Friday, September 9 2005

NBC NEWS SPECIAL --(10:00PM-11:00PM)

"Tom Brokaw Reports: In God They Trust "

In a country where mixing politics and religion isn't new, religious conservatives are front and center in what they see as an ongoing war over the culture of America. Evangelical Christians have become a powerful force in American culture, politics and the economy; their strong faith is the underpinning of their way of life and they're determined to spread the word. In the upcoming "Tom Brokaw Reports: In God They Trust," Brokaw explores why so many Americans are turning to this expression of faith, and asks whether or not some Evangelicals are going too far ? imposing their spiritual beliefs not only for personal reasons but also for political reasons.

For the hour-long documentary, Brokaw travels to New Life Church in Colorado Springs, Col., to talk with some of the new Evangelical leaders, the American families who are determined to re-shape the social contours of this country, and cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, which is located just down the street from the church. Brokaw interviews at length, Ted Haggard, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, representing 45,000 churches, and New Life's pastor. Haggard, who speaks regularly with the White House, tells Brokaw that America is entering a new period of religious intensity that will alter both souls and society, and that although we live in a pluralistic society, "...all of us have a responsibility to advance God's will through government."

Marc Rosenwasser is the executive producer of "In God They Trust." Rebecca Haggerty is the producer; Bob Brandel is the editor; Shoshana Guy is the field producer; Serene Fang and Erika Beck are the assistant producers. David Corvo is the senior executive producer