Salvation in Celluloid: Theology, Imagination and Film

Author:   Dr Robert Pope (University of Wales, Trinity St David, UK)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
ISBN:  

9780567032065


Pages:   224
Publication Date:   01 August 2007
Format:   Hardback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
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Salvation in Celluloid: Theology, Imagination and Film


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Overview

Much work in the field of theology and film lacks a really theological focus. This book suggests a methodology based on the recognition of the imagination as the fundamental category in producing and interpreting film. The argument is presented that the imagination holds theological significance when it is conceived of in certain ways. As a result, the book adopts the 'paradigmatic imagination' (an imagination which works within the paradigms of scripture) or 'theological imagination' (one grounded in theological forms), which is both noetic (it is the image-making faculty of the mind) and almost ontological (it is that which draws human beings into the future which they are able to construct or bring into being). Once the theological (paradigmatic) imagination has been identified and justified, its insights will be applied to 'Jesus films' and 'Christ figure films' asking whether or not they provide us with valid Christological understanding. Films with redemptive or salvific themes are discussed as is the popularity of mythical stories and animation. The final chapter will make the case that the engagement of the theological imagination with film is a method in practical theology.

Full Product Details

Author:   Dr Robert Pope (University of Wales, Trinity St David, UK)
Publisher:   Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Imprint:   T.& T.Clark Ltd
Dimensions:   Width: 15.60cm , Height: 1.40cm , Length: 23.40cm
Weight:   0.490kg
ISBN:  

9780567032065


ISBN 10:   056703206
Pages:   224
Publication Date:   01 August 2007
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Hardback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.
Language:   English

Table of Contents

Introduction Chapter 1: Theology and Film: Emergence of a Subject Chapter 2: Reading Texts and Living Narratives Chapter 3: Fancy That: Theology and Imagination Chapter 4: Imaginative Journeys: Theology and Film Chapter 5: The Quest of the Cinematic Jesus Chapter 6: The Search for the Cinematic Christ Chapter 7: Praepatario Evangelica? Myth, Fantasty and Imagination Chapter 8: Theology in Wonderland: The Role of Animation Chapter 9: Salvation in Celluloid: Redemption at the Cinema Epilogue Bibliography

Reviews

This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. German language review in Theologische Literaturzeitung 133 (2008) 12 The main argument of the book is that religious meaning does not occur within a film but is constructed in the viewer's imagination, a recognition which ought to be applauded. - Expository Times He sets out to accomplish multiple aims ... Clearly written and presented, this text succeeds on all counts. Seeing theological dialogue on film as an aspect of practical theology, he concludes that in the act of viewing and reflecting upon film, whether fiction, myth and fantasy, viewers can come to appreciate that all of life can give glory to God. (p. 166). - Catholic Library World This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. Religious insight, theological substance, cultural awareness and philosophical acumen are here blended to an unusual degree. I warmly congratulate Robert Pope on a fine piece of work. -Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes--Sanford Lakoff As a doctoral candidate in theology and as a media professional, I am doubly interested in this book. It has not disappointed, for Robert Pope provides the reader with a very good survey of thinking about film, and about theology and film... Pope's book remains a very good survey of an area of theology that appears t be growing alongside film studies, and worth reading for other theological disciplines involved in culture, event, and communications. James O'Regan, PhD candidate, Saint Paul University, Theoforum Vol. 39 No. 3 2008--Sanford Lakoff this is a stimulating work which takes the debate on a little, but promises more in its opening chapters than it delivers throughout 1 July 2009 --Sanford Lakoff Theology Robert Pope, a lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Bangor (Wales), offers a sober and intelligent account of the limits and potential of film as a theological medium...Pope's contribution is to be found in his ability to undermine overestimating the theological reach of any particular film, while pointing out theologically legitimate approaches. Could it be that religious educators/theologians have been reading too much into cinema? In what might be called a theology for the theological reading of cinematic texts, Pope has constructed a credible critique...For non-specialists, especially educators who use film frequently as a theological medium, it is a must read. -Richard Shields, Catholic Books Review


This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. Religious insight, theological substance, cultural awareness and philosophical acumen are here blended to an unusual degree. I warmly congratulate Robert Pope on a fine piece of work. -Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes -- Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes The main argument of the book is that religious meaning does not occur within a film but is constructed in the viewer's imagination, a recognition which ought to be applauded. - Expository Times He sets out to accomplish multiple aims ... Clearly written and presented, this text succeeds on all counts. Seeing theological dialogue on film as an aspect of practical theology, he concludes that in the act of viewing and reflecting upon film, whether fiction, myth and fantasy, viewers can come to appreciate that all of life can give glory to God. (p. 166). - Catholic Library World German language review in Theologische Literaturzeitung 133 (2008) 12 As a doctoral candidate in theology and as a media professional, I am doubly interested in this book. It has not disappointed, for Robert Pope provides the reader with a very good survey of thinking about film, and about theology and film... Pope's book remains a very good survey of an area of theology that appears t be growing alongside film studies, and worth reading for other theological disciplines involved in culture, event, and communications. --James O'Regan, PhD candidate, Saint Paul University, Theoforum Vol. 39 No. 3 2008 -- James O'Regan Robert Pope, a lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Bangor (Wales), offers a sober and intelligent account of the limits and potential of film as a theological medium...Pope's contribution is to be found in his ability to undermine overestimating the theological reach of any particular film, while pointing out theologically legitimate approaches. Could it be that religious educators/theologians have been reading too much into cinema? In what might be called a theology for the theological reading of cinematic texts, Pope has constructed a credible critique...For non-specialists, especially educators who use film frequently as a theological medium, it is a must read. -Richard Shields, Catholic Books Review this is a stimulating work which takes the debate on a little, but promises more in its opening chapters than it delivers throughout 1 July 2009 -- Clive Marsh * Theology *


This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. He sets out to accomplish multiple aims ... Clearly written and presented, this text succeeds on all counts. Seeing theological dialogue on film as an aspect of practical theology, he concludes that in the act of viewing and reflecting upon film, whether fiction, myth and fantasy, viewers can come to appreciate that all of life can give glory to God. (p. 166). - Catholic Library World German language review in Theologische Literaturzeitung 133 (2008) 12 The main argument of the book is that religious meaning does not occur within a film but is constructed in the viewer's imagination, a recognition which ought to be applauded. - Expository Times This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. Religious insight, theological substance, cultural awareness and philosophical acumen are here blended to an unusual degree. I warmly congratulate Robert Pope on a fine piece of work. -Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes--Sanford Lakoff As a doctoral candidate in theology and as a media professional, I am doubly interested in this book. It has not disappointed, for Robert Pope provides the reader with a very good survey of thinking about film, and about theology and film... Pope's book remains a very good survey of an area of theology that appears t be growing alongside film studies, and worth reading for other theological disciplines involved in culture, event, and communications. James O'Regan, PhD candidate, Saint Paul University, Theoforum Vol. 39 No. 3 2008--Sanford Lakoff this is a stimulating work which takes the debate on a little, but promises more in its opening chapters than it delivers throughout 1 July 2009 --Sanford Lakoff Theology Robert Pope, a lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Bangor (Wales), offers a sober and intelligent account of the limits and potential of film as a theological medium...Pope's contribution is to be found in his ability to undermine overestimating the theological reach of any particular film, while pointing out theologically legitimate approaches. Could it be that religious educators/theologians have been reading too much into cinema? In what might be called a theology for the theological reading of cinematic texts, Pope has constructed a credible critique...For non-specialists, especially educators who use film frequently as a theological medium, it is a must read. -Richard Shields, Catholic Books Review


This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'.


This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. Religious insight, theological substance, cultural awareness and philosophical acumen are here blended to an unusual degree. I warmly congratulate Robert Pope on a fine piece of work. -Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes--Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes


Author Information

Robert Pope is Reader in Theology at the University of Wales, Trinity St David, based at Lampeter, UK. He is also a minister of the United Reformed Church.

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