Journey to the Heart of the Faith
Synopsis
As the world becomes more chaotic, spiritual seekers are looking for answers. Where is God in all this? Drive around any town and they’ll see churches—monuments to something. But why does Christianity look so different from one place to the next? Why is there not a single Christianity, but “Christianities”—a divided faith, split by politics, beliefs, and more.
And what exactly is a Christian? Join our host, John Heers, as he travels the world to ask these profound questions. John is not an academician or a sociologist, but a storyteller and keen student of history, navigating the diverse landscapes of faith with curiosity and humor. This documentary will take you on a wild journey through the heart of faith, identity, and culture by interviewing spiritual and intellectual leaders from around the world.
We’ll uncover the many faces of Christianity, exploring its divisions and commonalities, and how the ancient faith persists despite the rise of secularism and paganism. Let’s figure out what’s going on with all these Christianities—and enjoy some comic relief along the way.
Why This Film Matters
In a time when many feel disconnected from their spiritual roots and seek deeper meaning, Christianities? offers a profound exploration of faith, identity, and community.
The Search for Authentic Christianity
Many people today feel alienated by the shallow expressions of Christianity influenced by politics, social clout, and pop culture. This film tackles these issues head-on by exploring how Christianity offers something infinitely more profound. By delving into questions of identity and community, the documentary seeks to help viewers seeking to get to the heart of the ancient Faith.
Shallow Christianity is Dying
At the heart of Christianity lies the personal experience of the Faith. The film underscores the transformative power of individual encounters with God, highlighting how personal experiences shape and define one’s understanding of Christianity. This focus on personal experience not only adds depth to our story but demonstrates that Christianity cannot be understood simply as a set of beliefs but as a genuine union with Christ.
The Search for Historical and Intellectual Continuity
Christianities? explores the historical, intellectual, and spiritual continuity of Christianity, or lack thereof today. By interviewing theologians, influencers and everyday believers, the film presents a cohesive understanding of faith that appeals to both the heart and the mind.
Addressing the Divisions Within Christianity
The film comes at a pivotal time when Christianity appears more divided than ever, splintered by politics, beliefs, and social issues. Christianities? seeks to understand these divides and does not shy away from the complexities and contradictions within different traditions. By doing so, the film hopes to help us to see what is truly important and get closer to the Truth.
Our Team
John Heers – Documentarian
John Heers is founder of First Things Foundation. John worked overseas as a water resource manager in Mali, serving the Peace Corps for nearly three years. He studied history and education at Columbia University, earning a Masters Degree. By 1995 John was once again overseas working in the Georgian Republic overseeing the delivery of emergency relief to widows suffering the effects of the civil war with Abkhazia. After nearly nine years teaching in the South Bronx and Harlem in New York City, John assisted Erin Duffy in the founding of Seacrest Country Day School High School, in Naples Florida. In between he once again served in the development field working in Haiti for over a year. Of late First Things has produced a podcast (Heavy Things Lightly), a substack, opened new sites abroad and even a restaurant here in the United States, Keipi Restaurant in Greenville South Carolina (a non-profit restaurant specializing in Georgian cuisine and culture). There he is a Tamada; a toastmaster in the tradition of the Georgian Supra. John sadly roots hard for the Mets, Jets and Knicks, a special kind of self-inflicted pain.
Scooter Downey – Director
Steven “Scooter” Downey is a documentary filmmaker behind the best-selling feature documentary Hoaxed and the Fox Nation doc series hit Tucker Carlson Originals. He’s made videos and documentaries for the biggest names in media.
Steven currently resides in Nashville, TN with his wife and two sons, where they attend an Orthodox Christian parish.
Cost Breakdown
Creating a film of this scope and reach requires significant resources, and this is where your support becomes crucial. By contributing to this Indiegogo campaign, you are helping us to:
Travel and Conduct Interviews – Your contributions will enable us to visit multiple countries and interview a diverse range of people, capturing a wide array of perspectives on Christianity.
Professional Production – High-quality equipment and a skilled crew are essential for creating a visually stunning and impactful film. Your support will help us achieve the production standards necessary to tell this story effectively.
Cover Post-Production Costs – Editing, sound design, and scoring are critical for delivering a polished final product. Your contributions will ensure that the film is professionally finished and ready for distribution.
Distribute the Film Widely – We aim to reach a global audience through film festivals, streaming platforms, and more. Your support will help us share this important story with as many people as possible.
Perks
These perks make it easy to support this unique project!
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