The thoughtful and insightful documentary Heathens explores the experience of people tortured by the social consequences of losing their religious faith. Directors David Cowan and Shawn Hardin introduce us to five people emotionally scarred by the hostile reactions of loved ones and peers.
Of course, the American right to choose one’s religion also protects the choice NOT to believe. But for people raised in intensely immersive religious communities, leaving a church can risk isolation, disconnection and ostracism. The sudden loss of all of one’s family and friends has to be traumatic. Much of Heathens takes place at a retreat for these trauma survivors in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Heathens cites research that over 80 million American adults hide their religious doubts or exaggerate their religiosity. The subjects in Heathens are former Protestant evangelicals. Although there aren’t any former Catholics, Mormons, Jews or Muslims in Heathens, the insights are universal to any fundamentalist faith community which is enveloping and judgemental.
Heathens screens tonight in San Francisco at the Commonwealth Club. For future screenings, visit the Heathens website.