An Introduction to: A 21st Century Love Story

The idea of atheism finding a home in the vastly Christianized Midwest has always intrigued me; and as a reporter, it's a story idea that's been knawing at the back of my neck. I find it fascinating how adverse our society is to the idea; it's a bit like being a leper, isn't it? Be honest with yourself: would you vote for an atheist? In the Midwest, professing atheism is indeed a surefire way to keep one out of public office and away from small children.

As I've discovered (although only scratching the surface, I'm sure) this disposition is indeed distinctively ours; in Europe for example, one is prompted to defend a belief in a higher being rather than the reverse. When I was in Berlin last year with a group of Eastern European journalists, I was inwardly shocked by the number of agnostics, atheists and friends who simply couldn't be bothered to entertain any musings at all. I myself was rendered mute, wracking my brain to find a justification for this faith of mine after it had been severed from its context. “So this is why they encouraged me to surround myself with likeminded Christians,” I thought, “it’s just easier.” It had always been so easy to witness to a society where Christianity is the norm. Things one just feels—like thankfulness and humbleness—are difficult to rationally attribute to a savoir, when the relationship has always just "existed". But I digress.

Cory Heidelberger's beliefs captured my interest long before I started thinking critically about my own faith; I had been looking for a reason to pick his brain, and upon discovering his was married to a Lutheran minister, couldn’t resist asking them to star in my news story, as much for my own benefit as my GPA’s. I was wildly curious as to how a relationship as intimate and all encompassing as a marriage survives without the foundation of faith.

In the shorter video segments, you’ll hear Erin and Cory discuss some of my biggest questions at length—issues I was not able to touch on in my 1:45 minute news package. They include:
1. How did their pastor react to them wanting to get married in a church?
2. Does Cory live differently as an atheist?
3. What happens when Katarzyna starts asking the tough questions that put them in opposing corners?

I gained insight into the variety and flexibility of human relationships while shooting this piece, but more than anything I was reminded I still have so much to learn. Like me, this piece is merely scratching the surface; but I hope it encourages you to think about your relationships, their foundations, and the possibility of connecting with people you’ve never considered.