The Calling

The Calling is an inspiring four-hour documentary series that was aired on PBS in 2010. This thought-provoking series provides an intimate look at the lives of seven young Americans who have chosen to make religion their life's work, opting to dedicate their lives to service as part of a variety of faiths. The immersive series takes viewers on a journey of spiritual exploration and examines the tumultuous, challenging, yet rewarding lives of these individuals, relaying their experiences with grace, subtlety, and honesty.

The series attempts to delve into the motivations, fears, sacrifices, and triumphs of these individuals in their spiritual quests. The Calling follows two Muslims, three Christians, a Jew, and a Buddhist over a period of time, offering a unique window into their personal, spiritual, and professional journeys into religious life. The series centers on the growth and transformation of these seven diverse individuals as they make their journey from their secular past to their religious future.

One of the major strengths of The Calling is its diversity. By embracing numerous religious backgrounds and traditions, the series provides an inclusive, non-judgmental perspective of faith. It bridges the gap between different religions and showcases the humanity that lies at the heart of all spiritual beliefs.

The three Christian participants come from vastly different Christian traditions: Evangelical Christianity, Lutheranism, and Catholicism. Each of their journeys demonstrates different challenges and opportunities within their respective communities. The series also demonstrates the Muslim community's depth, showcasing two Muslim subjects embarking on seemingly contrasting paths, one on a journey to become an Imam and the other to become a Muslim Chaplain in a correctional facility.

In the same vein, the series examines a Jewish participant grappling with redefining her role as a female Rabbi in a community with rigid gender roles. The Buddhist participant's narrative, on the other hand, breaks stereotypical borders by showcasing an African American woman striving to become a full-fledged Zen priest.

Apart from showcasing an individual's spiritual journey, The Calling also depicts the impact of their choices on their personal relationships. It showcases how the commitments required of religious life can give rise to familial tension, relationship difficulties, and social isolation. Moreover, these individuals grapple with both internal and external expectations, as well as the growing pains of leading a congregation or serving a community.

The series paints an engaging picture of how these different individuals transition into spiritual leadership. It delves into their struggle to harmonize their personal beliefs with their faith's doctrines, fostering a deep sense of connection between their secular and spiritual lives. They also grapple with societal challenges, prejudice, and, in some cases, hostility while maintaining their faith's sanctity and values.

Through these thoughtful narratives, The Calling hopes to foster dialogue and mutual understanding among individuals with varying viewpoints, promoting empathy and respect for diversity of belief. It is not merely a depiction of clergy's life but a broader exploration of the spiritual odyssey that each individual undergoes in their journey towards faith and service.

The Calling strikes a balance between sobering realism and inspiring idealism, revealing the often-unseen layers beneath the surface of religious life. It's a look at where the personal meets the spiritual, where faith encounters doubt, and where the religious merges with the secular. With its nuanced exploration of faith, service, culture, and human stories, The Calling offers a unique and highly empathetic perspective on religious life in the modern world.

Director Danny Alpert's vision is an honest and sensitive portrayal of interfaith dialogue that poses broader questions about the role and value of religious service in contemporary society. This enriching series welcomes viewers into these personal stories of fight and faith, challenge and change, inviting them to rethink and reflect upon their understanding about religion and religious leadership. The Calling is a compelling exploration of the complexities of a committed religious life and the transformative power of faith and service. The series comes off as a celebration of the multi-faced mosaic that is American religious life, while edifying the essence of faith and compassion that ties humanity together across spiritual diversities.

In sum, The Calling is more than just a PBS documentary; it's a journey towards mutual understanding, a celebration of spiritual diversity, and an invaluable exploration of the human condition through the lens of faith.