We've had some great book discussions on Mothertalkers. In light of the recent gaggle of posts concerning children and religion, I'd like to propose a movie confab that focuses on the same theme. Of course, this will have to happen a few weeks down the road, to give interested folks a chance to rent the flicks.

The two films I'd like to recommend are Jesus Camp and The Devil's Playground. Both of these documentaries  are engrossing, filled with interesting characters, and bring up poignant questions about religion and family.

Devil's Playground is about the Amish tradition of rumspringa --  the Pennsylvania Dutch word for "running around" -- a rite of passage for Amish teenagers.

They live in a strict society, under tight control of their family and close-knit community. But when they turn 16, Amish teenagers are allowed the freedom to explore the customs of the outside "English" world -- including alcohol, drugs and sex -- before deciding whether to join the Amish church for life or leave the community altogether.

Spoiler alert: You haven't partied until you've partied like an Amish teen turned out raw into the secular world.