Theology Goes to the Movies: An Introduction to Critical Christian Thinking

Theology Goes to the Movies is an introduction to understanding theology through film. Clive Marsh, an experienced teacher in the field, uses a range of contemporary films including Touching the Void, Bruce Almighty, Notting Hill, 21 Grams, Legally Blonde and The Piano to explain key theological concepts such as ideas of God, the Church, eschatology, redemption, humanity and spirit. Starting from the premise that film-watching is a religion-like activity, the book explores the ways in which films require the viewer to engage at many levels (cognitive, affective, aesthetic and ethical) and argues that the social practice of cinema-going has a religious dimension. This stimulating and entertaining book shows how theology through film can be a method of reading the dialogue between film and Western culture, as well as a relevant and contemporary practical theology. Book jacket.

Clive Marsh teaches in the Department of Theology at the University of Nottingham and is also Secretary of the Faith and Order Committee of the Methodist Church.