The author Brian Godawa is a prolific Christian movie maker, reviewer, screen writer and author. If one would expect someone to have the situational background to write on a Christian worldview analysis of films, then Godawa would be it. Making this even better is the fact that Godawa has good theology driving his worldview. He’s also influenced by Van Til’s Presuppositional apologetics (another major plus!). I’ve been wanting to read this book for a long time and was glad that I was finally able to order it and sit down and read it. The book defends the idea that film in of itself is not sinful–and that is just the preface. Conscious of the fact that film consists of visual imagery, the dramatic and a story, the author demonstrates that Scripture uses or record people using imagery, the dramatic and stories properly. The rest of the book is divided into three parts, or more appropriately as Godawa calls it, “act.” In Act 1, Godawa focuses on story telling, which consists of three chapters. The first chapter is about the issue of sex, violence and profanity. This chapter is one that a Christian might want to read carefully and perhaps revisit even after a first reading of the book. It is something to chew on even if not every Christian will find themselves in agreement with the author. Chapter three focuses on movies with redemption which obviously is a big theological Christian motif since God has established the greatest act of redemption. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Act 2 of the book, which focuses on three worldviews that’s the undercurrent of many contemporary movies: existentialism, postmodernism and other worldviews, including Eastern mysticism. Act 3 focuses on movies protrayal of the spiritual with a chapter each on Jesus, Christianity, faith and spiritual warfare. What I like alot about this book is that many movies are brought up as examples of the worldviews subtle message in films. There are many insights, analysis and observations from various movies throughout the book. You will find yourself seeing movies you seen before in new light and also be curious about the story lines of other movies you have not seen before (and of course, some movies which I will not see as a result of this book’s analysis). All in all, these example should stir a Christian to be careful with discerning and watching movies with Godly wisdom–and while watching out for swearing, needless violence and sexual sins are important, we as believers must also watch out for the IDEAS that film impart to us. I highly recommend this book as a great introduction.
“… while watching out for swearing, needless violence and sexual sins are important, we as believers must also watch out for the IDEAS that film impart to us.”
YES! The ideas are every bit as important, if not more so. To focus entirely on whether or not a movie is “clean,” to the point of ignoring the deeper messages, is not a good way to watch film.
Indeed.
[...] « Review: Hollywood Worldviews: Watching Films with Wisdom and Discernment by Brian Godawa [...]
Nice review. Read this book a while ago – an excellent book. I keep thinking I ought to get this later edition as it has some extra material in it. The comment he makes early on in the book (from memory) that ALL films are about Redemption in some way is a great point.- and I think true. Movies carry ideas and we ought to know about them. I must confess at the time his Van Tillan commitment passed me by though.
The White Horse Inn did a couple of programs with him a few years ago – well worth a listen.
Wow Mike! Do you own the book yourself or you borrowed it? Thanks for letting me know that WHI has interviewed him some time ago, I was not aware of that! Hope you are doing well Mike!
I own it. I was doing my Masters Thesis at the time and it included sections on popular culture and Film was part of it. Not sure if those WHI programs are still available. Let me know if you want them – you have my email.
We are moving house soon so I’m up to my neck in paperwork for the sale/purchase.
If I (we) ever make it out to the US I’d like to meet up if at all possible.
Wow sounds like there has been a lot to your life…did not know this history of your life! If you ever do visit the US, we should definitely meet and greet and invite you for tea.
Nice, Lord willing we could all meet.
On it’s way through Cyber-space!!!
Hi Mike,
Are we able to read your Masters Thesis? If not, no worries.
That would be nice Mike, didn’t think of asking you until EvangelZ brought it up!
No problem. It would need quite a bit of work if it were to be published but I’d value your input. Changing churches would also inform it. The full title is ‘Public Worship within Reformed Evangelicalism’. If you still want to read it I’ll put it on my website for download.
Thank you, Brother Mile. Grace.
Or if you want, you could e-mail it to our private e-mail.
OK. I think Jim has my email. I’ll reply with the attachment – when I find it!
I just emailed you brother.
It would be interesting for me if you reviewed it. See what you think first.
Sounds good. What is your e-mail?
Jim should have a copy now.
Thanks Mike, I’ve gotten it!
EvangelZ,
I’ve just just emailed you Mike’s thesis.