Paper short abstract:

Toomas is an Estonian Orthodox clergyman who is deeply committed to music. He is a deacon at church and a DJ in clubs and radio. It is a controversial combination even in a largely secular country like Estonia. But is the gap between religious and secular life as wide as it is typically assumed?

Paper long abstract:

TAGLINE: The Absolute is not only at church, the Absolute is everywhere.

My film explores the relationship between secular and religious life. The main protagonist, Toomas "Don" Erikson, is an Estonian Orthodox clergyman who as well is deeply committed to music. He expresses that commitment through being an Ethno and Reggae music DJ and working as a presenter at radio. It is a combination that comes across as surprising and raises questions even in a largely secular country like Estonia.

The secular world tends to look at Christianity through a prism of stereotypes. Due to the conservative history of the church it is often believed that there is no place for liberal expression in religious life. During my research I set out to explore whether the gap between religious and secular life is as wide as it is typically assumed.

"Ethno and Reggae music generally invites people to give meaning to the world in a very amicable way. I could say that it is the same thing that I do at church. Just through different symbols. Because the Absolute is not only at church, the Absolute is everywhere." - Toomas Erikson