Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue (Engaging Culture)

"Johnston took reader feedback to heart and used it to improve the second edition of his Reel Spirituality.... The book is meant to be a springboard for discussion in church and school groups and is a fun accompaniment to these or a theology and culture class.... Worth the read."--Christy Lohr, Reviews in Religion and Theology
Reel Spirituality traces the powerful role that movies play in our cultural dialogue and guides Christian moviegoers into a theological analysis of and conversation with film. It successfully heightens readers' sensitivity to the theological truths and statements about the human condition expressed through modern cinema.
This new edition of a bestselling textbook has been substantially rewritten, mentions two hundred additional movies, and offers in-depth discussion of eight recent popular films, including March of the Penguins, Magnolia, and Million Dollar Baby. It 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. In addition, the second edition adds two new chapters--one on the role of music and image for understanding a film's power and meaning and one that helps viewers wrestle with ethical issues raised in film-viewing experiences. Beyond exploring "why" Christians should be involved with film, the second edition now offers a sustained discussion of "how" they might best do this.