A book on Faith, Film, and Philosophy IVP, Nov. 2007), which was edited by James S. Speigel and R. Dougles Geivett.

Gmail - Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy. - jacobthanni@gmail.com

Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy.
Link to Christians in Context: from orthodoxy to orthopraxy.

Faith, Film, and Philosophy

Posted: 26 Jul 2008 02:00 AM CDT
There's no doubt that our culture is dominated by the powers of our modern media; whether that be news, television, the internet, or film, its clear that we are constantly bombarded by competing ideas and perspectives. As a blogger, I love the fact that its become easier than its ever been in the course of history for just about anyone to participate in the cultural conversation. No doubt, challenges come with this new found power, but its amazing to see, and participate in, the global conversation as it unfolds. Lately, I have also begun to think more about the potentcy of film on cultural norms and values, and it seems clear that this form of artful communication is arguably as powerful as the internet; I say this not as an ominous warning to avoid the 'ills of Hollywood', as is often the fundamentalist mantra, but merely to highlight the sheer power of movies, while encouraging discerning cultural engagement.

As a pastor who lives and ministers primarily among college students, I see first-hand how movies represent a major part of social and cultural life for students. Like most other things, I have also seen how the underlying message is at times, both positive and neagtive. As I have thought about how to engage students a bit more deliberately on this level, I am reminded of our need to engage in, as Kevin Vanhoozer describes it, "cultural exegesis". While Vanhoozer certainly applies this idea beyond simply engaging in film criticism, this notion is also not exclusive to it. One good example of an effort to do just this sort of thing recently came across my desk with the release of "Faith, Film, and Philosophy" (IVP, Nov. 2007), which was edited by James S. Speigel and R. Dougles Geivett.

This book, which features the writings of fourteen thoughtful and inflential scholars, challenges the reader, Christian or not, to engage in thoughtful interaction with the ideas and perspective presented in a wide array of contemporary and historically influential films. One of the ideas, broadly speaking, is to be deliberate about how we integrate the notions and values presented to us via cinema. Below are two excerpts from a chapter in this book, written by Dallas Willard, where he interacts with the moral precedents put forward in the films, "Pleasantville", "American Beauty", and "The Cider House Rules":

"It is that moral rules and rigorous moral order in life, as traditionally understood, are meaningless or pointless at best and really are repressive of the best aspects of human relationships, individuality and creativity. What would traditionally have been thought of as moral propriety and human goodness is now considered arbitrary and harmful to life-perhaps even vicious (at least in its effects)-largely because moral rectitude eliminates or represses human feelings, the true elixir of life." (141)

"There may be good reason to think that, for most human beings, life within the boundaries of individual human abilities is tragic or at least quite disappointing. But life need not be anywhere nearly as tragic as it in fact is precisely because of unchecked feelings and desires, together with their consequences. Most of the actual tragedies one sees in real life, as in these pictures, are precisely the result of feelings ungoverned by good- from drug addiction to unwanted pregnancies, ethnic cleansing, and on and on. The tragedy of living a Pleasantville life or even a Lester Burnham life (before his reawakening) is very small indeed compared to the tragic lives of multitudes ravaged by unbridled feelings and desires, whether their own or those of others. For real life requires a point of reference as to what is good for people, and a firm understanding that what we want or how we feel is not the same as what is good for us and for those whose lives we affect- even though what we want and what we feel has some importance. This crucial point of reference is altogether absent from the vision of life communicated by cinematic productions that represent sensuality as the path to moral liberation." (154-155)

Agree or disagree, Willard's words are provocative and incisive; overall, this book contains numerous examples of thoughtful interaction with cinema, and will certainly be a thought-provoking read. I have no doubt that this book will change the way you watch that next film- definitely check this one out!

Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids - Yahoo! India News

Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids - Yahoo! India News

Cable TV's 'Mad Men,' 'Damages' gain Emmy bids
Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Enlarge Photo Cast member Jon Hamm (R) smiles next to co-stars January Jones (C) and Elisabeth Moss... Slideshow: Day in pics: July 9 2008

Thu, Jul 17 07:43 PM

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Two new cable TV shows, "Mad Men" and "Damages," claimed Emmy nominations for best drama series on Thursday, marking a turning point in the 60-year-old contest for U.S. television's highest honors.

"Mad Men," the AMC network's 1960s period piece set in the world of advertising, and "Damages," the freshman legal hour on FX starring Glenn Close, are the first two shows airing exclusively on a cable network other than HBO nominated for best drama series.

They will be competing against the serial killer drama "Dexter," from Showtime and CBS, as well as the Fox medical drama "House" and ABC's castaway thriller "Lost."

But NBC's show-within-a-show "30 Rock" was the most recognized series overall with 17 nominations, including a nod for best comedy. "Mad Men" was close behind with 16 total nominations.

"30 Rock," a spoof of network television, will compete in the comedy race against fellow NBC workplace sitcom "The Office," the bawdy CBS comedy "Two and a Half Men" and a pair of HBO series, "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "Entourage."

While "30 Rock" was the most nominated series, HBO's mini-series "John Adams," about the second U.S. president, claimed the most nominations of any single program -- 23.

Other contenders in that category include the PBS "Masterpiece Theatre" presentation of "Cranford," A&E's production of the science-fiction thriller "The Andromeda Strain" and Sci Fi Channel's "Tin Man."

The 60th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be broadcast live on Sept. 21 from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles on ABC.

Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action - Yahoo! India News

Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action - Yahoo! India News

Rajnikanth cartoon extravaganza to feature his live action

Thu, Jul 17 08:16 PM

Chennai, July 17 (IANS) The Rs.2 billion cartoon extravaganza 'Sultan the Warrior' will also feature superstar Rajnikanth in live action, publicists said Thursday.

'The superstar's live action will appeal to all sections of the audience and not just children,' sources said.

Meanwhile, Telugu actress Illena told IANS that producers approached her for being featured in the movie but other details are yet to be finalised.

The movie with animated Rajnikanth playing the main protagonist is being produced jointly by the actor's daughter Saundarya Rajnikanth owned Ocher Studios and Warner Brothers.