If I knew enough about the theology of the rest of the world’s religions, I’d blog about their relationships to cinema, too. Unfortunately, I am only equipped to help chart the cartography of the region where religion and film overlap from a Christian perspective. A Protestant perspective, to be more precise. I was baptized and raised Lutheran, and while I’m sure many of my current views would scandalize my old pastors and teachers, a descendant of Luther I remain, for better and/or worse.
Though there are many Christians out there writing great criticism, this blog is my own humble attempt to contribute something meaningful to the discussion of film — to articulate a “Christian gaze,” if you will — in a way that is, in my opinion, still tragically underrepresented. It’s not my wish to proselytize or polemicize. I just want to find ways to relate the medium I love to the faith I practice.
If anyone else is interested in my perspective, pour yourself a cup of joe, pull up a chair, and join in the conversation.
Glad to have found you via your comment over at my White Elephant post. It’s refreshing (and rare) to find reasoned, vital film writing from a Christian perspective. Consider me a fan!
Thank you for the kind words. I’ll be checking in at your blog regularly as well!
I just finished reading your article on “True Grit” at Playtime, and was very impressed. Most of the Coen Bros. fare I have not seen, partly out of my desire to avoid the extremities of the violence and profanity they have (for the violence, it’s more the coldness of it, like the murders in Fargo, than the explicitness that keeps me away), but O Brother, Where Art Thou delighted me, and True Grit moved me. Your article did a great job of explaining the ways they operate in an understandable manner.
At my own blog, I often try to give a Christian perspective on the books, movies, and TV shows I write about, and I look forward to exploring your blog some more.
God bless!
You’re very kind. I’m going to be adding several more links in the near future, and your blog (as well as ptatleriv’s) is going to be one of them. So far, I’m digging your perspective. I’m a film lover, but I’m also a reader and a writer, so your rather intimidating posts on literature are enticing. Looking forward to reading more.
Re: the Coens… If you haven’t yet checked out A Serious Man, I highly, highly recommend it. If you’re worried about language and whatnot, there isn’t an egregious amount. But of their films, it’s the one that deals more explicitly with faith and religious concerns. I thought it was trenchant and funny. Probably their best film since the 90s. Based on what you wrote about the movies on your blog, I suspect you’d enjoy the heck out of it.
Just found your blog through a tweet by Image Journal. Love what I’ve read so far, and it appears we share several of the same interests such as Christianity and cinema. I write about movies, music and other forms of pop culture at my blog, would love to have you stop by!
Carl
I certainly will check out your blog; I’ll comment where I feel I have something of relevance to say. Thank you for your kind words and for stopping by. It’s very appreciated.
A wonderful wonderful blog. One of those you instantly add to your favorites and keep checking every morning for a new post. I came here via The Man from Porlock (re)tweeting your response to Jim Emerson’s mostly subjective analysis to The Dark Knight.
Oh I am a Christopher Nolan fan, and I think he is the greatest director ever. Period. And Inception is a masterpiece. Also, I am getting real this afternoon as I read all of your stuff.
Adding you on my blogroll. Good luck and God bless!!
Thank you for the kind words. I’ll be adding you to my blogroll as well. I appreciate your readership!
I, too, am a Christian writer looking to encourage people through my musings on films. Glad I found your blog. Check my blog out. I’ll definitely be reading yours on a regular basis.
Thanks for reading. I’ll check your blog as well.