Details for Theology and Popular Culture

This unit complements the study of doctrine with an explanation of the interrelationship between theology and popular culture.  In particular, the unit is concerned with exploring the way in which the church can respond to, critique, and interact with the various mediums of contemporary pop culture, including film, television and music.   

The unit Theology and Popular Culture is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. demonstrate a solid understanding of the nature of popular culture and its expression in the mediums of film, television and contemporary music;
2. describe the ways in which theologians can engage with the values of popular culture
3. apply hermeneutical tools for the purpose of understanding the meanings conveyed in film, television and contemporary music;
4. critically assess the concepts, themes and values that arise in a variety of mediums;
utilise the mediums of popular culture to explore faith and proclaim the gospel in the contemporary setting. 

Subject Content

1. The interplay between film, television and music with culture in western society
2. Methods of interpretation: hermeneutics the mediums of popular culture
3. Theological aesthetics and the exercise of discernment
4. Jesus Christ movie star: cinematic portrayals of Christ and Christ-figures
5. Popular cultures use of religious and theological symbols and tradition
6. Contemporary explorations of human identity
7. Redemptive analogies in the popular imagination;
Popular culture and reflections on morality 

Assessment Methods

Forum responses, worksheet, group work.

Prescribed Text

• Lynch, G. Understanding Theology and Popular Culture. Oxford: Blackwell, 2005.

Representative References

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.

Light, A. Reel Arguments: Film, Philosophy and Social Criticism.  Colorado: Westview, 2003.

Marsh, C. Cinema and Sentiment: Film’s Challenge to Theology. Milton Keynes, U.K: Paternoster, 2004.

Pinsky, Mark I.  The Gospel According to the Simpsons.  Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2001.

Seay, Chris. The Gospel According to Tony Soprano. Lake Mary, Fl: Relevant Books, 2002.

Stockman, Steve. The Rock Cries Out: Discovering Eternal Truth in Unlikely Music. Lake Mary, FL: Relevant Books, 2004.

Stockman, Steve. Walk On: The Spiritual Journey of U2. Lake Mary, FL: Relevant Books, 2003.

Stone, B. Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema. St Louis: Chalice, 2000.

Romanowski, D. Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture.  Grand Rapids, MI: Baker, 2001.

Turner, Steve. The Gospel According to the Beatles. Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox, 2006.