Salvation in Celluloid: Theology, Imagination and Film (T&t Clark) - Hardcover

"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

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.