The use of movies in the classroom has become increasingly popular. We once used movies only to teach about particular religions. One reason for the increasing popularity of teaching religions with movies is the strength and development of our visual culture. Most of our students have seen more movies than they have read books. Even if students have not seen a movie, they have probably seen ads for it and heard discussion about it.
Students often find the discussion of movies and their themes a natural part of their college lives.
Because of this direction in our culture, students bring to the classroom enough background and experience to make the discussion of movies fruitful in teaching religion. Although their understanding of both popular and more profound films may be even worse than superficial, films can provide an exceptionally accessible place for beginning important discussion and reflection. What can be learned from films will surprise you. The articles included in this special issue will show why films can be such a powerful tool in the classroom. Films raise questions about the adequacy of explanations in our secular culture.