Finding God in the Movies: 33 Films of Reel Faith

Front Cover
You love movies. Who doesn't?

In Finding God in the Movies Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston show you how to combine your love of movies with your desire for God. Introducing thirty-three films of faith-ranging from Tender Mercies to X-Men-the authors identify and explore key biblical themes like forgiveness, faith, and repentance. An enthusiastic guide for the individual movie lover or small group, this resource contains production notes and film synopses, relevant Scripture texts, theological reflection, recommended video clips, discussion questions, and more. It will deepen your fervor for film and for God.

"I've often suggested that Christians open up their homes for a film night: show a movie and follow up with snacks and a discussion. It's a simple idea but, for most people, is tough to carry out. Where do we begin? We begin with Finding God in the Movies. Robert Johnston and Catherine Barsotti have done a wonderful service in creating a book that teaches believers how to analyze films. Use it alone, with your family, or, better yet, invite the neighborhood."-Charles W. Colson, Prison Fellowship

"To read God into movies is not difficult. To find God there waiting for us-now, that is something else altogether. Finding God in the Movies peels back God's presence in thirty-three compelling films, leading us from superficial analysis and utilitarian agendas to deep, personal engagement. Bravo!"-Sally Morgenthaler, founder, Sacramentis.com

"Barsotti and Johnston demonstrate their incredible ability to dialogue with both Hollywood and the community of faith. Unlike other film review books, they appropriate each film's vision of life and invite the reader to interact with it. Here is an invitation to enhance your journey of faith via the silver screen."-David Bruce, host of HollywoodJesus.com

"Written with humility, grace, and sensitivity, Finding God in the Movies will be a tremendous resource for those seeking light inside the cinema. More than just a guide to great films, this book is a window into how to engage them; and find on the other side, a deeper understanding of the Lord."-Todd Komarnicki, filmmaker, producer of Elf

"In every arena of youth ministry today, we are seeing that movies are providing students many of their takes on life. Finding God in the Movies can help you use movies more authentically in your teaching and outreach. I wholeheartedly recommend this book."-Cliff Anderson, vice president of training and strategic resources, Young Life
 

Contents

Preface
10
how to Use This Book
31
Reconciliation within Families
36
Affirming Our Humanity
41
Beauty Imagination and Creativity
73
Big Night d Scott and Tucci 1996
93
Fearless d weir 1993
99
Embracing Our Vocation
107
The Hurricane d Jewison 1999
177
Smoke Signals d Eyre 1998
189
Antwone Fisher d washington 2002
197
Community and Friendship
205
Faith
223
The Third Miracle d holland 1999
239
Signs d Shyamalan 2002
246
The Year of Living Dangerously d weir 1982 29 Patch Adams d Shadyac 1998 266
266

Billy Elliot d Daldry 2000
116
The Apostle d Duvall 1997
124
Racial Reconciliation
159

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About the author (2004)

Catherine M. Barsotti teaches courses at Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos in the areas of theology, ethics, and spirituality (in Spanish). She also does consulting to Christian non-profit organizations in the area of strategic planning and board development. Together with Rob, she has been writing movie reviews for the last eight years for the Covenant Companion and Faith@Work. Robert K. Johnston (PhD, Duke University) is professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California, where he has taught for over twenty years. He is the coeditor of both the Engaging Culture and the Cultural Exegesis series and is the author or coauthor of several books, including Reel Spirituality, Reframing Theology and Film, and Finding God in the Movies.

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