Watch Same God

"Same God" is a thought-provoking documentary directed by Linda Midgett that follows the life of Dr. Larycia Hawkins - a Christian professor who faced backlash after donning a hijab in solidarity with Muslims in the wake of President Trump's proposed travel ban. The documentary explores issues of religious freedom, Islamophobia, and the role of Christianity in modern society.

The movie provides a glimpse into the life and career of Dr. Hawkins. We see her interacting with her students, engaging in scholarly discussions, and passionately advocating for social justice. She is a proud African American woman who has dedicated her life to spreading the message of God's love, compassion, and inclusivity.

However, her decision to wear a hijab triggered a firestorm of controversy. Some conservative Christians accused her of promoting Islam at the expense of Christianity, while others accused her of being a terrorist sympathizer. The documentary takes us through the intense scrutiny and criticism she faced from her own institution and the broader public.

But Dr. Hawkins did not stand alone. We also get to know Dr. Michael Mangis - a fellow Christian professor who supported her cause and stood by her throughout the ordeal. Dr. Mangis and his wife Patti provide a stark contrast to the conservative Christians who vilified Dr. Hawkins. They are a welcoming, open-minded couple who embrace diversity and reject divisive rhetoric.

The movie's central strength lies in its honest portrayal of the complexity of religious identities and their consequences in a world increasingly fraught with tension. It highlights the critical role of religion in shaping our worldviews and how we perceive and interact with others. It asks questions such as, "What does it mean to be a Christian?" "How do we deal with religious diversity?" and "How can we bridge divides and build relationships?"

The film is also a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power. Dr. Hawkins' commitment to standing up against injustice is inspiring and timely, particularly in this era of political and social upheaval.

Overall, "Same God" is a must-see documentary that challenges our assumptions and asks us to confront our biases. It shows us the power of religion to both divide and unite us, and the urgency of finding common ground across our differences. Above all, it reminds us of the strength and resilience of those who refuse to be silenced by fear and hate.

Same God is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.