Genesis Media Works releases The Religious Test, a feature documentary about Mormons and politics.

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul. 23, 2012 - Genesis Media Works, in collaboration with M83 Media, is pleased to announce the release of the documentary feature, The Religious Test, an independent film production unaffiliated with or endorsed by any church, political candidate, political party, or PAC.

According to a 2011 Gallup Poll, 1 in 5 Americans say that they would not vote for a Mormon (“If your party nominated a generally well-qualified person for president who happened to be Mormon, would you vote for that person?” 22% answered “No.”) Similar results have come from the same polls since first recorded in 1967.

This question is more compelling than ever now that a Mormon (a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) is a presidential nominee. Will America continue its trepidation toward voting for a Mormon? Or will we see views evolve in a large scale similar to what happened with Catholics with JFK’s election?

The documentary examines the historical narrative of Mormonism and captures how this particular American religion has developed politically over time. It also informs viewers about perceptions and misconceptions regarding Mormon faith and culture.

Professor and author, Joanna Brooks notes, “The 21st Century is going to be very important for Mormons. We’re going to establish how we relate to the rest of the world. And that’s coming right to the fore in the 2012 presidential contest.”

Although Mormonism is currently in the political spotlight, the film also explores the balance between Article VI and the 1st Amendment and what that means for democracy and religious freedom for all individuals and groups in America.

The film features political leaders, academics, and authors such as Senator Joseph Lieberman, Richard Bushman, Joanna Brooks, Ralph Hancock, Richard Mouw, Kirk Jowers, Kathleen Flake, Matthew Bowman, Daniel Peterson, Laurel Ulrich, David Campbell, and Nathan Oman, to name a few. The Religious Test will spark interfaith and inter-party discussion about where the line should be drawn between political due diligence (including discrimination) and constitutional fidelity.

View the trailer here: http://youtu.be/4mvShCOHY_c



Watch the first chapter free in HD on YouTube: http://youtu.be/ifsztWik9XU
The full film is available for rent or purchase online at: http://www.thereligioustest.com

Genesis Media Works, founded in 2006 and is based in Salt Lake City, Utah, produces transformative social documentary films.

Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/11931007/1