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Cinemagogue
Understand the shared story in which we all play a part.
Connect human creativity with the impulse of our Creator.
Explore the relationship between images and imaging God.
Do you like movies? Are you a cinephile? Do your friends consult YOU instead of IMDB? Were you raised on television? Spend hours talking cinema? This book is definitely for you. If you're a casual consumer who thinks Hollywood exists simply for diversion, this book may change your life.
“I am a Junior film and Television student... your interpretations of the films have helped formed the kind of filmmaker I am becoming, and also the way I experience films.”
Humans crave narrative and usually don't stop to question why. Are we perhaps created to consume story, to create story, because we're image bearers of a Master Storyteller? In this book, movies meet God at the multiplex as the author challenges readers to redefine entertainment, understand the story they're in, and experience a new integrated level of spirituality and entertainment.
“You actually look at the film aspects and see how the artist’s worldview really comes through.”
What can we learn about God from Doctor Who and Han Solo? What are people like Jon Stewart and even Michael Bay helping us understand about story, good and bad? Peppered with movie quotes and metaphors, journey through the incredible changes film and storytelling have had on 21st century culture. Instead of an overly-academic offering on film and faith, Cinemagogue weaves a narrative from the author's own pop culture saturated life to the Greatest Story Ever Told, from Superman to Citizen Kane, Bertrand Russell to John Frame, Kurt Vonnegut to the apostle Paul, from our favorite narrative to our shared meganarrative.
“…I grew up on television in the 80s and relate to the context you grew up in…. I thank God for you and your ability to glorify him in everything, no matter what.”
Classic notions of story structure, “monomyth” and universally shared themes in both popular and classic tales are examined in light of ancient scripture. From there, readers can see the genesis of creativity and worldview distortions from which conversation can bring us back to the future. After a dirty dozen examples of popular film in chapter five (with questions for discussion) the book tackles common objections with genre and content: horror movies, foul language, violence, sexuality, magic and more… and how many traditional objections are overshadowed by incredible opportunities for those brave enough to overcome fear and wade into the culture stream, secure in their faith.
“Your talk was one of the final confirmations of our move to Los Angeles to re-engage the film business by getting upstream in culture and trying to influence from the top down. Worked as an assistant on a TV series for a year, and now I’m working at a digital marketing agency that does a ton of film/TV work, as well as writing/producing my own projects.”
The book ends with a call and commission to those who consider themselves spiritual and religious to get their heads out of the sand, to start realizing and utilizing the power of narrative.
“…really convicted me in both the movie and gaming arena to analyze what I am watching/playing and why. I had almost zero discernment before stumbling onto your series…”
A requested resource by movie-goers, movie-makers, pastors and teachers, Cinemagogue is an extension of a website and podcast, providing a "how-to" for those who want to experience the transforming power inherent in all story.
“Listening to your podcasts… opened my eyes to examine what I watch even closer.”
Take your entertainment seriously while simultaneously having more fun with it than ever before. Learn how to watch to glorify, to be edified, and possibly to evangelize. Even better, create to magnify.
Connect human creativity with the impulse of our Creator.
Explore the relationship between images and imaging God.
Do you like movies? Are you a cinephile? Do your friends consult YOU instead of IMDB? Were you raised on television? Spend hours talking cinema? This book is definitely for you. If you're a casual consumer who thinks Hollywood exists simply for diversion, this book may change your life.
“I am a Junior film and Television student... your interpretations of the films have helped formed the kind of filmmaker I am becoming, and also the way I experience films.”
Humans crave narrative and usually don't stop to question why. Are we perhaps created to consume story, to create story, because we're image bearers of a Master Storyteller? In this book, movies meet God at the multiplex as the author challenges readers to redefine entertainment, understand the story they're in, and experience a new integrated level of spirituality and entertainment.
“You actually look at the film aspects and see how the artist’s worldview really comes through.”
What can we learn about God from Doctor Who and Han Solo? What are people like Jon Stewart and even Michael Bay helping us understand about story, good and bad? Peppered with movie quotes and metaphors, journey through the incredible changes film and storytelling have had on 21st century culture. Instead of an overly-academic offering on film and faith, Cinemagogue weaves a narrative from the author's own pop culture saturated life to the Greatest Story Ever Told, from Superman to Citizen Kane, Bertrand Russell to John Frame, Kurt Vonnegut to the apostle Paul, from our favorite narrative to our shared meganarrative.
“…I grew up on television in the 80s and relate to the context you grew up in…. I thank God for you and your ability to glorify him in everything, no matter what.”
Classic notions of story structure, “monomyth” and universally shared themes in both popular and classic tales are examined in light of ancient scripture. From there, readers can see the genesis of creativity and worldview distortions from which conversation can bring us back to the future. After a dirty dozen examples of popular film in chapter five (with questions for discussion) the book tackles common objections with genre and content: horror movies, foul language, violence, sexuality, magic and more… and how many traditional objections are overshadowed by incredible opportunities for those brave enough to overcome fear and wade into the culture stream, secure in their faith.
“Your talk was one of the final confirmations of our move to Los Angeles to re-engage the film business by getting upstream in culture and trying to influence from the top down. Worked as an assistant on a TV series for a year, and now I’m working at a digital marketing agency that does a ton of film/TV work, as well as writing/producing my own projects.”
The book ends with a call and commission to those who consider themselves spiritual and religious to get their heads out of the sand, to start realizing and utilizing the power of narrative.
“…really convicted me in both the movie and gaming arena to analyze what I am watching/playing and why. I had almost zero discernment before stumbling onto your series…”
A requested resource by movie-goers, movie-makers, pastors and teachers, Cinemagogue is an extension of a website and podcast, providing a "how-to" for those who want to experience the transforming power inherent in all story.
“Listening to your podcasts… opened my eyes to examine what I watch even closer.”
Take your entertainment seriously while simultaneously having more fun with it than ever before. Learn how to watch to glorify, to be edified, and possibly to evangelize. Even better, create to magnify.
232 pages, Paperback
First published December 12, 2012
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
James Harleman
6 books19 followersJames Harleman has hosted events and taught for over a decade in Seattle at one of the fastest growing churches in America where he started their "Film and Theology" program. He manages the website cinemagogue.com and just published his first book.
As an ordained minister, James travels and lectures on cinema and spirituality, as well as speaking on a wide variety of cultural and theological topics. He's contributed articles and reviews to The Resurgence and Hollywood Jesus websites, written for Collide Magazine and also made the Kessel Run in less than eleven parsecs.
James enjoys watching movies with his geek wife Kathryn who shares his passion for cosplay, sci-fi, horror movies, and comic books. They're presently working to publish several short stories and a series of novels. He is also part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take him away.
As an ordained minister, James travels and lectures on cinema and spirituality, as well as speaking on a wide variety of cultural and theological topics. He's contributed articles and reviews to The Resurgence and Hollywood Jesus websites, written for Collide Magazine and also made the Kessel Run in less than eleven parsecs.
James enjoys watching movies with his geek wife Kathryn who shares his passion for cosplay, sci-fi, horror movies, and comic books. They're presently working to publish several short stories and a series of novels. He is also part of the Rebel Alliance and a traitor. Take him away.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 1, 2013
Immediately upon finishing the first chapter I jumped online and purchased a copy of the book for my best friend, shipping it to him in haste so that we could explore the themes within together. Despite my following of James Harleman's Cinemagogue website and his Film & Theology podcasts, reading through this book has been an eye-opening journey. James has been given a gift to not only view entertainment through a much different lens than the average person, but to show others how they too can be entertained in ways that contributes to their spiritual growth. I am a person who consumes media of every type on a near constant basis and I connected with the ideas presented. Take the challenge, give a new perspective a chance, and it might not only change the way you view entertainment forever but assist you in furthering the kingdom for His glory. Beyond a doubt this is 5 out of 5 star material and I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoys film, television, books, comics, etc.
April 14, 2013
This book was a HUGE blessing for me and will continue to be as I refer back to it time and time again! I'm encouraged and reenergized after having read it. If you're into film, pop culture, or just a nerd read this book. For me this is one of the most important Christian books to date for the time we live in.
December 29, 2012
A necessary book, for both christians and non-christians as well. Harleman does a great job on defining entertainment, on applying a godly engangement on our culture, for the Glory of God. A most recommended book.
January 31, 2013
If I was made of money, I would buy a bunch of copies of this book and hand them out to everyone I know... I think that everyone should read this book; Non-believers and believers. Non-believers to give them a different perspective on how some Christians enjoy and dissect media. Believers to give them a different perspective on how they should be enjoying and dissecting media for God's glory, as well as some thoughtful insight on how Christians might further the gospel by using different forms of media.
James discusses everything from using media as escapism, to what questions we should be asking ourselves while watching a film (with some great examples to help get our conversations started). He also discusses the fact that there are no new ideas, but that we can enjoy "fresh" perspectives on things that have already been done, as well as different forms of language use, violence, and nudity. There are also some great thoughts on the horror and fantasy genres.
I had a couple of quotes from the book that I was going to use, but I have decided that it would just be better if you read the book for yourself! Even if you don't agree with everything (or, anything, for that matter) that James has to say, I promise that it will definitely give you something to think (and, hopefully, talk) about.
James discusses everything from using media as escapism, to what questions we should be asking ourselves while watching a film (with some great examples to help get our conversations started). He also discusses the fact that there are no new ideas, but that we can enjoy "fresh" perspectives on things that have already been done, as well as different forms of language use, violence, and nudity. There are also some great thoughts on the horror and fantasy genres.
I had a couple of quotes from the book that I was going to use, but I have decided that it would just be better if you read the book for yourself! Even if you don't agree with everything (or, anything, for that matter) that James has to say, I promise that it will definitely give you something to think (and, hopefully, talk) about.
July 10, 2013
This book is deceptively good. It would benefit from a larger publisher taking it on since I find the formatting of movie quotes and the break down of sections by "scenes" distracting and unclear. It kind of meanders to his point but in the end it is a good book with valid points. So perhaps a better editor would greatly improve Harleman's book.
It is a helpful book in addressing the more obvious issues related to the consumption of media. It is popular level designed to see bridges to the gospel in movies not walls to tear down. The focus is on the heart, "why do you like that scene/story?" It does not fall prey to the tired critique that we should not watch movies with bad things are in them, whether violence, language, or sex. It is more so about worldview engagement but it is not philosophical by any means. If one wants a more sustained discussion on worldview issues and critique of the medium itself, look elsewhere.
It is a helpful book in addressing the more obvious issues related to the consumption of media. It is popular level designed to see bridges to the gospel in movies not walls to tear down. The focus is on the heart, "why do you like that scene/story?" It does not fall prey to the tired critique that we should not watch movies with bad things are in them, whether violence, language, or sex. It is more so about worldview engagement but it is not philosophical by any means. If one wants a more sustained discussion on worldview issues and critique of the medium itself, look elsewhere.
June 11, 2013
Great book and a must read for this generation of avid and habitual movie and TV watchers. The last 2 chapters alone (dealing with content issues surrounding violence, language, and sex) are worth the cost of the book. Harleman has helped me more than anyone else at discerning the worldview of a film and finding the metanarratives within and the gospel truths that filmmakers tend to borrow. Read this book.
March 20, 2013
Required reading for any Christian who want to know how to engage the narratives around them an use that as way to bridge conversations with friends, family and coworkers for the Gospel--so basically for every Christian.
May 21, 2015
Really glad I finally got around to reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews