Reframing Theology and Film: New Focus for an Emerging Discipline
Overview
The study of theology and film has been in existence for fewer than three decades. What, then, does the future hold for this evolving subject? Robert Johnston has drawn together more than a dozen scholars who regularly write and teach on the topic in Reframing Theology and Film: New Focus for an Emerging Discipline; their contributions explore how the discipline of theology and film can flourish and mature. The book also emphasizes the overlooked and undervalued aspects of theology and film. Borne out of a three-year consultation and funded by the Luce Foundation, this project is divided into six parts. Each section concentrates on a particular theme, such as broadening the scope of films to study and engaging the perspective of film viewers and their meaning-making process.
This anthology will resonate with theology and film professors, students, pastors, librarians, and interested lay readers. Reframing Theology and Film is destined to become an important work in the expanding field of theology and film.
Contributors:
- Craig Detweiler
- Barry Taylor
- Gaye Williams Ortiz
- Sara Anson Vaux
- Gordon Lynch
- Terry Lindvall
- Clive Marsh
- Rebecca Ver Straten-McSparran
- Catherine M. Barsotti
- John Lyden
- Mitch Avila
- Christopher Deacy
- Rose Pacatte
- Gerard Loughlin
- Robert K. Johnston
Praise for the Print Edition
Here is a fine collection of essays full of rich detail, engaging insights, and provocative suggestions. The impressive cast of authors points beyond many of the usual frames of study, offering original perspectives and new approaches. Without exception, the chapters make a valuable contribution to ongoing dynamic conversations. This is a ‘must-read’ for anyone with an interest in film and theology.
—Jolyon Mitchell, professor of communications, arts, and religion, The University of Edinburgh
In this single volume, the field of theology and film has matured from infancy to adulthood. Robert Johnston has assembled a top-notch group of scholars to set the stage for emerging directions in the field. No future writing on the topic can ignore the categories reframed by the contributors here.
—S. Brent Plate, visiting associate professor of religious studies, Hamilton College
This book is a helpful resource for connecting film and theology. It is not a beginner’s guide but a collection of academic essays from a wide variety of experts.
—Christianity
This is an important and timely work that should make an important contribution to the discipline. It deserves to be read and debated widely by scholars in the field.
—Theological Book Review
A helpful resource for connecting film and theology. . . . This is indeed an intelligent read with some world-class contributors. . . . This is an excellent book if you wish to dig deeper into the phenomenon of faith and film.
—Insights
Product Details
- Title: Reframing Theology and Film: New Focus for an Emerging Discipline
- Editor: Robert K. Johnston
- Series: Engaging Culture
- Publisher: Baker Academic
- Publication Date: 2007
- Pages: 336
About the Author
Robert K. Johnston is a professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the coeditor of both the Engaging Culture and the Cultural Exegesis series, and is the author or coauthor of several books, including Useless Beauty, Finding God in the Movies, and Reel Spirituality.