New Religious PBS Programs in 2010

PBS will show three documentaries that explore faith and the varieties of religious expression in the United States, which is widely recognized as one of the most religiously observant and diverse nations in the world. "GOD IN AMERICA," "THE BUDDHA," and "THE CALLING" will air in 2010 on certain PBS affiliates.

GOD IN AMERICA will address the more than 500 years of American religious history from the voyage of Christopher Columbus to the 2008 presidential election as well as the huge variety of religious manifestation.

THE BUDDHA will be a two-hour documentary from Emmy Award winner David Grubin relating the life of the Indian sage who famously gained enlightenment as he sat beneath a fig tree two-and-a-half millennia ago. This film tells the Buddha's story through painting and sculptures by some of the world's greatest artists and tracks his biography across the sweeping landscapes of northern India and addresses contemporary Buddhist leaders in today's pluralistic world.

THE CALLING will be a four-hour documentary series by Danny Alpert that follows eight individuals on their dramatic journey into the clergy from the perspective of different faiths - Islam, Catholicism, Evangelical Christianity and Judaism. This will be a fresh look at an ancient profession - religious leadership. It will document the unknown world of seminaries to tell the compelling stories of young, dynamic and thoughtful subjects, all of whom have to balance religious convictions, rigorous academics, personal relationships, dedication to lifelong service, as well as struggles with ambivalence and uncertainty.

Read a full story at RNS.