Since the early 2000s, loneliness, anxiety, and a hunger for purpose have surged—fueling what many researchers call a “crisis of meaning.” Many Americans are turning to political tribes, where belonging is built on division and animosity. Others are retreating into isolation, lost in the negative feedback loops of social media and escapism. Meanwhile, new religious movements offer salvation through us-versus-them thinking, deepening societal divides rather than fostering connection and wellbeing.

 

Why is this happening? Traditional religious institutions point to three decades of declining church attendance and waning religious affiliation. But Threads asks: What if Americans aren’t hungry for meaning because they’re leaving the church—what if they’re leaving the church because they’re hungry for meaning?

 

Rather than presenting a choice between rigid faith or total rejection, Threads explores a third path—one of curiosity, renewed awe, and authentic connection with fellow humans. Together we ask the questions we aren't supposed to ask: religion, ritual, sin, salvation, prayer, faith, repentance, heaven, hell, GOD... what if these don’t mean what we’ve been told?

 

The Rigorous Skeptic, the Spiritual Seeker, the Questioning Christian: all are invited into this epic retracing of our mythological and religious inheritance. As people all around the modern world cry "what is my life for?", Threads embarks on cinematic journey into our deepest sources of meaning and purpose, in order to reclaim ancient, forgotten, and awe-inspiring answers.