Around the World in 80 Faiths

Around the World in 80 Faiths is a unique, engaging, and thought-provoking television series that takes viewers on a truly global journey exploring various religious beliefs around the world. The 2009 program, which is available for viewing on BritBox, is anchored by the hospitable and enlightened Peter Owen-Jones, a Church of England vicar. The series is a fascinating exploration of the wide range of faiths and spiritual practices that shape people's lives worldwide.

With a total of eight episodes, the series traverses the entire globe to capture the broad diversity and incredible depth of human spirituality. From the most ancient of indigenous religions still practiced today to the most recent spiritual movements, Around the World in 80 Faiths leaves no stone unturned. This ambitious spiritual tour captures the breadth and depth of human belief, covering faiths as mainstream as Christianity and Islam, lesser-known local beliefs, and even extinct religions.

Peter Owen-Jones, with his compassionate, open-minded approach, offers a fresh and dynamic perspective that never preaches but provokes thought instead. With his deep curiosity about the variety and unity of human spiritual expressions, he allows viewers to connect with the distinct faith traditions in ways they may never have considered before. His encounters with believers across the globe and his humble willingness to experience their rituals, unwaveringly respectful and open-minded, allows the viewers to glimpse into the intimate faith practices with unique insider perspectives.

A standout aspect of Around the World in 80 Faiths is its careful handling of a sensitive issue as profound as religion. It never falls into the trap of judging, belittling or sensationalizing the beliefs it encounters. Instead, it projects a deep respect for all faiths and the people who practice them. The series emphasizes that faith, in its many forms, is a central pillar of humanity's shared experience and central to understanding different cultures.

The series begins in Australia and the Pacific, where, amid glorious landscapes, old and new gods, traditions and rituals come alive. The show then moves to Asia, a continent incredibly rich in religious traditions. The Far East’s Buddhists, Confucians, and Taoists are given deep and respectful attention, as are the myriad faiths of the Subcontinent. The Middle East, the cradle of the Abrahamic faiths, features prominently, with the rich tapestry of beliefs in Africa and across Europe and the Americas subsequently center stage.

Each episode is beautifully shot, capturing not just the faith practices but also the stunning environments in which they're performed. The cinematography further deepens the immersive quality of the show, making it visually engaging and providing a unique aesthetic pleasure along with remarkable insights into various faiths across the world.

Taken as a whole, Around the World in 80 Faiths serves as both a robust guide to the world’s spiritual traditions and a compelling adventure series. For viewers with or without religious affiliations, there's plenty to enjoy, learn, and contemplate in the series. Whether it’s the deep understanding it provides of different belief systems or the touching and often unexpected human stories it reveals, Around the World in 80 Faiths will undoubtedly expand your worldview and deepen your appreciation of the diversity and shared humanity in us all. It underscores the message of unity in diversity, allowing for both the celebration of differences and the fostering of common ground.

Perfect for those interested in religion, cultural diversity, and global understanding, the series provides an extraordinary platform to inspire dialogue, mutual respect, and tolerance. It is an invitation to open your mind, expand your horizon, and quench your curiosity about spiritual practices worldwide. Around the World in 80 Faiths isn’t just informative, immersive, and visually stunning; it’s also an essential viewing experience in the spirit of global brotherhood and understanding.