Raw Faith

Raw Faith is a compelling, thought-provoking documentary directed by Peter Wiedensmith. Released in 2010, the film features the inspiring life story of Rev. Dr. Marilyn Sewell, a feminist and outspoken religious leader. While the film intimately narrates the journey of one woman, it masterfully intertwines the wider themes of faith, feminism, social justice, and human connection within its narrative. This exploration has created a resonance with audiences across different walks of life, regardless of their religious belief or lack thereof.

At its core, Raw Faith centers around a two-year transition period in the life of Marilyn Sewell, the seemingly unshakeable and admired senior minister at the First Unitarian Church in Portland, Oregon. It exposes audiences to the everyday life of the protagonist, from her usual pastoral duties to deep, challenging matters of her heart. The film does an exceptional job of detailing her leader-like charisma and exhibition of authentic faith that genuinely resonates with her 1,200 followers while concurrently unraveling her underlying fears and insecurities.

Marilyn is not depicted as an untouchable, flawless character, but rather, the documentary highlights her candidness, vulnerability, and the real struggles of being a woman in a predominant male role. It uncovers her self-reflection on her personal life, her doubts about her singlehood, and the question of the real cost of her devotion to the greater cause - a life lacking personal, intimate relationships.

With a penchant for stirring thought and emotion, Raw Faith brings the audience onto a complex and emotional roller coaster ride, especially as it focuses on Marilyn's brave decision to leave her twenty-five-year long ministerial career behind to journey into the land of the unknown in search of more profound love and companionship.

One significant aspect of this documentary is the way it intertwines Marilyn's personal narrative with her profound social stance; viewers see her grappling with questions of inequality, morality, and spirituality. The film also provides a space where visitors can consider her progressive Unitarian Universalist views, a liberal religion that emphasizes respect and tolerance for all, even within the complexity of religious pluralism.

Moreover, her interviews with other spiritual teachers, such as Bishop John Shelby Spong, add a philosophical dimension to the film goes beyond the superficial to dive deep into issues of faith, love, and personal sacrifices. These dialogues provide an enlightening perspective on existential questions and serve as food for thought for the audience.

Wiedensmith captivates the audience by adopting the fly-on-the-wall style of filmmaking, where the camera, instead of intruding, observes, creating an intimacy with the subjects. The honest and open settings, combined with the unscripted conversations, add a certain realism to the film, allowing audiences to immerebellishted on the life journey of an extraordinary woman.

As viewers become privy to the internal struggles and philosophies of Marilyn, they also get a sense of her undeniable charisma and prowess as a pastor. Whether it's delivering eloquent sermons or counseling the bereaved, Marilyn's compassion and intelligent understanding of complex human emotions and situations are truly admirable. These moments truly capture her role as a beacon of hope and solace to her community, casting a spotlight on her unique ability to discern and communicate age-old wisdom in a modern context.

However, Raw Faith is not merely a biography. It simultaneously acts as a commentary on social justice, love, feminism, and faith. It raises questions about the personal cost of public service, the delicate balance between selflessness and self-care, and the courage it takes to follow one's heart when the path is unclear. It encourages viewers to reflect on their stereotypes, belief systems, and how they perceive their leaders—far from the cliché tale of a religious leader; it's a story of a humanitarian, a woman, a solitary soul in search of fulfillment in every dimension of her life.

Overall, Raw Faith offers an intimate and inspirational look into the life of a woman who dares to redefine her destiny, a reassurance that it's never too late to pursue one's heart's desire. It is a film that will prompt audiences to ponder their lives and the societal norms they adhere to and leave them with lingering questions about faith, love, and personal sacrifice.