Religious Belief: December on the WORLD Channel

 

 

This December, the WORLD Channel offers a compelling assortment of documentaries which explore a phenomenon as old as humanity itself. 

 

December 5, 12 -- 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.,  midnight

It takes a true calling to make faith a way of life. The Calling is a four-hour documentary series that follows seven Muslims, Catholics, Evangelical Christians, and Jews on a dramatic journey as they train to become professional clergy. Embarking on life paths that demand tremendous personal sacrifice and commitment, these seminarians must uphold timeless truths in an era that values quick fixes and hot trends, and face a public that challenges the very relevance of their mission. 

 

December 6, 13, 20 -- 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.,  midnight

How has religious belief shaped American history? What role have religious ideas and spiritual experience played in shaping the social, political, and cultural life of what has become the world’s most religiously diverse nation? God in America, a presentation of American Experience and Frontline explores the historical role of religion in the public life of the United States. The six-hour series interweaves documentary footage, historical dramatization and interviews with religious historians.

Link for God in America full episode descriptions:

 

December 19 -- 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.

Jews & Christians is a groundbreaking two–hour special that explores the common beliefs and rituals of two of the world’s most important religions. It also exposes the historical conflicts between Judaism and Christianity, making an impassioned argument for tolerance through increased understanding and the destruction of outdated stereotypes.

 

December 26 -- 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m., 8 p.m.

The history and principles of Islam are intrinsically linked with the world’s two other major religions, Judaism and Christianity. Three Faiths, One God  examines the religious beliefs and practices shared by Jews, Christians and Muslims to illustrate how many individuals in the Abrahamic faith communities are dealing with historical conflicts, yet remain dedicated to facilitating understanding and respect. 

 

December 27 -- 8 a.m., 2 p.m., 7 p.m.,  midnight                                                     

Beyond Theology addresses topics related to contemporary spiritual belief, values and emerging world views. Throughout the series, noted scholars and theologians provide their thoughts, insights and analysis about religion and spirituality. Ten half-hour episodes explore the history and development of the separation of church and state, notions of divinity, reconciling evolutionary theory and the Bible, the challenges confronting humanity, and the changing representations of God. 

 

December 27 --  8:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m. 

Renewal is the first feature-length documentary film to capture the vitality and diversity of today's religious-environmental activists. From within their Christian, Jewish, Buddhist and Muslim traditions, Americans are becoming caretakers of the Earth. With great courage, these women, men and children are re-examining what it means to be human and how we live on this planet. 

 

For further schedule information go to http://worldcompass.org/schedule

 

Tune into the WORLD Channel for the best news, documentary and public affairs programming from public television.  Visit www.WORLDcompass.org for related Web content  -- and join the discussions on Facebook and Twitter.

 

WORLD is produced and distributed by WGBH Boston, WNET.ORG, and American Public Television (APT) in association with the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). The WORLD channel is available in markets representing 50% of US TV  households. Funding for WORLD is provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB).