Reframing Theology and Film: New Focus for an Emerging Discipline

by Robert K. Johnston

Publisher:

Baker Academic

, 2007

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.

Product Details

• Title: Reframing Theology and Film: New Focus for an Emerging Discipline
• Author: Robert K. Johnston
• Series: Cultural Exegesis
• Publisher: Baker Academic
• Print Publication Date: 2007
• Logos Release Date: 2013
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Motion pictures › Religious aspects
• ISBNs: 9781441256775, 9780801032400, 1441256776, 0801032407
• Resource ID: LLS:REFRMTHEOFILM
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:40:34Z

About Robert K. Johnston

Robert Johnston joined the faculty of Fuller in 1993, serving as provost until 1995 and now serving as professor of theology and culture. He brought with him 20 years of teaching, ecclesial, and academic administrative experience, including 11 years as dean and provost at North Park College and Theological Seminary. Johnston has published in a variety of fields, including selected Old Testament topics, evangelical theology, and, most recently, theology and film. His recent books include Useless Beauty, Finding God in the Movies (cowritten with Catherine Barsotti), Life Is Not Work/Work Is Not Life (cowritten with J. Walker Smith), and Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue, 2nd edition. A past president of the American Theological Society and the recipient of two major research grants from the Luce Foundation, Johnston is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Covenant Church.