Reign-Focus: Theology, Film, and the Aesthetics of Liberation (original) (raw)
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The reflection on film will be situated within the framework of popular culture and livedreligion as recognised themes within the discipline of practical theology. It is argued that theperspective of viewers is of importance within the process of meaning-making. By focusing onthe experience and meaning-making through the act of film-watching the emphasis is not somuch on the message that the producer wishes to convey but rather on the experience that iscreated within the viewer. Experience is not viewed as only emotional, but rather that, at least,both the cognitive and emotional are key in the act of watching a film. It is therefore arguedthat this experience that is seldom reflected on by viewers could serve as a fruitful platform formeaning-making by the viewer. In a context where there seems to be a decline in institutionalisedforms of religion, it is important to investigate emerging forms of religion. Furthermore, theturn to the self also makes people’s experiences and practic...
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Christ in the Limelight: Contemporary Films and Christological Discourse
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Media - Kultura - Komunikacja Społeczna
The paper seeks to present topics and themes that seem inevitable to be reviewed when looking for the answer to the question whether the motion picture medium can become a suitable means for the church to communicate and convey the message entrusted to it. The essay first tries to describe what characterises the religiosity of the people of our time. This brings us to a phenomenon which is better described by the term ‘subjective turn’ rather than postmodern. The functional definition of religion can be used to describe the religious functions of film. Starting from the transcendent function of religion a theological approach to film also becomes necessary. In linking theology and film, our inquiry cannot be confined exclusively to academic or church circles, but must include the wider public, social spheres as well. A theological approach to culture helps us to place the topic in a more general, broader framework. Karl Barth’s interpretation of culture can be a warning that the sel...
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