Watch Losing Our Religion

" Losing Our Religion" is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that explores the growing phenomenon of people choosing to leave behind their religious beliefs and live a life of non-belief. Directed by Leslea Mair, the film features interviews with prominent atheists and secular thinkers, including Dan Barker, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Julia Sweeney, and Ryan Bell.

The documentary opens with a montage of clips from various news channels and social media platforms, highlighting the rise of atheism and non-belief in the United States and around the world. From the rise of the so-called "nones" - people who identify as having no religious affiliation - to the increasing number of atheists speaking out against religious indoctrination, it's clear that a paradigm shift is underway.

Dan Barker, former evangelical preacher turned atheist activist, is one of the key interviewees in the documentary. Barker talks about his journey from being a devout Christian to becoming an atheist, and how he now looks back on his years as a preacher with a sense of regret. Barker now advocates for secularism and separation of church and state, arguing that religion has no place in politics or public life.

Another prominent voice in the documentary is Richard Dawkins, the renowned evolutionary biologist and outspoken atheist. Dawkins discusses the concept of "meme theory", which posits that ideas and cultures behave similarly to genes in that they evolve and replicate. Dawkins argues that religion is a particularly virulent "meme" that has evolved to exploit human psychology and emotions, allowing it to spread and dominate in societies around the world.

Daniel Dennett, a philosopher and cognitive scientist, offers insights into the science of religion and why it persists in human culture. Dennett argues that religion evolved as a way for humans to make sense of the world around us, to find meaning in our existence, and to create social cohesion. However, he also notes that religion has been responsible for much of the world's violent conflicts, and that it's critical for humanity to find ways to move beyond it.

Throughout the documentary, we hear from everyday people who have left behind their religious beliefs in search of a more rational and evidence-based worldview. From a young woman who was raised in a strict Seventh-day Adventist family to a former pastor who lost faith in his church's teachings, each person shares their personal struggles and triumphs in coming to terms with their new beliefs.

One of the most powerful moments in the documentary is when we meet Ryan Bell, a former pastor who made national headlines when he pledged to live for a year as an atheist. Bell discusses the challenges he faced in transitioning from a life of faith to a life of reason and how he came to embrace his new identity as an atheist. He also speaks about his ongoing work as an activist for secularism and atheism.

Overall, "Losing Our Religion" is a fascinating and insightful documentary that examines the shifting attitudes towards religion in contemporary society. It offers a nuanced and varied view of non-belief, highlighting the diverse array of people who identify as atheists and the many reasons why they have chosen to leave religion behind. Whether you're a believer or a non-believer, this documentary is sure to stimulate thought and discussion about the role of religion in our lives and in society as a whole.

Losing Our Religion is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.