The “liberalism” of Hollywood has long been a point of discussion for cultural critics, film historians, and “conscientious objectors.” All of this has to do with the films’ depiction of violence, drug/alcohol use, religion, and, of course, sex. At the same time, the behavior of the “Hollywood elite” has also been a point of contention [...]
Few arenas are as fruitful for the study of the history of American Christianity than its relationship to American cinema throughout their histories. In two books, The Silents of God: Selected Issues & Documents in Silent American Film and Religion, 1908-1925 and Sanctuary Cinema: Origins of the Christian Film Industry, Terry Lindvall has captured both [...]
There’s something to be said about a theology and pop culture scholar who takes The National Enquirer and Hello! as serious theological conversation partners. This is exactly what Pete Ward does in his book Gods Behaving Badly: Media, Religion, and Celebrity Culture. While I don’t think Ward is as “daring” as he could be, his [...]
Who knows when Mad Men will return. Reports say “early 2012.” If you can’t wait, you can always relive your favorite episodes on AMC or pop in a DVD. For fans who want to give a little extra thought to the series, you should check out Gary R. Edgerton‘s collection of essays, Mad Men: Dream [...]
Reading Peter Rollins‘ latest book, Insurrection, is kind of like watching someone dance on a high wire. I don’t say this often (if ever), but Rollins has provided a thrilling work of theology that, while brief, has volumes of implications for the way we think about Christian history, contemporary religious practices, and the future of [...]
Richard Lindsay reviews John McClure’s new book, Mashup Religion. Check it out after the jump.
Finally, zombies get the academic treatment that they deserve! Deborah Christie and Sarah Juliet Lauro‘s collection of essays, Better Off Dead: The Evolution of the Zombie as Post-Human, presents a fascinating discussion on the role of zombies throughout history and their ever-changing (yes they change!) identities. For all you zombie addicts, monster lovers, horror fans, [...]
The Walking Dead has swept across American popular culture like, well, a zombie plague. The comic book is one of the most critically acclaimed series running and the television series that it inspired is one of the most popular on cable television. Scholars of pop culture, history, religion, and hybridizations thereof have taken notice, no [...]
“If you are not really confused by now, you have not been paying very close attention.” So says Jeffrey J. Kripal towards the end of his new book, Mutants & Mystics: Science Fiction, Superhero Comics, and the Paranormal. Now I’ve never taken psychedelic drugs of any kind, but I would imagine that being on them [...]
Marzena Sowa’s memoirs of growing up during the fall of communism in Poland demand to be told in the graphic novel genre. Her experiences, emotions, and memories transcend words. While much of Sowa’s childhood provides opportunities for readers to connect with her, there is so much more that takes us to a place and time [...]
