DESCRIPTION:

The course will engage postmodernity theologically by studying one of adolescents' primary sources of meaning: the movies. This course will investigate some of the social, ethical, and psychological implications of postmodern film upon theology, and in turn seek a theological engagement with these movies.

Postmodern ministry must engage audiences barraged by electronic overload and largely cut off from traditional, Biblical understandings of God. This course will sharpen the skills of tomorrow's ministers in analyzing culture, "reading" a film, and forging theological responses. Special emphasis will be given to recent movies, particularly the edgy, spiritually-charged visions of emerging filmmakers.

Interactive. The class will meet weekly for three-and-a-half-hour sessions. One or two films will be viewed prior to the class session. During each session, students will (1) discuss the film(s); (2) grapple with the filmmaker's intent; (3) utilize various critical film theories; and (4) consider possible theological responses.

Anker, Roy M. Catching Light; Looking for God in the Movies. Eerdmans, 2004.

David, Bruce and Jeffrey A. Mahan. Religion and Popular Culture in America. University of California Press, 2000.

Detweiler, Craig and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings. Baker, 2003.

Jones, Tony. Postmodern Youth Ministry. Zondervan, 2000.

Storey, John, ed. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: A Reader. University of Georgia Press, 1998.

Vanhoozer, Kevin, ed. The Cambridge Companion to Postmodern Theology. Cambridge University Press, 2003.

Ward, Graham, ed. The Postmodern God. Blackwell, 1997.

Film to be viewed prior to the first class: Fight Club.

Films to be viewed during course: Dogma, Donnie Darko, Elephant, Hero, In this World, Lord of the Rings, The Matrix Reloaded, Memento, Saved, Spirited Away, Thirteen.

Baker, Jonny and Doug Gay, with Jenny Brown. Alternative Worship. SPCK, 2003.

Johnston, Robert. Reel Spirituality. Baker, 2000.

Lynch, Gordon. After Religion. Darton, Longman & Todd, 2002.

Ward, Peter. Liquid Church. Paternoster Press, 2002.

1. Viewing and journaling on films (20%).

2. Three two-page book reviews on Jones, Ward, and David (30%).

3. A twelve- to fifteen-page paper rooted in field research on one of 10 topics covered in the course (one per week). Papers will forge a theological response to the research gathered. Students will study 3 films (guidelines will be given in class) and include a plan for a theological presentation in their life and ministry (e.g. a Sunday school series, a sermon) (50%).

MDiv elective. Fulfills the MAT in Theology & Arts format requirement in Integrative studies. Meets the MACL in Integrative Studies requirement for an interdisciplinary course (IDPL).