Curriculum and Learning Resources

What Do You Believe?

A new documentary about American teenagers, spirituality and freedom of religion

Reviewed by Pat Hoertdoerfer
Children, Family and Intergenerational Programs Director
Lifespan Faith Development, UUA
Boston, MA

This wonderful documentary explores the religious pluralism that most of our youth experience today. Watching this video and then using the study guide, which can be downloaded from the Internet at no cost, would make a great youth group activity. This documentary challenges viewers to see the religious diversity that exist in their schools and communities. The video is available from the UUA RE Loan Library or you may order it for your own library by using the information below. Jesse Jaeger, UUA Youth Programs Director

"Evocative," and one of the "Bay Area's Best!" The San Francisco Chronicle

"An hour with these responsible, thoughtful and tolerant teenagers is guaranteed to renew your faith in young people." 25th Annual Mill Valley Film Festival

What Do You Believe? profiles a rich collection of teens as they share their most personal beliefs about God, morality, prayer, death, suffering, the purpose of life, and freedom of religion in the United States. Weaving in-depth profiles with fast-moving commentary from scores of California teens, this 50-minute-documentary paints a broad picture of the religious and spiritual lives of American youth and delves deeply into the issues that are at the heart of being human. The film features Buddhist, Catholic, Muslim, Native American, Pagan, Jewish and Christian teens and portrays a new emerging religious diversity in the United States. There is an accompanying 29-page discussion and study guide that includes interfaith activities, classroom projects, and opportunities for reflection.

"A compelling educational peacemaking film without being didactic, sectarian, or doctrinaire. Every public school, congregation and youth program in the country should have a copy of it." Rev. Paul Chaffee, Director of the Interfaith Center at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA

"This richly textured documentary portrays the variety of different religious traditions in the United States as well as the quest by youth for an authentic spirituality. It should serve as an excellent teaching tool at the high school and college levels." Donald E. Miller, Executive Director of the Center For Religion and Civic Culture, University of Southern California

To order a copy please go to: www.newday.com or call 1-888-367-9154
To learn more about the What Do You Believe? Project go to: www.whatdoyoubelieve.org

Director/Producer: Sarah Feinbloom, Director of Photography: Klara Grunning-Harris Editors: Anne Flatte and Nathaniel Dorsky, Executive Producer: Lenny Lieberman Music: Paul Scriver, and Andy Kulberg & Chris Michie

Funding and support by: The Shinnyo-En Foundation, Philo Television, The California Council for the Humanities, The Pacific Pioneer Fund, The Paul Robeson Fund for Independent Media, The Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, HellerCunningham, The Interfaith Center at the Presidio, United Muslims of America, Indigenous Nations Network, Hayward Buddhist Temple, Reclaiming and A&R Partners.