An examination of how the films we see and the books we read affect our faith and our view of the world. With the Apostles' Creed as his foundation, author May interprets popular works such as The Grapes of Wrath, Cool Hand Luke, Slaughterhouse-Five, and Saving Private Ryan through the lens of religious faith.
This popular text has been updated to ensure that it continues to provide a current and comprehensive overview of the main Christian theologies of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Each chapter is written by a leading theologian and gives a clear picture of a particular movement, topic or individual. New and updated treatments of topics covered in earlier editions, with over half the chapters new to this edition or revised by new authors. New section singling out six classic theologians of the twentieth century. Expanded treatment of the natural sciences, gender, Roman Catholic theology since Vatican II, and African, Asian and Evangelical theologies. Completely new chapters on spirituality, pastoral theology, philosophical theology, postcolonial biblical interpretation, Pentecostal theology, Islam and Christian theology, Buddhism and Christian theology, and theology and film. As in previous editions, the text opens with a full introduction to modern theology. Epilogue discussing the present situation and prospects of Christian theology in the twenty-first century.
While interest in the relationship between theology and the arts is on the rise, there are very few resources for students and teachers, let alone a comprehensive text on the subject. This book fills that lacuna by providing an anthology of readings on theological aesthetics drawn from the first century to the present. A superb sourcebook, Theological Aesthetics brings together original texts that are relevant and timely to scholars today. Editor Gesa Elsbeth Thiessen has taken a careful, inclusive approach to the book, including articles and extracts that are diverse and ecumenical as well as representative of gender and ethnicity. The book is organized chronologically, and each historical period begins with commentary by Thiessen that sets the selections in context. These engaging readings range broadly over themes at the intersection of religion and the arts, including beauty and revelation, the vision of God, artistic and divine creation, God as artist, images of God, the interplay of the senses and the intellect, human imagination, mystical writings, meanings of signs and symbols, worship, liturgy, doxology, the relationship of word and image, icons and iconoclasm, the role of the arts in twentieth-century theology, and much more.
The Blackwell Guide to Theology of Popular Culture outlines various general theories of popular culture, identifies theologians and theological concepts that are conducive to analyzing popular culture, and explores religious themes that are asserting themselves through popular movies, novels, music, television shows and advertising. A timely examination and contribution to the rapidly expanding field of theology and popular culture Locates the theological analysis of culture alongside political, sociological, economic, aesthetic and psychological analyses Surveys the work of religious and theological scholars who have turned their attention to popular culture Considers classic Christian thinkers who have wrestled with culture, such as St. Paul, Tertullian, Augustine, Schleiermacher, Tillich, and Ricoeur Proposes a method for analysing culture to discern its religious content Identifies religious themes in popular culture Uses illustrations, ranging from the fiction of Nick Hornby to Six Feet Under An appendix provides lists of films, novels, television series, consumer products, architectural works, cultural events, and corporate icons that lend themselves to theological analysis.
Increasingly, thinking Christians are examining the influential role that movies play in our cultural dialogue. Reel Spirituality successfully heightens readers' sensitivity to the theological truths and statements about the human condition expressed through modern cinema. This second edition cites 200 new movies and encourages readers to ponder movie themes that permeate our culture as well as motion pictures that have demonstrated power to shape our perceptions of everything from relationships and careers to good and evil. Reel Spirituality is the perfect catalyst for dialogue and discipleship among moviegoers, church-based study groups, and religious film and arts groups. The second edition cites an additional 200 movies and includes new film photos.
Concerning the debate of classifying O'Connor as a religious writer, this book features essays by some of the leading scholars who have advanced the codification of O'Connor as a writer preoccupied with religious, and especially Catholic, themes.
Communication, Media, and Identity: A Christian Theory of Communication is the first comprehensive theoretical look at the nature of communication from a biblical Christian perspective. This groundbreaking new work discusses the implications of such a theory for interpersonal relations, use of media, and the development of digital culture in the wake of the computer. It also draws widely from the literature of the secular world, critiquing perspectives where necessary and adopting perspectives that are in line with Christian anthropology, epistemology, and ontology. Through this unique lens, the reader is able to understand communication as an art, as a tool for evangelism, and as a unique human activity that allows people to have a stake in the creation. It covers both mediated and non-mediated forms of communication, is sensitive to theological differences within the Christian faith, and examines closely the problem of technology, and especially digital technology, for the practice of communication. As the newest book in the Communication, Culture, and Religion Series, Robert Fortner's work illuminates the theological aspects of communication.
The anthology '50 Christian Books: Scripture, History, Theology, Spirituality and Fiction' represents an unprecedented assembly of philosophical, theological, and literary genius spanning centuries of Christian thought and storytelling. It binds together an eclectic mixture of genresfrom theological treatises and spiritual autobiographies to allegorical fiction and philosophical discourse. The diversity present within this collection allows for a comprehensive exploration of Christian ideals, ethics, and spiritual struggles. Among these pages, readers will find seminal works that have shaped Christian thought and influenced global literary movements, providing insights into the perennial questions of faith, good and evil, and human destiny. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from early church fathers like Saint Augustine and Gregory of Nyssa to Renaissance luminaries such as John Milton, up to modern philosophers like Friedrich Nietzsche and G.K. Chesterton, embody a wide spectrum of theological, philosophical, and cultural perspectives. This diversity reflects the anthology's commitment to displaying the rich tapestry of Christian literature, encompassing various epochs, cultures, and doctrinal viewpoints. Their collective works chart the development of Christian theology and philosophy, engage with the socio-political challenges of their times, and continue to provoke thoughtful reflection on moral and spiritual questions today. This collection is essential reading for anyone interested in the depth and diversity of Christian literary tradition. It offers readers the unique opportunity to engage with a myriad of perspectives and voices, all united by the theme of exploring the Christian faith but varied in their approaches and conclusions. Whether one approaches these works with scholarly intent, spiritual seeking, or mere curiosity about the influence of Christianity on world literature, there is much to be gleaned from the dialogue these texts provoke. '50 Christian Books' invites a journey through history, thought, and beliefa journey well worth taking for the richness of its scenery and the company of its guides.
Wilson's reconceptualization of the American project of conversion begins with the story of Henry 'Ōpūkaha'ia, the first Hawaiian convert to Christianity, torn from his Native Pacific homeland and transplanted to New England. Wilson argues that 'Ōpūkaha'ia's conversion is both remarkable and prototypically American.