A host of Jesus films focus specifically on the titular character. The ways in which they do so, however, differ drastically. Emphasizing different gospel narratives, showing or avoiding miracles, casting, location…all of these choices affect the cinematic interpretation of Jesus. Other films focus on supporting characters in the Jesus story and feature Jesus as a [...]
Sex scandals have rocked the Christian church throughout the past decade. Whether child abuse in the Catholic church or gay prostitutes in the evangelical Protestant community, parishioners and congregants have, directly and indirectly, fallen victim to their leaders’ sexual indiscretions. The public image of these religious leaders has been irreparably tarnished and so has the [...]
Over the past year or so, I have been delving back into the worlds of comic books and graphic novels. A welcome break from more “serious” reading, these genres blend my love of reading and images. As many of you well know, Hollywood is approaching these ready made story boards with a vengeance. As I’ve [...]
The world of theology and film studies may well be the most popular and fastest-growing field in theological education. We have seen a rush of books to the shelves ranging from The Gospel According To‘s to Theology and Who/Whatever. Some of these texts offer brilliant interpretations of much-loved films and television programs. Fewer still offer [...]
It is understandable, though unfortunate, that CNN’s coverage of last night’s Saddleback Presidential Forum was most likely overshadowed by Phelps-mania. Thankfully, the only event that coincided with this important religious/political discussion was the women’s marathon (zzzz). Hosted by Pastor Rick Warren, who Time magazine recently called America’s most powerful religious leader, this question and answer [...]
This just in from occasional, and hopefully more frequent, poptheology contributor, Richard Lindsay.
I love seasons…I need seasons. It must be part of my spiritual makeup. Perhaps this is why I love sports so much. They are seasonal. Having lived in places as diverse as southern Mississippi and northern California, I have become accustomed to erratic or invisible seasonal changes. You can’t rely on a lengthy spring or [...]
Last year, my wife and I got hooked on the HBO Sports series Hard Knocks that offered a behind-the-scenes look at the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. As a football junkie, the series helped fuel an addiction for me, but we also both enjoyed following the stories of NFL rookies and journeymen trying to make [...]
I came across this interesting article in an issue of The New Zealand Herald last week on the enduring legacy of Monty Python’s Life of Brian, one of the funniest religious films of all time and John Dominic Crossan’s favorite Jesus film, at least according to Homebrewed Christianity. Check out the link after the jump.
The 500th issue of the Uncanny X-Men finds the most famous superhero team moving to San Francisco. In today’s issue of the San Francisco Chronicle, pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub reflects on the connections between the X-Men and many residents of San Francisco and why this move is a perfect fit. Follow the link after [...]
