Details for Theology and Popular Culture

Conservative Christian communities have long been suspicious of popular culture, encouraging people to be wary of the “sinema.”  It is increasingly apparent, however, that if the church is going be relevant in the modern world, it needs to find ways to engage with the mediums of popular culture; film, television, music and the internet.  This unit teaches students tools for interpreting pop culture texts, and encourages critical analysis.  It focuses particularly on film, but provides students the option of exploring other mediums. Teaching strategies include listening to podcast lectures and gathering together to watch and discuss films.  The unit will feel a little like a series of “nights-out” although beneath all the fun is some serious reflection on the culture within which we live and minister.

The unit Theology and Popular Culture is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Bachelor of Applied Theology (Korean) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)), Bachelor of Contemporary Ministry (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

This subject, which builds upon Understanding the Faith, complements the study of doctrine with an explanation of the interrelationship between theology and culture, using the medium of film.

Subject Content

1. Bernard Lonergan and the scale of values: vital, social, cultural, personal, religious
2. The interplay between film and culture in western society
3. Film as text, and its hermeneutics: intended meanings, inter-textuality, reader response, deconstruction
4. Jesus Christ movie star: cinematic portrayals of Christ
5. Explorations of human identity and purpose
6. Redemptive analogies on the big screen
7. Philosophy goes to the movies
8. Film as a medium for exploring ethics

This course may be offered in the following formats

Film viewings, Lectures, discussion, tutorials, personal research, web-based interaction.

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis College.

Assessment Methods

Forum Postings (20%, 2500 words); Worksheet (30%, 1500 words); Multi-media Presentation (50%)

Prescribed Text

Readings provided

Representative References

• Baugh, L. Imaging the Divine: Jesus and Christ-Figures in Film. Kansas City, MO: Sheed & Ward, 1997.
• Braudy, L. and M. Cohen, Film Theory and Criticism. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2004.
• Christianson, E., Francis, P. and Telford, W. Cinéma Divinité: Religion, Theology and the Bible in Film. London: SCM, 2005.
• Falzon, C. Philosophy Goes to the Movies. London: Routledge, 2002.
• Irwin, W. (ed.). The Matrix and Philosophy. Illinois: Open Court, 2002.
• Johnston, R. Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2000.
• Lonergan, B. Method in Theology. Darton, Longman & Todd, 1972.
• Marsh, C. and G. Ortiz (eds.). Explorations in Theology and Film. Cambridge, Mass: Blackwell, 1997.
• Stone, B. Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema. St Louis: Chalice, 2000.
• Tillich, P. Theology of Culture. Oxford University Press, 1959.