*There is an updated edition of this book with revised/additional content: search for CINEMAGOGUE: Director's Cut or go to https://a.co/d/h31NDIb
Do you like movies? Are you a cinephile? Do your friends consult YOU instead of IMDB? Were you raised on television? Spend hours talking cinema? This book is definitely for you. If you're a casual consumer who thinks Hollywood exists simply for diversion, this book may change your life.
- Understand the shared story in which we all play a part.
- Connect human creativity with the impulse of our Creator.
- Explore the relationship between images and imaging God.
Humans crave narrative and usually don't stop to question why. Are we perhaps created to consume story, to create story, because we're image bearers of a Master Storyteller? In this book, movies meet God at the multiplex as the author challenges readers to redefine entertainment, understand the story they're in, and experience a new integrated level of spirituality and entertainment.
Readers say: “You actually look at the film aspects and see how the artist’s worldview really comes through.”
What can we learn about God from Doctor Who and Han Solo? What are people like Jon Stewart and even Michael Bay helping us understand about story, good and bad? Peppered with movie quotes and metaphors, journey through the incredible changes film and storytelling have had on 21st century culture. Instead of an overly-academic offering on film and faith, Cinemagogue weaves a narrative from the author's own pop culture saturated life to the Greatest Story Ever Told, from Superman to Citizen Kane, Bertrand Russell to John Frame, Kurt Vonnegut to the apostle Paul, from our favorite narrative to our shared meganarrative.
“…I grew up on television in the 80s and relate to the context you grew up in…. I thank God for you and your ability to glorify him in everything, no matter what.”
Classic notions of story structure, “monomyth” and universally shared themes in both popular and classic tales are examined in light of ancient scripture. From there, readers can see the genesis of creativity and worldview distortions from which conversation can bring us back to the future. After a dirty dozen examples of popular film in chapter five (with questions for discussion) the book tackles common objections with genre and content: horror movies, foul language, violence, sexuality, magic and more… and how many traditional objections are overshadowed by incredible opportunities for those brave enough to overcome fear and wade into the culture stream, secure in their faith.
“I am a Junior film and Television student... your interpretations of the films have helped formed the kind of filmmaker I am becoming, and also the way I experience films.”
The book ends with a call and commission to those who consider themselves spiritual and religious to get their heads out of the sand, to start realizing and utilizing the power of narrative.
“…really convicted me in both the movie and gaming arena to analyze what I am watching/playing and why. I had almost zero discernment before stumbling onto your series…”
A requested resource by movie-goers, movie-makers, pastors and teachers, Cinemagogue is an extension of a website and podcast, providing a "how-to" for those who want to experience the transforming power inherent in all story.
“Listening to your podcasts… opened my eyes to examine what I watch even closer.”
Take your entertainment seriously while simultaneously having more fun with it than ever before. Learn how to watch to glorify, to be edified, and possibly to evangelize. Even better, create to magnify.
James Harleman has hosted events, lectured and preached for over a decade in Seattle at one of the fastest growing churches in America where he started the "Film and Theology" program. As an ordained minister, he's traveled and lectured, contributed reviews to The Resurgence and Hollywood Jesus websites, and written articles for Collide Magazine. (He also made the Kessel Run in less than eleven parsecs.) James enjoys watching movies with his geek wife Kathryn who shares his passion for cosplay, sci-fi, horror movies, and comic books. They're presently working to publish several short stories and a series of novels. He is also part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take him away.
