Religion in American Film
analytical Essay
3859 words
Religion in American Film
American’s nation-wide did a disbelieving double take when they were heard that Jim Carrey was going to be playing the role of God in Universal Pictures summer 2001 movie Bruce Almighty. Millions of American’s have found themselves near-obsessed with the engrossing epic Lord of the Rings, Dogma has been welcomed into the Cult Films Hall of Fame, and Mel Gibson’s The Passion stirred an overwhelming amount of religious, cultural, and ethnic criticism. When looking at the recent array of films that either present or suggest religious themes – whether it be allegorically, evangelically, or satirically – we find ourselves asking the question “why now?” Is the reason for this upsurge sociological, psychological, philosophical, or historical? Is there perhaps a political or economic reason as to why American’s today are so eagerly consuming films that are looking at the timeless battle between good & evil, questioning organized belief systems, or presenting religion in new and contemporary ways? From critical analysis and research done on this subject, as well as much pondering and theorizing, it could be said that the question of “why now” is more philosophical, and value oriented, than anything else. The religious content that is present in modern American films is indicative of a more general discussion & questioning of values and resonates with the post-modern, religiously pluralistic mindset that American’s have come to embody.
It is a common mis-conception that films are merely entertainment, and serve no other purpose than to provide for the viewer a two-hour escape from reality. This is a serious under-estimation of the power, purpose, and potential of film, because film, upon reflection, revea...
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...garet R. Seeing and Believing: Religion and Values in the Movies. Boston: Beacon Press, 1996.
Johnston, Robert K. Reel Spirituality: Theology and Film in Dialogue. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2000.
Stone, Bryan P. Faith and Film: Theological Themes at the Cinema. St.Louis: Chalice Press, 2000.
Valenti, F. Miguel. More Than a Movie : Ethics in Entertainment. Colorado: Westview Press, 2000
Detweiler, Craig, and Barry Taylor. A Matrix of Meanings: Finding God in Pop Culture. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2003.
Putnam, Robert D. Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2000
http://www.hollywoodjesus.com/bruce_almighty.htm
For the purposes of this study, it is helpful to look specifically at the way in which Christ and Christianity are being presented, through the various methods, in contemporary film.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the question of "why now" is more philosophical, and value oriented, than anything else.
- Argues that film is a legitimate medium of sociological analysis, and that the creators of media research and explore ways to exploit anxieties to ensure profits and revenues.
- Analyzes how christian and religious themes abound in the films. aragorn's strength, perseverance, and trust in man and middle-earth keep the fellowship alive.
- Opines that the question of "why now" is more philosophical, and value oriented, than anything else.
- Argues that film is a legitimate medium of sociological analysis, and that the creators of media research and explore ways to exploit anxieties to ensure profits and revenues.
- Analyzes how christian and religious themes abound in the films. aragorn's strength, perseverance, and trust in man and middle-earth keep the fellowship alive.
- Analyzes how the plot of the lord of the rings centers around the fight for middle earth. frodo, a simple hobbit from the shire, is entrusted with the ring and the terrible responsibility of destroying it.
- Analyzes how the timeless battle between good and evil lends lotr its captivating power. the fellowship and forces of middle earth prevail with the supernatural favors of the elves and other non-human races.
- Analyzes how the films dogma and bruce almighty explore the meaning of god and christianity through humor.
- Analyzes how bruce almighty raised religious eyebrows and skepticism. jim carrey plays bruce nolan, a fledging news-reporter who is more focused on himself and his career than his relationship with grace connelly.
- Opines that it is helpful to look specifically at the way christ and christianity are being presented, through various methods, in contemporary film.
- Argues that film is an accessible medium in which competing issues of public and private life in a pluralistic society are formulated and represented.
- Argues that mel gibson's the passion is one of the most impactful evangelical films in history, but evangelism was not his original purpose.
- Argues that the powerful experience of film is providing a forum in which americans are searching out not just theology, but philosophy as well.
- Cites miles, maragaret r, stone, bryan p, valenti, f. miguel, detweiler, craig, and barry taylor.
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- Some works show their true colors right away. Gene Edward Veith’s book, Reading Between The Lines, addresses philosophical ideas, literary sub genres, and reader criticisms in order to ascertain a Christian’s role in literature. He also goes through various historical periods and examines their more prominent works and schools of thought. While a select few of his conclusions about Christianity in relation to the arts have merit, others contain more damaging implications. Specifically, his statements regarding television represent inaccurate and offensive thinking.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how gene edward veith's book, reading between the lines, addresses philosophical ideas, literary sub genres and reader criticisms in order to ascertain a christian’s role in literature. while some conclusions about christianity in relation to the arts have merit, others contain more damaging implications.
- Analyzes how 's pessimistic views on the enlightenment, praise for the middle ages as a time of spiritual richness, severe criticism of postmodernism, and stereotypical generalizations about modern literature bothered them.
- Analyzes how veith relays postman's conclusion that reading develops logical reasoning while television only teaches emotional responses. many books contain writing constructed solely for emotional stimulation.
- Analyzes how gene edward veith's book, reading between the lines, addresses philosophical ideas, literary sub genres and reader criticisms in order to ascertain a christian’s role in literature. while some conclusions about christianity in relation to the arts have merit, others contain more damaging implications.
- Analyzes how 's pessimistic views on the enlightenment, praise for the middle ages as a time of spiritual richness, severe criticism of postmodernism, and stereotypical generalizations about modern literature bothered them.
- Analyzes how veith relays postman's conclusion that reading develops logical reasoning while television only teaches emotional responses. many books contain writing constructed solely for emotional stimulation.
- Analyzes veith's error of making generalizations about two forms of media when, in truth, the situation varies depending on quality and content.
- Analyzes how veith makes disturbing leaps regarding television as related to mental health.
- Analyzes how postman asserts that emotionalism and immediate gratification perpetuated by television, but also of modern media, cause mental illness.
- Analyzes how veith's statements regarding television represent inaccurate and offensive thinking. devowing other forms of media only serves to increase generational divides and disseminate inaccurate information about modern inventions.
745 wordsRead More - Objectivity of Documentary Film: Cinema Véritéanalytical essayLivingstone, Paisley & Carl Plantinga. The Routledge Companion to Philosophy and Film. London: Routledge – Taylor & Francis Group. 2009. Print.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the ideation of objectivity remains a highly debatable subject among philosophical elites. they argue that it is impossible for documentary films to objectively capture reality.
- Analyzes how wiseman's ideology dominates editing in the documentary harlan county usa. the director controls the editing process based on his subjective ideation.
- Concludes that the idea of producing objective realism in documentaries is a fallacious ideation.
- Explains that the ideation of objectivity remains a highly debatable subject among philosophical elites. they argue that it is impossible for documentary films to objectively capture reality.
- Analyzes how wiseman's ideology dominates editing in the documentary harlan county usa. the director controls the editing process based on his subjective ideation.
- Concludes that the idea of producing objective realism in documentaries is a fallacious ideation.
- Explains the challenge of scripting an idea is that the script writer(s) have a subjective view of the documentary.
- Explains that finding affects objectivity and realism in a documentary. when an external funding organization is involved, the likelihood of conflict of interest increases exponentially.
- Analyzes how the filmmaker created a subjective coverage through concrete control of the shots and coverage in the documentary primary.
- Explains that the background of the cinematographer and filmmaker has a strong influence in their ideation on objectivity and realism.
- Explains that most documentaries have a fixed timeframe for shooting and editing. the filmmaker relies on deadlines to overcome various milestones in the production of the documentary.
- Analyzes how the filmmaker's subjective ideation and influence by the environment makes it hard to create an objective position.
- Explains bernard, sheila curran, das, trisha, livingstone, and plantinga's the routledge companion to philosophy and film.
- Cites rivers, tina, tarkovsky, andrey, and williams, linda. "mirrors without memories."
1557 wordsRead More - American Religious Movementsanalytical essayAmerican fundamentalism and American evangelicalism seem to go hand in hand. Evangelicalism and fundamentalism both stress life based on the bible, repentance, and a personal relationship with God. No one would deny the massive influence that fundamentalism had on evangelicalism or the similarities between the two. Although some historians would suggest that evangelicalism was experiential and sectarian while fundamentalism was conservative and anti-modernist, it is clear that fundamentalism would never have survived as long as it has if it was not able to adapt to modernity and exist within a pluralist society.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that modernity leads to secularization and apathy in certain circles. the revival of american fundamentalism is the key to understanding why this common belief is false.
- Explains that evangelical movements have consistently adapted to the world in which they were operating. puritan and pietist awakenings in the seventeenth century stressed a personal experience of god
- Opines that fundamentalism has had the most powerful impact on evangelicals in the twentieth century. billy graham led the neo-fundamentalist movement, which survived hardships and adapted to welcome every human being.
- Argues that modernity leads to secularization and apathy in certain circles. the revival of american fundamentalism is the key to understanding why this common belief is false.
- Explains that evangelical movements have consistently adapted to the world in which they were operating. puritan and pietist awakenings in the seventeenth century stressed a personal experience of god
- Opines that fundamentalism has had the most powerful impact on evangelicals in the twentieth century. billy graham led the neo-fundamentalist movement, which survived hardships and adapted to welcome every human being.
- Argues that fundamentalism and evangelicals stress life based on the bible, repentance, and a personal relationship with god.
1103 wordsRead More - Christianity and Popular Cultureanalytical essayIn his classic work Christ and Culture, H. Richard Niebuhr asserts that the relationship between earnest followers of Jesus Christ and human culture has been an "enduring problem."1 How should believers who are "disciplining themselves for the purpose of godliness" (1 Tim. 4:7) relate to a world whose culture is dominated by "the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life" (1 John 2: 16)? Culture is God's gift and task for human beings created in His image and likeness. At creation humanity received a "cultural mandate" from the sovereign Creator to have dominion over the earth and to cultivate and keep it (Gen. 1:26, 28; 2:15). But sin's effects are total, and culture—whether high, popular, or folk—has been corrupted thoroughly by rebellion, idolatry, and immorality. How, then, should Christians, who have been redeemed, "not with perishable things like gold or silver . . . but with precious blood, as of a lamb, unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Pet. 1:18-19) live in relation to culture? According to Jesus in His high priestly prayer, believers are to be in the world but not of it (John 17:11-16). But in what way? How do believers act in and interact with the "crooked and perverse generation" (Phil. 2:15) that surrounds them and of which they are a part?
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how h. richard niebuhr asserts that the relationship between earnest followers of jesus christ and human culture has been an "enduring problem."
- Analyzes how various christian communities have developed alternative perspectives on this influential christ-culture connection.
- Argues that roman catholics view the gospel as the completion of culture. human cultural enterprises fall short of divine intentions and must be fulfilled by god's gracious work of redemption.
- Analyzes how h. richard niebuhr asserts that the relationship between earnest followers of jesus christ and human culture has been an "enduring problem."
- Analyzes how various christian communities have developed alternative perspectives on this influential christ-culture connection.
- Argues that roman catholics view the gospel as the completion of culture. human cultural enterprises fall short of divine intentions and must be fulfilled by god's gracious work of redemption.
- Argues that lutherans prefer to emphasize how the gospel creates remarkable tensions with culture.
- Explains that the reformed tradition promotes a vision of the transformation of culture, stating that no aspect of reality is alien to the kingdom of god.
- Opines that the typology has served as a helpful heuristic device to stimulate thinking on the subject.
- Opines that s of the essays that appear in this edition of findings would encourage this kind of reflection. ken myers grumbles about the "pietistic cultural ghetto" that reigned among evangelicals.
- Analyzes how s' approach toward popular culture is unusually refreshing. they avoid the expected evangelical denunciation of mass cultural expression reminiscent of the "christ against culture" mentality.
- Explains the doctrine of common grace as a non-salvific attitude of divine favor toward all human beings manifested in three ways.
- Opines that christians can learn much and benefit in important ways from the work of non-christians through contemporary artistic and cultural expressions.
- Explains how ken myers' article, "modernity, morality and common grace: christian reflections on the dynamics of popular culture," provides a framework for thinking about these matters.
- Analyzes how darren hughes argues that christians should take the arts more seriously, especially film, since it documents god's active presence in human lives.
- Concludes hughes' essay by offering practical advice on how to become an active and engaged film viewer, including several helpful websites, and a list of his favorite directors and their must-see productions.
- Analyzes how drew trotter's essay, "gaining the whole world: reflections on movies and what they tell us about ourselves," focuses on engaging the "popular arts, specifically movies."
- Analyzes how eric jacobson's article, "a peek behind the toob," reverses the pattern of thinking evident in the three preceding installments.
- Analyzes richard niebuhr's christ and culture (new york: harper and row, publishers, harper torchbooks, 1951).
- Opines that richard j. mouw, he shines in all that's fair: culture and common grace, was published in 2001.
2621 wordsRead More - bacon rebellionanalytical essay...unified different race and socioeconomic classes. Lastly Bacon’s Rebellion allowed minorities to expand in Virginia. Ronald Takaki claims, "During the last quarter of the century, the black population of Virginia increased steeply to 9,000 and possibly to even 20,000 out of 63,000 for the entire colony." (60) This growth of African America in the late 1600’s happened after bacon rebellion.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that bacon's rebellion was important because it threatened governor berkley’s government in virginia. high taxes, low prices for tobacco, and antipathy against special privileges provided the reasons for the uprising.
- Analyzes how bacon started the rebellion against the government because of his different view of the governor including trade with the indian and high tax.
- Explains that bacon's rebellion of 1675 was one of the most significant rebellions to attack colonial government.
- Explains that bacon's rebellion was important because it threatened governor berkley’s government in virginia. high taxes, low prices for tobacco, and antipathy against special privileges provided the reasons for the uprising.
- Analyzes how bacon started the rebellion against the government because of his different view of the governor including trade with the indian and high tax.
- Explains that bacon's rebellion of 1675 was one of the most significant rebellions to attack colonial government.
- Narrates how bacon's success didn't go much further. nathaniel died unexpectedly of dysentery after he burned jamestown.
- Analyzes how bacon's rebellion unified different races and socioeconomic classes, and allowed minorities to expand in virginia.
- Concludes that bacon's rebellion of 1675 was one of the most influent acts against american colonial government.
1002 wordsRead More - Identity Theftanalytical essayIdentity theft is one of the most pervasive and rapidly growing criminal activities in America. It is also one of the most devastating crimes for victims. One of the most common forms of identity theft is credit and debit card fraud. Credit card fraud not only exposes private payment information to thieves, but possibly the cardholder's name, address, and social security number. A 2003 survey from the Identity Theft Resource Center found that approximately seven million people were victims of identity theft over the previous 12 months. 73% of respondents indicated that the theft of their identity involved the unauthorized use of their credit card information, while only 15% of these victims find out about the theft of their credit card data through proactive action taken by a business. Unauthorized access to credit information often results in a wide array of fraudulent activity and consumer debt, including new and unauthorized credit card accounts, bank accounts, loans, mortgages, and more. Consumers may find themselves in unauthorized debt up to hundreds of thousands dollars before they ever realize there is a problem.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that identity theft is one of the most pervasive and rapidly growing criminal activities in america. credit card fraud exposes private payment information to thieves, including the cardholder's name, address, and social security number.
- Argues that identity theft can occur anywhere and at any time. sony corporation's playstation network security breach exposed 77 million consumers' identity information and credit card data, while heartland payment systems lost 100 million users' credit and debit card numbers.
- Explains that the cost of placing, suspending, and removing a credit freeze varies from state to state.
- Explains that identity theft is one of the most pervasive and rapidly growing criminal activities in america. credit card fraud exposes private payment information to thieves, including the cardholder's name, address, and social security number.
- Argues that identity theft can occur anywhere and at any time. sony corporation's playstation network security breach exposed 77 million consumers' identity information and credit card data, while heartland payment systems lost 100 million users' credit and debit card numbers.
- Explains that the cost of placing, suspending, and removing a credit freeze varies from state to state.
- Opines that federal credit freeze legislation would provide consumers with a consistent, efficient process to deter and contain credit fraud.
- Argues that federal credit freeze legislation must establish a minimum standard of regulatory oversight to improve upon the current system.
- Explains that a credit freeze provides consumers with the option to freeze or lock lender access to their credit files at the three major credit bureaus, equifax, experian and transunion.
- Opines that security freezes are an important option for consumers, but as the law currently stands, consumers must wade through inconsistent and oftentimes confusing regulations to freeze their financial and personal information.
1876 wordsRead More - Comparing Uncle Tom's Cabin and The Mill on the Flossanalytical essayReynolds, David S. Faith in Fiction: The Emergence of Religious Literature in America. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1981.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how george eliot deals with themes of morality and religious sensibility in the mill on the floss.
- Analyzes how stowe condemns those who distort christian teaching to justify slavery. st. clare exclaims to his wife, marie, "religion! is that what you hear at church religion?"
- Analyzes how eliot shows how narrow morality disguised as religious sentiment can still be used to maintain the status quo and stifle sympathy for one's fellows.
- Analyzes how george eliot deals with themes of morality and religious sensibility in the mill on the floss.
- Analyzes how stowe condemns those who distort christian teaching to justify slavery. st. clare exclaims to his wife, marie, "religion! is that what you hear at church religion?"
- Analyzes how eliot shows how narrow morality disguised as religious sentiment can still be used to maintain the status quo and stifle sympathy for one's fellows.
- Analyzes how stowe holds up the quakers, or the society of friends, as a group possibly to be emulated, but at least admired, for acting directly and forthrightly from their consciences and beliefs.
- Analyzes how eliot abandoned the protestant evangelical tradition and sought a more humanistic philosophy that transcended doctrine.
- Analyzes how stowe and eliot recast christianity as a genteel veneer of piety for the powerless and downtrodden of the time.
- Analyzes how stowe and eliot challenge their readers to follow christ's dictums of treating the lowly, the oppressed, and the suffering as one would him.
- Analyzes stowe's style in the novel, stating that faith, sincerity, and sympathy are the overarching narrative tones she wishes to awaken in her readers.
- Analyzes how both eliot and stowe compare maggie and tom to christ the martyr. their suffering and sacrifice promote the "salvation" of those around them.
- Explains that crim, keith, feilds, annie, and harriet beecher stowe's perennial dictionary of world religions.
- Explains paris, bernard j., and reynolds, david s. faith in fiction: the emergence of religion in america.
2449 wordsRead More - New Growing Trend: Identity Theftanalytical essayKirchheimer, Sid. "Identity Theft Is a Growing Danger." Identity Theft. Ed. Stefan Kiesbye. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2012. At Issue. Rpt. from "'They Stole My Name!' Each Year Identity Thieves Target 11 Million Americans. Here's What You Can Do to Protect Yourself." Saturday Evening Post (Jan.-Feb. 2011). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 21 Dec. 2013.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how of the article "identity theft is a growing danger" used pathos effectively to support the identity theft claim.
- Explains that identity theft can be stolen from social media websites, emails, or even after a death.
- Explains that kirchheimer is an expert in preventing identity theft. he writes about targeting the 50 and over crowd on various scam alerts that have been discovered.
- Analyzes how of the article "identity theft is a growing danger" used pathos effectively to support the identity theft claim.
- Explains that identity theft can be stolen from social media websites, emails, or even after a death.
- Explains that kirchheimer is an expert in preventing identity theft. he writes about targeting the 50 and over crowd on various scam alerts that have been discovered.
- Analyzes how the article "identity theft is a growing danger" was written to educate readers about identity theft.
- Explains that rutberg's identity thief used information gleaned from his page to "prove" he was the "stranded" west coast business executive—convinced one friend to wire $1,200.
- Analyzes how kirchheimer uses pathos, scare tactic, and inductive reasoning in his article, "identity theft is a growing danger."
- Analyzes how kirchheimer's article, "identity theft is a growing danger," is aimed at the 50 and over crowd, but anyone could benefit from his education.
- Opines that identity theft is a growing trend with some frightening twists. kirchheimer's education on the increasing trend of identity thieves seems to have an important role in protecting everyone’s identity in the future.
- Opines that identity theft is a growing danger.
847 wordsRead More - Filmanalytical essayKinnard, Roy and Tim Davis. Divine Images: A History of Jesus on the Screen. New York: Carol, 1992.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that film has become one of the most important and popular cultural mediums ever since its introduction to america and the world. film portrayals of jesus have varied in showing either a traditional image, pertaining to the gospels, or one more unconventional.
- Explains that jesus christ as a god-man is central to christian beliefs. in christian culture, jesus is understood to be both fully divine and fully human.
- Lists the movies that came out between 1959, after ben-hur, and 2004, before the passion of the christ.
- Explains that film has become one of the most important and popular cultural mediums ever since its introduction to america and the world. film portrayals of jesus have varied in showing either a traditional image, pertaining to the gospels, or one more unconventional.
- Explains that jesus christ as a god-man is central to christian beliefs. in christian culture, jesus is understood to be both fully divine and fully human.
- Lists the movies that came out between 1959, after ben-hur, and 2004, before the passion of the christ.
- Explains that jesus christ superstar was released in 1973. normal jewison directed it and ted neely was cast as jesus. jesus of nazareth is a made for television miniseries that was shown in 1977.
- Explains that the eight movies listed above have been split into two categories, divine or human, given in chronological order of how they were released in the united states.
- Analyzes how the director, george stevens, tried too hard to make a good film. max von sydow, the actor who played jesus, is blonde, with light complexion, and blue eyes. the somberness of his manner and the way he almost seems detached from the people and places around him gives him more inhuman attributes.
- Analyzes how the movie was a commercial failure with audiences because united artists wanted it to be the greatest jesus story ever told.
- Compares the greatest story ever told to jesus of nazareth, which is the longest of the films discussed.
- Explains that this miniseries was highly rated when it first came out and is said to be the greatest retelling of jesus' life ever put on screen. the film has had success internationally and been marketed more than any other film made about jesus’ life.
- Analyzes how the movie ben-hur focuses on jesus' human side. the viewer never sees or hears his face or voice throughout the film, leaving these only to one's imagination.
- Explains that the movie made forty million dollars at the box office, an unheard of amount at that time, and won eleven academy awards. it is seen as the most stirring and respectable of the bible-fiction pictures ever made.
- Analyzes how jeffrey hunter's portrayal of jesus is unfeeling in his relationships and teachings. he is shown as "throughly human" and struggles to come to terms with his humanity.
- Opines that audiences didn't receive the film very well because of the public's dying interest in jesus films, and critics may have been too harsh on the movie since today’s culture sees it as better than how they first reviewed it.
- Analyzes how enrique irazoqui's portrayal of jesus is more emotional, even angrier, than his predecessors. he is given to shouting his messages, rather than speaking in a passive voice.
- Analyzes how the film influenced the 1960s film culture and opened up the motion picture industry and the public to accept more foreign films.
- Analyzes how jesus christ superstar, the next movie in this category, brings jesus' life to screen in a new way.
- Analyzes how the movie caused controversy because of the decision to cast an african american actor in the role of judas, which weakened its popularity with conservative viewers.
- Analyzes how willem dafoe's portrayal of jesus is in the traditional way, but shown with a darker complexion and light hair.
- Explains that audiences rejected the movie before it even came out in theaters. the biggest protest was held at universal studios, which was written off as religious fanatics and conservatives, and boycotted from organizations.
- Analyzes how james caviezel's portrayal of jesus was visually dramatic and made the viewer feel pity and heartbreak for jesus' character.
- Analyzes how the movie has done remarkably well at the box office, though audiences have embraced it. it may even bring the future of jesus films to a new level because of the way mel gibson wanted everything to be accurate.
- Opines that every movie has people that don't like it or agree with it. the only opposition to these movies is not necessarily about how jesus is shown, but also about the quality of the film itself.
- Explains that the gospel according to saint matthew is an independent foreign film made in the 1960s. the passion of the christ hasn't been released on tape or dvd.
- Concludes that from the actors who played jesus, how they were seen on screen, and how the audiences reacted to each film, one can clearly see whether the different movies discussed show jesus to be either human or divine.
- Describes baugh, lloyd, and sheed and ward's imagery the divine: jesus and christ-figures in film.
- Cites brunstad, paul otto, "jesus in hollywood – the cinematic jesus in a christological and contemporary perspective."
- Explains deacy's evaluation of the role of christ-figures in films.
- Analyzes the official academy awards database, which lists films receiving 10 or more nominations.
- Describes grimshaw, michael, "sexless piety or a man’s man? notes on the cinematic representation of jesus."
- Explains hittinger, russell, and elizabeth lev, "gibson's passion." first things: a monthly journal of religion and public life 141 (2004): 7-9.
- Describes kinnard, roy, and davis' divine images: a history of jesus on the screen.
- Reviews medved, michael, hollywood vs. america: popular culture and the war on traditional values, new york: harpercollins 1992.
- Explains that stern, richard c, clayton n jefford, and guerric debona, savior on the silver screen.
3893 wordsRead More - Creation and Evolution: An Eternal Debateexplanatory essayDavis, Edward B. “The Christian Century”. Chicago. Jul 15 – Jul 22. 1998. Vol 115,
In this essay, the author
- Explains that darwinism is based on the basic belief of ‘natural selection’ and ‘survival of the fittest’.
- Explains that religious beliefs differ when the interpretation of the bible is taken into account. protestant fundamentalists state that god made all animals and human out of earth and breathed an immortal soul into him.
- Argues that religious beliefs do not affect the content of scientific theories. creationists and evolutionist groups have strong views on the subject and neither are willing to budge their understanding.
- Explains that darwinism is based on the basic belief of ‘natural selection’ and ‘survival of the fittest’.
- Explains that religious beliefs differ when the interpretation of the bible is taken into account. protestant fundamentalists state that god made all animals and human out of earth and breathed an immortal soul into him.
- Argues that religious beliefs do not affect the content of scientific theories. creationists and evolutionist groups have strong views on the subject and neither are willing to budge their understanding.
- Explains that intelligent design is an alternative to the scientific theory of natural selection. creationists argue that random mutation cannot be created by god because everything happens has a purpose.
- Describes berra, tim m., evolution and the myth of creationism: a basic guide to the facts in the bible.
- Explains davis, edward b., "the christian century". chicago. jul 15 – jul 22. 1998.
- Explains that darwinism, in relation to religious beliefs, can become controversial, but few are standing by it because even the compromise is controversial.
- Explains that many evolutionary biologists are catholic priests or nuns who see evolution as god's plan, not a denial of their belief in god. pope pius xii stated the catholic position on evolution in 1950.
- Explains that theology of evolution is the widest accepted form of reconciliation between the christian faith and the evolutionary theory.
1603 wordsRead More - Exploring the Relationship Between Faith and Beliefanalytical essayOne argues that today we have a crisis of belief, not a crisis of faith. To explain this crisis, I will briefly examine the relationship between faith and belief, explain why cultural shift is important to note when trying to understand religious issues, go into detail on the three hallmarks of each of the two cultures by showing how they compare to each other, show how Tillich’s notion of correlation deals with this idea of culture and a crisis of belief, and explain how Marsh’s notion of a “theology of negotiation” (33) fits with Lonergan’s definition and allows him to argue that film can help us raise theological questions.
In this essay, the author
- Argues that today we have a crisis of belief, not faith. they will examine the relationship between faith and belief and explain how cultural shift is important to note when trying to understand religious issues. tillich's notion of correlation deals with this idea.
- Analyzes the relationship between faith and belief, and explains that both have elements of reliance and trust.
- Explains why cultural shift is important to note when trying to understand religious issues. cultural shift also changes the world in preparation for the final stage of the earth's evolution.
- Argues that today we have a crisis of belief, not faith. they will examine the relationship between faith and belief and explain how cultural shift is important to note when trying to understand religious issues. tillich's notion of correlation deals with this idea.
- Analyzes the relationship between faith and belief, and explains that both have elements of reliance and trust.
- Explains why cultural shift is important to note when trying to understand religious issues. cultural shift also changes the world in preparation for the final stage of the earth's evolution.
- Explains the three hallmarks of each of the two cultures and how they compare with each other. in classical culture, structure is fixed in per unit and has a certain mean.
- Analyzes how tillich's notion of correlation deals with this idea of culture and a crisis of belief.
- Explains how marsh's notion of a "theology of negotiation" fits lonergan’s definition and allows him to argue that film can help us raise theological questions.
- Concludes that the only way to view religious issues is to look on the cultures.
996 wordsRead More - Star child evolution in 2001analytical essayReligious films in the pre-1968 era distinguish themselves as literal interpretations of the Old and New Testaments. America, in this era, held religion as central to everyday life. DeMille's “King of Kings” and similar movies that follow in form support this inference. Consider the context of DeMille's 1932 movies, “Sign of the Cross.” Depression and the great dustbowl were commonplace across America. The masses embraced religion and this is evident in the literal bible story films. Additionally, the righteous people in the films represented the working class people of America, and the blasphemers represented the elite minority. They were usually powerful, corrupt, and sometimes Jewish.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the evolution of the star-child reflects and creates social culture. films indicate social trends, present ideas, and analyze history for its contemporary time period.
- Analyzes how religious films in the pre-1968 era distinguish themselves as literal interpretations of the old and new testaments. demille's "king of kings" and similar movies support this inference.
- Analyzes how kubrick's "2001: a space odyssey" challenges all previous religious film movies, yet it contains powerful symbols that reflect the changes in social thought.
- Analyzes how the evolution of the star-child reflects and creates social culture. films indicate social trends, present ideas, and analyze history for its contemporary time period.
- Analyzes how religious films in the pre-1968 era distinguish themselves as literal interpretations of the old and new testaments. demille's "king of kings" and similar movies support this inference.
- Analyzes how kubrick's "2001: a space odyssey" challenges all previous religious film movies, yet it contains powerful symbols that reflect the changes in social thought.
- Analyzes how kubrick's "2001: a space odyssey" is interesting because he realizes cultural evolution and manifests it in man as a physical being. the slow-paced film indicates the inevitable evolution of all things.
- Explains that the monolith prompts the monkeys to explore ways in which odds and ends in nature may be utilized.
- Analyzes how intelligent humans contact and touch the monolith that leads to technological advancement as in the case of the monkey scenario.
- Analyzes kubrick's statement that technology is a force that molds and shapes the evolution of man.
- Analyzes kubrick's message that eventually humans will learn and develop enough technology that technology itself will run the world.
- Compares kubrick's "the matrix" where man is a primary unit of energy, technology controls man, and man has no free will. the star-child is passive and sedentary.
- Explains that the monolith is responsible for all stages of evolution. the monkeys, ignorant of technology, touched the monolith and committed original sin.
- Explains that the star-child is a fetus developing outside of the womb. no humans gave birth to it. man's ultimate destiny is to be subject of technology.
- Analyzes how kubrick's ideas of the star child and mans' ultimate destiny were due to the uncertainty of technology. modern warfare relied on technology as vietnam destroyed thousands of lives.
1046 wordsRead More - Essay On Identity Theft In Australiaexplanatory essayA rapid upsurge in identity theft has significantly risen. It is enabled by technological advancements and an increase in current internet usage throughout Australia. This has encouraged current debates; resulting in implications for law enforcement bodies, businesses and governments. As the Australian laws are recent, there have been no published decisions that have considered the meaning of a new provision. The Criminal Code Act (Cth), Financial Transaction Reports Act 1988 (Cth) and Migration Act 1958 (Cth) are intended to protect society from practices of identity theft; though these legislations have been unsuccessful in adequately protecting and covering the demands of identity theft in Australia.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that identity theft and fraud has become more controversial and contentious in an increasingly complex society. the queensland criminal code and civil liability amendment act 2007 protects victims while preventing and prohibiting criminal theft.
- Explains that the rapid upsurge in identity theft has encouraged debates, resulting in implications for law enforcement bodies, businesses, and governments.
- Explains that identity theft legislation is regarded as an offence in south australia, whereas it is not recognised in other states and territories.
- Explains that identity theft and fraud has become more controversial and contentious in an increasingly complex society. the queensland criminal code and civil liability amendment act 2007 protects victims while preventing and prohibiting criminal theft.
- Explains that the rapid upsurge in identity theft has encouraged debates, resulting in implications for law enforcement bodies, businesses, and governments.
- Explains that identity theft legislation is regarded as an offence in south australia, whereas it is not recognised in other states and territories.
- Explains that the current legislations in australia are inadequate at protecting society from identity theft. the ‘john massey’ case found the applicant pleading guilty to 14 counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception
- Explains that both defendants successfully breached section 134.2 (1) of the criminal code act (cth); the obtaining a financial advantage by deception.
491 wordsRead More - Essay On Christian Moviesopinion essayFor the most part, Christian-themed films are a complete hit or a miss - and I don’t mean that in terms of box office success, either. To be fair, nearly every single Christian movie manages to perform reasonably well in that regard. No, I’m talking in terms of entertainment quality - which, at the end of the day, is the only characteristic that truly matters when you’re deciding whether or not to watch a specific movie.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that christian-themed films are a complete hit or miss, but entertainment quality is the only characteristic that matters when deciding whether or not to watch.
- Opines that christian movies have an inability to broaden their demographics due to their squeaky-clean, goody-two-shoes mentality.
- Opines that they've been waiting for a production that at least attempted to feel authentic.
- Opines that christian-themed films are a complete hit or miss, but entertainment quality is the only characteristic that matters when deciding whether or not to watch.
- Opines that christian movies have an inability to broaden their demographics due to their squeaky-clean, goody-two-shoes mentality.
- Opines that they've been waiting for a production that at least attempted to feel authentic.
- Explains that jennifer garner stars as christy beam, the mother of three young daughters, abby (brighton sharbino), anna (kylie rogers), and adelynn (courtney fansler).
- Narrates how anna's family is happy and hopeful for the future, until she begins suffering from horrible stomach pains. over the span of several weeks, anna sees several different doctors, each of whom give her a relatively tame diagnosis.
- Explains that dr. nurko is the best in the country at dealing with anna's disease, yet he has a several month waiting list - which christy refuses to wait on.
- Opines that the opening moments of this film don't leave high hopes for this christian-themed movie being any different from the aforementioned batch.
- Analyzes the dramatic shift in tone and demeanor in the film when young anna is blindsided by a rare and painful digestive disease. anna's mother, christy, portrayed by the occasionally potent jennifer garner, takes center stage.
- Evaluates garner's semi-powerful performance, but the rest of the cast leaves a lot to be desired. youngster kylie rogers, eugenio derbez, and queen latifah lack powderpuff presence.
- Analyzes how riggen and brown created emotional and compelling scenes in miracles from heaven based on christy beam's book.
- Opines that miracles from heaven should have stuck to a dramatic score instead of annoying christian rock ballads.
- Analyzes how the beam family goes to church, shares prayers, and whenever something bad happens, their faith fades to nothingness. a young girl shares anna's hospital room and her father doesn't believe in god.
- Opines that miracles from heaven packs an emotional punch that will resonate with anyone with a pulse. the biggest drawbacks in the film are due to the christian-heavy rationalities.
1179 wordsRead More - Suture Theoryanalytical essaySilverman, Kaja. "Suture [Excerpts]." In Narrative, Apparatus, Ideology: A Film Theory Reader, edited by Philip Rosen, 219-235. New York: Columbia University Press, 1986.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how curtin's nostalgic past serves as a blue print for his plan after cashing gold. dobbs' abrupt appearance distracted the spectator from inserting oneself into the narration.
- Analyzes how the film's construction creates a kind of anxiety for the viewer. they will connect the suture theory in relation to the treasure of the sierra madre (1948).
- Analyzes how silver and heath have argued that the system of suture exceeds any particular shot formation and encompasses all the operations of classical narrative, including editing, lighting, camera movement, framing and sound.
- Analyzes how curtin's nostalgic past serves as a blue print for his plan after cashing gold. dobbs' abrupt appearance distracted the spectator from inserting oneself into the narration.
- Analyzes how the film's construction creates a kind of anxiety for the viewer. they will connect the suture theory in relation to the treasure of the sierra madre (1948).
- Analyzes how silver and heath have argued that the system of suture exceeds any particular shot formation and encompasses all the operations of classical narrative, including editing, lighting, camera movement, framing and sound.
- Explains that the treasure of the sierra madre was directed by john huston. silverman, kaja, and heath, stephen.
854 wordsRead More