Pastor Allen Jackson on CNN Christian Nationalism Documentary: Intentionally Dishonest

Pastor Allen Jackson Slams CNN Documentary on Christian Nationalism as "Functionally Dishonest"

Pastor Allen Jackson, senior pastor of World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, has fired back at CNN over its upcoming documentary "The Rise of Christian Nationalism," calling the program "misguided" and "functionally dishonest."

Jackson, who has led World Outreach Church since 1989 and whose messages have reached millions through Allen Jackson Ministries, appeared on Fox News to deliver his sharp rebuke of the CNN special.

"I think it's so misguided and, to be honest, it is just functionally dishonest." Pastor Allen Jackson

The CNN documentary, reported by anchor and chief investigative correspondent Pamela Brown, is set to premiere on March 8 as part of "The Whole Story with Anderson Cooper." The program travels to faith centered communities where Brown claims Christian nationalist ideas shape daily life, education, and governance.

Jackson took particular issue with the documentary's treatment of the late Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA who was assassinated in September 2025. The documentary reportedly framed Kirk's death as a unifying event for Christian nationalists and suggested it inspired "radicalization" among American Christians.

"You have to be seriously avoiding reality when Charlie Kirk was murdered... to say that Christians try to fabricate the idea that they are being persecuted." Pastor Allen Jackson

Jackson argued that America's founding documents were fundamentally shaped by Judeo Christian values, distinguishing the nation from countries with different religious orientations. He pushed back against the framing that this acknowledgment constitutes "Christian nationalism."

The pastor also highlighted the growing spiritual revival among Generation Z, describing their "hunger for authenticity" and God. He reframed what the documentary calls "radicalization" as simply orthodox Christianity, arguing that young people are rejecting what he called "propaganda... through... education and academia."

CNN Faces Backlash Over Documentary Portraying Christian Faith as Nationalist Threat

The debate around Christian nationalism has intensified in recent years, particularly following the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Critics like Jackson argue that mainstream media outlets conflate sincere religious conviction with political extremism, while supporters of the documentary say it exposes the blurring of church and state boundaries.

Fox News host Kayleigh McEnany also weighed in, criticizing the CNN documentary as a "hit piece" on Christians. She stated that what many Americans see as a genuine spiritual revival, CNN characterizes as a dangerous nationalist movement.

The Crusader's Opinion

CNN calls it "Christian nationalism." The rest of us call it going to church and loving your country. This documentary is nothing more than a calculated hit piece designed to demonize millions of faithful Americans who simply believe the Bible and want their nation to reflect the values it was built upon. When a pastor preaches the Gospel and young people respond with hunger for truth, CNN calls it "radicalization." When Charlie Kirk was assassinated for his faith and conservative beliefs, CNN had the audacity to frame his murder as a recruitment tool rather than a tragedy. The hypocrisy is staggering. Imagine CNN making a documentary called "The Rise of Islamic Nationalism" and traveling to mosques to expose how their faith shapes daily life. It would never happen. The double standard tells you everything you need to know about who the real target is.

Take Action

• Watch Pastor Allen Jackson's full response on Fox News and share it with your church community
• Support Allen Jackson Ministries and World Outreach Church at allenjackson.com
• Contact CNN to express your concerns about biased coverage of Christianity: call (404) 827 1500 or email cnn.feedback@cnn.com
• Support persecuted Christians around the world through www.TheShepherdsShield.org
• Invite a young person to church this Sunday and be part of the Gen Z revival that CNN fears