Many people believe that religion exists solely in places of worship, but is this really true? Is there a distinct separation between the sacred and the profane? What defines religion?—culture? Does popular culture influence religion or is it a one-way street? Is today's western, apparently secularized, culture entirely unaware of the religious content—both subtle and obvious—that exists within film, literature, television, music, and the media? This course explores these questions, looking at the interplay between religion and culture in North America, with the goal of evaluating the influence that each exerts on the other.
Sample Film Reviews |
Fisher, Danny. “Film Review: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 12., no. 2., 2008. |
McEver, Matt. “Film Review: Gladiator.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 4, no. 2, 2000. |
Walsh-Pasulka, Diana. “Film Review: The Matrix: Reloaded.” Journal of Religion and Film, vol. 7, no. 2, 2003. |
Yarri, Donna. “Film Review: The Exorcism of Emily Rose.” Journal of Religion and Film. Vol. 10, no. 1, 2006. |
World Religions |
Star Trek, Star Wars, or Science Fiction |
Colebatch, Hal G. P.
Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003. |
Religion, Diets, and Food |
Sports and Religion |
Buffy the Vampire Slayer |
Harry Potter |
Colebatch, Hal G. P.
Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003. |
Heroes, Superheroes, and Comics |
Colebatch, Hal G. P.
Return of the Heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Social Conflict, 2nd ed. Christchurch, New Zealand: Cybereditions Corporation, 2003. |
Religion and Film |
Christianity and Popular Culture |
Popular Culture in Religion |
Religion and Popular Culture—General |
Note: This book has a good chapter on the religious qualities of hockey in Canada. |
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