Katie Cleary is a model, actor, entrepreneur, and documentary maker. She has not only hung out with some of the biggest names in Hollywood – but also headed out to the frontlines of animal abuse, to protect endangered wildlife from poachers who are armed to the teeth. But she’s also something else: a Christian. And while I sought Katie out for this conversation because of her work protecting endangered animals, we ended up talking about another vanishing species: progressives with deep religious faith.

This was a challenging conversation for me. While I identify as Buddhist, I don’t believe in anything beyond the material realm; my Buddhism is more philosophical than it is spiritual. That’s why it was surprising to me that I found so much to value in what Katie shared about her faith: a code to live by, stories to inspire good deeds, and above all, a sense of purpose beyond oneself. I doubt I’ll become religious myself. But conversations like this one have changed the way I see faith. And it might give you some food for thought, too.

Trailer for Why on Earth

Is animal rights a “religion”?

Music by Moby: Everything That Rises