Christian movie draws a (political) crowd

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.(RNS) Mixing science and religion seems a good recipe
for on-screen fireworks. Add politics and things will erupt off the
screen, too.


"The Genesis Code," a film about college students trying to
reconcile creationism and evolution, has been drawing local and national
politicians to the movie theater. The film, which was shot here, stars
former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson.
Nationally, conservative politicians are working hard to link
themselves to the film's message. Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, said
to be eyeing run for the 2012 Republican presidential nomination, will
host a dinner and screening of the film in Manchester, N.H. at month's
end.


Former U.S. Senate candidate Sharron Angle is also promoting the
movie in New Hampshire and Iowa, both early primary states.


"These are political states, and this is a film that makes a fairly
political statement about our culture," Angle told CNN. "That we have
drifted away from those constitutional values, those Main Street,
mainstream values."


Michigan's Lieutenant Gov. Brian Calley attended a screening last
Friday (Feb. 18) in Walker, Mich. "The movie drew a fascinating parallel
between science and the Bible," he said.
State Sen. Mark Jansen, a Republican, agreed, saying, "It inspired me
to stand up for my spiritual beliefs no matter the cost."