Finding Religion

With a resurgence in religious popularity growing alongside the counter weight of anti-religious cynicism, what exactly does religion in America mean today? The sacred and the profane often occupy the same space, brushing up against each other with all the finesse of plate tectonics. The result? A hybrid of sacred profanities emerging in typical postmodern fashion. A plethora of quazi-religious pop-culture oddities-- somewhere between Trinity Network programming, Harvest Festivals, and mass WWJD/NOTW merchandise, it seems that we are facing a national epidemic of spiritual obesity. Our Big Gulp cups have officially runneth over.

“America! America! God shed His grace on thee...”

In an attempt to discover what today’s society offers up as sacred, I thought it only appropriate to investigate this pop-religion phenomenon by relying entirely on chance (divine guidance, if you will). Neither knowing ahead of time what I might find nor tipped off to some curiosity or destination, I would keep my mind and eyes open, seeking with faith that the aim of my camera would be true.

So what is sacred in America? It would seem that both the religious and secular are selling out and buying in to each other, the sacred getting lost in the shuffle. Collaboration usually leads to new ideas, yet here it just makes the waters muddier.

Ah well, truth is a personal journey anyway. I invite the viewer to join me as I search for meaning (and truth), wherever it may be…



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