Cinemagogue: Director's Cut, (Paperback)

<b>Do you like movies?</b> 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. OR... if you're a casual consumer who thinks Hollywood exists simply for diversion, this book may change your life. <p><i><b>*This timely update of the 2012 1st edition delivers over 40 pages of new content with updated movie references, illustrations, film reviews and recommendations, further shaping the Story-formed Argument for God's Existence while also delving deeper on hot topics like how we view sex in film and more! Also includes an "after credits scene" - a teaser for the super sequel coming in 2024!</b></i> </p><p>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. This book will help you: </p><ul><li><b>Understand the shared story in which we all play a part.</b></li><li><b>Connect human creativity with the impulse of our Creator.</b></li><li><b>Explore the relationship between images and imaging God.</b></li></ul><p>What can we learn about ourselves - and our relationship to God - from Iron Man, 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 <b>meganarrative</b>.</p><p>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. Readers have said: </p><p><i>"...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..." </i></p><p><i>"...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."</i></p><p>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.</p><p>A requested resource by movie-goers, movie-makers, pastors and t</p>

• Cinemagogue: Director's Cut, (Paperback)
• Author: James Harleman
• ISBN: 9780988482531
• Format: Paperback
• Publication Date: 2023-11-20
• Page Count: 272