Religion and Contemporary Culture: Film in Religion

From its beginning film has been a vehicle for the exploration of religion and spirituality. In this course we use films to explore contemporary religious issues, beliefs, and practices and their relationship to society. Although some films are obviously religious (The Passion of the Christ, for instance), the religious dimensions of many films become apparent only upon closer, more critical examination. Our culture has become more visual, and understanding the religious dimensions of cinematic texts can help us better to understand religious belief and practice in late modern society. This semester we will be viewing and discussing films such as The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Matrix, The Mission, Blade Runner, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.