Explorations in Theology and Film - Annotated by Clive Marsh & Gaye Ortiz Paperback

Book Synopsis

Explorations in Theology and Film brings together theologians, biblical scholars, film and media specialists, and experts in language and literature to consider the potential of films contribution to contemporary Christian theological discussion. The main focus of the book is on the creative conversation between film and theology in the contemporary West, and it raises crucial questions about the interaction between theology and culture.

Explorations in Theology and Film will be an invaluable resource to students and those researching in the areas of theology and religion as well as media and cultural studies.

From the Back Cover

This book brings together theologians, biblical scholars, film and media specialists, and experts in language and literature to consider the potential of film to contribute to contemporary theological discussion.

Introductory questions covering methodological and theoretical issues are discussed together with substantial theological evaluations of particular films, including Dead Poets Society, the terminator films, Awakenings, The Piano, and the films of Martin Scorsese. An extensive bibliography and annotated resource section serve to make this book of interest to students and scholars of not only theology but media and cultural studies, as well as the general readers.

Review Quotes

"I can see great similarities between a church and a movie-house. Both are places for people to come together and share a common experience." Martin Scorcese, The Century of Cinema: A Person Journey

"Explorations in Theology and Film is an intriguing and worthwhile addition to the burgeoning literature on religion/theology and film." Isabel Wollaston

"This is a fine book which will become essential reading for those engaged in media studies but will also be valued by any who are interested in theology and culture." David Bridge

"A start has been made, to take seriously the dominant art form of the last hundred years, to acknowledge that it too can have a part in the theological enterprise, and for that it is to be welcomed." Tim Noble

About the Author

Clive Marsh lectures in theology, religious and cultural studies at the University College of Ripon and York St. John, England, and in the Biblical Studies Department of the University of Sheffield. His interests include the history of quests of the historical Jesus, and modern and contemporary systematic theology. He is currently working on a book on Christology, using art and film as resource material.

Gaye Ortiz lectures in theology, religious and cultural studies at the University College of Ripon and York St. John, England, and is a media writer and broadcaster, specializing in theology and the media. She is a member of the Catholic Theological Association of Great Britain and a founder member of the Leeds Diocesan Media Commission. As a member of ICOC (the International Catholic Organisation for Cinema) she has served on international film festival juries, twice as jury president. Together with Stephen Brown she has co-ordinated Faith and Film for the Leeds International Film Festival.