One-Time, Free Public Screening of Truth Rising Film Comes to Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, TN (April 9, 2026) – The Colson Center and Focus on the Family will host a one-time public screening of a groundbreaking documentary called Truth Rising in Knoxville. The 90-minute film will be followed by a live question and answer session with Colson Center President John Stonestreet and Os Guinness, author, social critic, and cast member.

The screening will be held on Wednesday, May 27 at 7:00 p.m. ET at Knoxville Convention Center's Lecture Hall, located at 701 Henley Street. Free popcorn and soda will be provided for attendees.

The documentary examines the current state of Western civilization – crisis. Thought leaders in the film conclude that Western civilization has thrived because of its roots in Christianity and the chaos we are beginning to see is the result of a civilization that has abandoned truth. It’s called a civilizational moment.

“A civilizational moment is a period of crisis,” said author and social critic Os Guinness. “When…our civilization completely loses touch with the inspiration that made it what it is…our original dynamism is gone. “It is at this point like all the other civilizations that have come and gone before us that we face three clear options, renew the original inspiration, replace it, or decline.”

Truth Rising inspires Christians to choose to be agents of renewal right where they are by sharing stories from ordinary people who acted with courage. The stories shared in the film include:

• Ayaan Hirsi Ali, Founder of HAA Foundation: Despite death threats after the murder of filmmaking partner Theo van Gogh, Ayann courageously continues her work to end cultural practices, like those embraced by Islam, that violate the human rights of women.

• Winston Marshall, former banjoist for Mumford and Sons: Winston courageously left the band to protect his bandmates from relentless backlash against a tweet he shared supporting Unmasked, a pro-democracy, anti-Antifa New York Times best-seller.

• Chloe Cole – After regretting her gender transition as a minor, Chloe Cole detransitioned and in the face of backlash from the transgender community, now boldly warns families of the dangers of gender-affirming care for minors and works to end the gender ideology movement.

• Seth Dillon, CEO of Babylon Bee: When Babylon Bee’s Twitter account (now X) was suspended over a satirical post on gender ideology, CEO Seth Dillon courageously declined to delete it, defending democratic public discourse despite threat of permanent suspension.

• Jack Philips, Owner of Masterpiece Cakeshop: Jack demonstrated courage by declining to bake a cake for a same-sex wedding, standing up for religious liberty — a stance that took him all the way to the Supreme Court.

• Katy Faust, Founder of Them Before Us: Katy boldly continued advocating for the rights of children in the family even after a gay blogger doxed members of her church to silence her.

“It’s time for Christians to realize they are called by God to this time and this place,” said John Stonestreet president of The Colson Center. “Christians must remember who they are—people of the resurrection, and therefore people of hope. Become a catalyst for renewal right where you are.”

The film also includes conversations about the state of our civilization with prominent speakers from all over the world — both Christian and secular, seasoned leaders and bold advocates — each offering honest, thought-provoking insight into how we can live with truth and courage in a world desperate for hope.

To view a trailer of Truth Rising, visit https://youtu.be/U4_hJpE7VgI.

Attendance is free, but registration is required. To reserve your spot at the Knoxville Truth Rising screening, visit ColsonCenter.org/Knoxville.

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About the Colson Center: The Colson Center exists to equip Christians with the clarity, confidence, and courage in this cultural moment. Our podcasts and digital resources, including Breakpoint, the Identity Project, and the What Would You Say? video series equip hundreds of thousands of Christians each year with the clarity they need to celebrate good, resist evil, create what’s missing, and restore what’s broken right where God has placed them. Our formation programs, Colson Fellows and Colson Educators, have equipped thousands of men and women to pursue their vocational callings and daily lives with a courageous faith.

About Focus on the Family: Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive in Christ. Each year, we provide biblical resources and guidance to millions of families, strengthening marriages, equipping parents, advocating for children and engaging the culture with truth. As culture shifts, truth remains—unchanging and foundational. Through resources like Truth Rising, we empower families to stand firm in their faith and navigate today’s world with clarity and conviction. To learn more, visit Focus at FocusOnTheFamily.com.