Ep 3. I'm Breaking up with My Religion
- TV-14
- December 16, 2014
- 41 min
In the True Life season 15 episode 3 titled "I'm Breaking Up with My Religion," viewers are taken on a journey with three young adults as they struggle to come to terms with their changing beliefs and the potential consequences of leaving their respective religions.
The first story follows a young woman named Leah who was raised in a strict Jehovah's Witness household. She has reached a point in her life where she is questioning the religion's teachings and rules, specifically the ban on holidays and birthdays. Leah is torn between her desire to experience the things she's missed out on and the fear of being disfellowshipped and shunned by her family and community if she leaves the religion.
The second story follows a man named Amir who is openly gay and was raised in a conservative Muslim household. He has struggled with reconciling his sexual orientation with his faith, which views homosexuality as a sin. Amir has decided to come out to his family and make a bold move to start his own inclusive mosque.
The third story focuses on a woman named Jessica who was raised in a strict Evangelical Christian household. She has come to the realization that her beliefs no longer align with the teachings of her religion and has decided to leave it altogether. However, doing so means she will have to come out to her family and community as an atheist, which is highly stigmatized in her culture.
Throughout the episode, viewers get to see the emotional toll that leaving one's religion can take. Each of the three individuals struggles with the fear of losing their families and social networks, and the uncertainty that comes with stepping into the unknown. However, they also recognize the importance of living their truth and following their instincts, even if it means breaking with tradition.
Viewers will be moved by the bravery and vulnerability of these young adults as they navigate their shifting beliefs and identities. The episode serves as a reminder that for many, faith is not a static pillar, but rather a journey that can evolve over time.