Recommended Films in Psychology of Religion

Circumscribe Me! Yisrael Campbell, an Irish American Catholic who converted to Judaism, is a comedian in Israel. His film, Circumcise Me, offers a humorous and personal look at life as a Jewish convert. Several of my favorite lines are in this youtube clip, but if you can, see the film in its entirety. I caught it on the The Documentary Channel, available through the Dish Network. It may be available through other sources, too. If you are near New York, you be able to see his one man show. Enjoy! New York Doll I'd heard good things about the movie New York Doll, but I was unprepared for just how strong a film this is. While in film school, Greg Whiteley learns that Arthur "Killer" Kane is in his congregation and preparing to play a concert with his fellow New York Dolls. This has been Kane's dream, and comes after the group split up 30 years ago. During that time, Kane went from stardom and fame to obscurity. In the process he had a religious conversion and lived a humble life, working in a church library while dreaming for the day when he and the other two remaining members of the Dolls might play together again. Through the efforts of Morrissey, the group reunited in 2004 to play a concert that exceeded everyone's expectations. Past hurt had been forgotten, and the band's music was a triumph. I won't give away the ending of the film, so you'll hear no spoilers from me. I will say only that I was deeply touched by the story of this gentle soul. My musical tastes don't include the style of the Dolls, but this film will be one I watch many times for its beautiful message. It also will be one I recommend to my class. Kane's story illustrates many elements in theories of conversion as well as the role that religion can play in one's life. Rent or purchase a copy of New York Doll and see for yourself. You will be glad you did. Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero "It's amazing how good religion is at mobilizing people to do awful things." This line from Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero may be the one I will remember most. The program, part of Public broadcasting's Frontline series, considered the role of religion in the aftermath of the September 11th attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The show's creators interviewed many different people, asking them to describe how September 11th affected their faith. As you would expect, some reacted to the loss of their loved ones and to the lost sense of security by increasing their trust in God and the ideal of a heaven where they will be reunited. In other cases, people described a changed sense of what God is... or even whether God is. The two-hour program is fascinating. I was struck by comments offered by many of the people. For example, I had not heard of the Lutheran minister who was accused of heresy by his fellow Lutheran clergymen for praying with representatives of other religions during a service on September 23rd. His experience shows clearly that, contrary to a common stereotype in the US, the press for purity in the faith is not unique to Islam. As a human characteristic, it transcends religion and denomination. The overarching theme of the program strikes at the heart of religion and the questions of belief. Religion is about connection, whether with something or someone larger than oneself, with an ultimate being, or an ultimate meaning. This point was illustrated repeatedly throughout Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero. Some found religion, this connection, with God. Others found it in a renewed sense of connection with their remaining family members. Still others describe finding connection with the sacred space that the World Trade Center site has become for them. On the other hand, the people who describe a loss of religion illustrate the loss of connection. They no longer see God as being good, or even as existing, because of the terrible loss they feel. The sight of two people holding hands as they leapt from the upper floors of the building in order to escape the smoke and fire brought very different reactions. It prompted one person to feel a renewal in his faith, and a sense that love triumphs over a fear of death. Another witness to the same scene concluded, "If there is a God, he is a very indifferent God." One of the people who spoke most poignantly was an Episcopal priest who candidly describes how his faith is now strengthened in some ways but shaken in others. In his experience we see the complexity that many people experience, and few articulate. Although I wish that they had included more psychological perspectives than the depth psychologist they interviewed, Faith and Doubt at Ground Zero is definitely worth watching. In many locations in the US, you can see a rebroadcast of the program later this week or month. Check your local listings, or visit the PBS website to purchase a copy. Winged Migration On one level, this film has nothing at all to do with religion or with spirituality. But this film documenting birds' migration over thousands of miles left me feeling inspired and uplifted, awed at the beauty of life. Whether you believe in a world created by God in a few short days, or in a world that evolved over millennia, the remarkable journey portrayed in Winged Migration will touch you. It is an amazing film, well worth your time to view. DVD or VHS What Do You Believe? In What Do You Believe?, Sarah Feinbloom portrays a broad spectrum of religious belief among American teens. Aimed at young people interested in religion, What Do You Believe? focuses on how religion shapes and informs the lives of seven teens from Christian, Jewish, Pagan, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Native American religious perspectives. Feinbloom's interviews are light-handed, and we hear the individuals' perspectives clearly. They have different views not only on existential questions, but also on the role of religion in their lives. Some are confident that they know what happens after death, while others openly admit uncertainty. Similarly, some of the teens' behavior is guided by their religion, while others place a higher value on independence in thought and action. The picture presented here is fascinating and informative, sure to educate viewers. What Do You Believe? is especially well-suited for use in inter-religious groups or in classrooms. The downloadable discussion guide is much more complete than most, and it will surely facilitate use of the film in such settings. The guide highlights the important point that the people interviewed on the film are speaking from their own perspective, and are not representatives of those religions. Making such distinctions as these is critical if the film is to achieve its full educational effect. There is much food for thought in the interviews and I, for one, am heartened to know that these young people are actively wrestling with the issues they discuss. Viewers will grow to appreciate the deep thinking that these seven people have given to religion and its role in their lives. What Do You Believe? makes an important contribution to people's understanding of religion. It is ideal for youth groups or classroom use. For more information, to purchase or rent the film, or to download the discussion guide, visit What Do You Believe?. A Man for All Seasons Sir Thomas More's loyalty to his religion brings him in opposition to King Henry's desire for a divorce. More is framed, tried for treason, and behaded. A classic film, winner of 6 Academy Awards, and deserving each of them. VHS or DVD Andrei Rublev Perhaps the most beautiful film I have ever seen. The story of life and religion in 15th century Russia. It begins slowly, but grows to be a masterful examination of life amid adversity, of faith and perseverance. Winner of the International Critics Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. If you have a choice, watch the VHS version; the DVD version fails to capture the subtlety in the photography. VHS or DVD Babette's Feast Isak Dineson's story of a Parisien chef in a remote Danish village is a beautiful story of a gift of self-less service given to a religious community by an outsider.VHS or DVD Chocolat A fascinating story of religious strictures and prohibitions in a conservative, small-town French society, this film asks us to reconsider how we use religion to form judgments of others.VHS or DVD The Decalogue Ten films made for Polish television, each dedicated to one of the commandments. A thoughtful portrayal of how a faithful Christian sees the commandments to be relevant to modern life. Several of the films take a surprising turn. This series is often out of stock, but from time to time you can locate a set on the amazon marketplace or through auction sites such as ebay. These are the links to the complete set, but you should also be aware that you can obtain the VHS tapes separately (5 tapes, with 2 films on each).VHS or DVD Defending Your Life This comedy describes New Age beliefs very well and is an uproarious examination of courage, fear and love.VHS or DVD The Devil's Advocate An interesting exploration of hell and evil. It raises questions regarding individual agency/choice, temptation, and good vs. evil. Al Pacino is excellent in his role.VHS or DVD Electric Grandmother In this adaptation of Ray Bradbury's clasic story, you can consider what makes life, relationships, and individual growth important. What constitutes life? Your view may be changed after a thoughtful look at this film. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be available from Amazon.com, the Internet Movie Database, or any other source that I can locate. Fiddler on the Roof Tevye's faith and struggles with God convey much wisdom in this film. Nominated for 8 Academy Awards, and famous for its music, I like it even more for the dialogue.VHS or DVD Gandhi Gandhi's amazing, exemplary life is shown magnificantly in this picture that won 9 Academy Awards. An inspiring movie, it leaves me also feeling sad that his dream of a single India, united despite its religious differences, did not become a reality. Still, the world is a much better place as a result of his work and influence.VHS or DVD God's Army If you have ever wondered what it was like to be a Mormon missionary or to otherwise be motivated to proselytize your religion, watch God's Army. It conveys the challenges and rewards of proselytizing.VHS or DVD The Green Mile A powerful story of redemption and atonement. Far and away, this is one of the best films on this list.VHS or DVD Inherit the Wind The pivotal "Scopes Monkey Trial" portrayed to great effect by Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly. Very powerful acting, with one scene in the courtroom lasting 15 minutes on one "take" in order to convey the intensity of the drama.VHS or DVD Leap of Faith Comedian Steve Martin as a religious healer? Of course this has twists and turns, but this movie has a more uplifting story than you might expect.VHS Life is Beautiful Sweet and sad, Roberto Benigni plays a father in a concentration camp whose unique spirit reminds me of Vicktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning.VHS or DVD The Little Prince Antoine de Saint-Exupery's beautiful story about values and life. A simple film on the surface, with moving themes underneath, children and adults can find much food for thought in this musical.VHS Monty Python and the Holy Grail Pursuit of things holy was never sillier than in this classic Python film. VHS or DVD Monty Python's The Meaning of Life A hilarious depiction of things that people pursue in order to gain a sense of meaning. If you are easily offended, stay away from this film because you may well find the Python finger pointing at you! VHS or DVD O Brother, Where Art Thou? Homer's epid Odyssey set in the depression-era South. This isn't strictly about religious issues, but it includes John Goodman as a "Cyclops" who sells Bibles, and it shows how people wrap themselves in religion in order to gain credibility with an audience. VHS or DVD Waco: The Rules of Engagement An honest look at David Koresh, his Waco relgious group, and the government's efforts to prevent Koresh and his followers from worshipping God the way they saw fit. After you see the evidence, you may never again trust government officials.VHS Battle for the Minds Battle for the Minds is a compelling film that recounts the efforts of fundamentalists to take control of the Southern Baptist Convention during the 1980s and 90s. Producer/Director Steven Lipscomb succeeds not only in chronicling the fundamentalist shift in the largest Protestant denomination in the U.S., but he also effectively describes the belief system advocated by Paige Patterson and Paul Pressler, who orchestrated the takeover. This film is eminently well-suited for use in courses, and will stimulate lively discussion among students of religion. It illustrates a wide range of issues, from the "political" maneuvering that occurs in organizations to the way that individuals are affected by organizational change. This is particularly true of religious organizations, which claim to guide people through eternities. As the Southern Baptist Convention became increasingly fundamentalist, it began to exclude people with a broader interpretation of Christianity. The film depicts both the disappointment of Southern Baptists who now are left outside of their church, and the joy of fundamentalists who feel that the SBC now more closely reflects God's will. Regardless of your personal religious views, this is a fascinating examination of the way religion is played out in organizations. I highly recommend this film to you, and I'm not alone-- it has received numerous awards and high praise from Baptists, filmmakers, media, and film festival audiences. My students also have found the film to be very stimulating. It always provokes comments and discussion, and prompts students to think about religion in a new way. Battle for the Minds can be obtained either through the Battle for the Minds website, or through New Day Films.

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