Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue (Engaging Culture)
"Considering the thousands of films shown every year, and the vast crowds who rush to see them, it is remarkable that so little sustained Christian attention has been paid to the world of the 'big screen.' Films can undoubtedly shape and change our fundamental attitudes and beliefs. Here, at last, is an attempt to take that with theological seriousness.Reel Spiritualitywill not only help us develop a Christian wisdom about film; in turn, it will also make us ask searching questions about the Christian faith and the way we express it. Throughout, the book is accessible and engaging. I commend it most warmly."--Jeremy Begbie, Duke Divinity School"If there is a single comprehensive introduction to the dialogue between Christian theology and film, this book is it. . . . While the book is written in a style that is accessible to non-academic audiences, it would be perfect as the foundational text for a graduate or undergraduate introductory course in theology and film."--Religious Studies Review"Robert Johnston has written the most comprehensive survey currently available on theology and film. This is a masterful overview both of theologically relevant films and their analysis by other scholars. It is highly accessible, penetrating, fair-minded in the treatment of others, yet full of Johnston's own trenchant insights about films. This authoritative study is a must-read book for anyone interested in the rapidly expanding field of exploring the theological dimensions of contemporary film."--Robert Jewett, author ofSaint Paul at the Movies"May very well be the best overall text on theology and film in that [Johnston] pulls together many concepts from the field at large while providing some useful history which places issues in context. . . . Johnston's book will work very well in college/seminary courses as well as in local church study groups."--Perspectives in Religious Studies