Raw Faith

Watch Raw Faith

"Love...even if it takes a lifetime."
  • NR
  • 2011
  • 1 hr 32 min
  • 8.4  (72)

Raw Faith, released in 2010, is a compelling documentary film that explores the life of Marilyn Sewell, a progressive feminist minister, and the challenges she faces as a leader in a male-dominated field. The film is directed by Peter Wiedensmith and produced by Moira Simpson. Marilyn Sewell, an accomplished author and theologian, began her career as a minister in Portland, Oregon. The film follows her journey as she grapples with personal struggles, including a painful divorce, and professional challenges, including being marginalized by other religious leaders for her unconventional views. Sewell's honesty and vulnerability are on full display, as she opens up about how her faith has helped her navigate difficult times in her life.

The film highlights the tensions that exist within modern religious institutions, as Sewell struggles to reconcile her beliefs with the more fundamentalist views held by many of her colleagues. Raw Faith offers a candid look at the role of religion in contemporary society, and how it can both inspire and limit individuals seeking to make a difference in the world.

Throughout the film, Sewell's charisma and intellect are evident, as she delivers stirring sermons and engages in thoughtful discussions with members of her congregation. She advocates for broader social change, including the rights of LGBTQ individuals and the need to address climate change. Yet, despite her many accomplishments, she is haunted by the question of whether her work is enough to make a real difference in the world.

Aside from Sewell's personal journey, Raw Faith also provides a fascinating look at the challenges faced by women in religious leadership roles. Sewell recounts her experiences of being undermined or dismissed by male colleagues, and her attempts to overcome these challenges by forging alliances with other like-minded women. The film makes a powerful case for the need for greater diversity within religious institutions, both in terms of gender and ideology.

While the focus of the film is predominantly on Sewell, it also explores the lives of some of her congregants, who share their own struggles and triumphs. One woman speaks movingly about coming out as a lesbian in a hostile religious environment, while another describes how her involvement with the church has helped her overcome addiction. These personal stories serve to underscore the importance of faith in peoples' lives, and the role that ministers like Sewell can play in providing support and guidance.

Overall, Raw Faith is a thought-provoking and inspiring film that explores the complex interplay between faith, gender, and politics. Its exploration of the life of Marilyn Sewell, one of the most remarkable religious figures of our time, is a compelling portrait of a woman who has dedicated her life to helping others, while grappling with her own demons. The film is sure to resonate with viewers of all faiths and backgrounds, and to inspire discussions about the intersection of religion and social change.

Raw Faith is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.4.

Description
Where to Watch Raw Faith
Raw Faith is available to watch free on Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download on demand at . Some platforms allow you to rent Raw Faith for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2011
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 32 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (72)