped “activate” Christians who feel increasingly marginalized in American culture. He suggested that many believers are being “radicalized” by a growing conviction that their faith is under threat and that they must stand up for their rights.

The documentary also draws connections between Christian nationalist sentiment and former President Donald Trump, noting that he has spoken about divine protection after surviving an assassination attempt during his campaign and has maintained strong support among conservative Christian voters. While Brown acknowledged that Trump has never explicitly called for the U.S. to be declared a Christian nation, she characterized his alignment with the movement as politically significant.

But critics say CNN’s framing misrepresents both Kirk’s legacy and the broader Christian response to his death. Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Kirk’s organization Turning Point USA, pushed back in social media comments this week, arguing that the real extremism lies with the ideological forces that inspired the alleged assassin, not with Christians who gathered in prayer and mourning.

“Instead of burning down the country, like the real radicals did, we held vigils and memorials, and people bought Bibles, and they got baptized,” Kolvet said, questioning how such responses could be portrayed as dangerous. He added that Kirk was killed by an individual reportedly linked to far-left activism, a context he believes the documentary downplays.

The CNN special has also drawn concern for its portrayal of classical Christian schools, a fast-growing sector of faith-based education that emphasizes historic Christian thought, Western civilization, and moral formation. In one segment, Brown interviews David Goodwin, president of the Association of Classical Christian Schools, who affirmed that the movement aims to cultivate leaders committed to what he called “Christian civilization.” He also expressed support for dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and expanding alternatives to public schooling.

Some viewers have criticized Brown’s presentation of the interview as implying that Christian schools are intentionally producing ideological operatives seeking political power. The ACCS, which has ties to Idaho pastor Douglas Wilson and has gained visibility through connections with prominent conservative figures, has become a focal point in debates about religion and education in America.

The controversy surrounding the documentary reflects a broader cultural clash over how Christianity’s public role should be understood. Many Christians argue that affirming America’s religious heritage or advocating faith-informed values in public life is not extremism but a legitimate expression of democratic participation. They also point to charitable work, community service, and personal conversion stories as evidence of spiritual renewal rather than political radicalization.

As CNN’s special airs, reactions are likely to intensify across both media and faith communities. For many believers, the debate touches a deeper question: whether expressions of Christian conviction in public life are increasingly viewed with suspicion—and how faithfully and fairly those convictions are portrayed in the national conversation.