Book Description
You love movies. Who Doesn't? In Finding God in the Movies Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston show you how to combine your love of movies with your desire for God. Introducing thirty-three films of faith--ranging from Tender Mercies to X-Men--the authors identify and explore key biblical themes like forgiveness, faith, and repentance. An enthusiastic guide for the individual movie lover or small group, this resource contains production notes and film synopses, relevant Scripture texts, theological reflection, recommended video clips, discussion questions, and more. It will deepen your fervor for film and for God.
Customer Reviews:
Good book.......2007-08-26
The book really helped me with me class that I used it for. Even though we weren't required to read it.
A book for finding God's grace in the secular world.......2004-11-03
Catherine Barsotti and Robert Johnston --- husband and wife --- give thoughtful Christians a book full of tools to help them view select movies (33 in all; the oldest released in 1982) through a theological or philosophical lens.
FINDING GOD IN THE MOVIES starts with an informative introduction that discusses the film genre and theological approaches to film. What makes a good film? "Head, gut, and heart. The best movies will engage the whole person." How does a viewer find God in the movies? "Unpack the story.... What is more primary in the way the story is shaped? (1) Is it the plot...? (2) Is it the characters...? (3) Is it the point of view, where a story is given value by the perspective of the narrator(s)...? Or (4) is it the atmosphere...?...Concentrate your critical attention on where the filmmakers have centered their attention. By doing this, you will prove a more receptive viewer of the story and perhaps the Story."
Each of the 33 movie-chapters starts with a two- or three-page "synopsis and theological reflection" --- a review. This is followed by "dialogue texts" (relevant biblical passages), "discussion questions," "clip conversations" (more discussion questions but about specific scenes), and several pages of "bonus material," which includes interesting behind-the-scenes information about the making and makers of the film. Movies also are clearly linked to two helpful appendices: one listing (Genesis to Revelation) relevant biblical references; one listing (A to Z) topics covered in or themes of the movies (for example, Abuse; Affirming the Human Spirit; Anger; Arguing with God; Balance in Life).
The movie-chapters are presented in 13 categories, the more blatantly religious ("Living Our Faith"; "Images of the Savior"; "Renewing the Church") placed toward the end of the book. You might want to start your exploration in these later categories or simply bounce around. The second of the 13 categories, "Beauty, Imagination, and Creativity," discusses two Pacific Rim movies, Spirited Away and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, that celebrate imagination and creativity but may be hard for the neophyte to discuss theologically.
This is a book for Christians who have an understanding of common grace, "the wider work of God's Spirit throughout and within all creatures and creation," and for those who are open to dialogue with the secular world. What are some of the films discussed? Life Is Beautiful. Ulee's Gold. The Hurricane. Simon Birch. Chocolat. We Were Soldiers.
By using this guide you might get the hang of facilitating a movie-discussion group and then move on to films you wish the authors had included. We'd all have our own list. Mine? The Trip to Bountiful. Cinema Paradiso. Babette's Feast. The Quarrel. Smoke. Maybe I should check out Johnston's earlier book REEL SPIRITUALITY: Theology and Film in Dialogue (Baker, 2000).
--- Reviewed by Evelyn Bence
Help me open my eyes wide!.......2004-07-24
Can we find God in the movies? Yes! In this outstanding cultural book, Johnston leads us to find God in the popculture. He mentions the movie as a story teller in which people communicate their values and worldviews. He, also, teaches us what the christian movies are and how christians can watch the films; the christian movies are what deal with the real human stories and what show the reality afresh. And, when we watch the movies, we, as chrsitians, have to see the christian values such as humanity, friendship, forgiveness, reconciliation, etc. In addition to these strengths, the most wonderful character of this book is the excellent complete film study guide. I enthusiastically recommend this book for all people who are interested in popculture and its application to their real lives.
Customer Reviews:
catching light: deep reading.......2005-09-01
CATCHING LIGHT beautifully explores the capacity of film to articulate human experience. This is done through the Christian perspective but does not, as many Christian interpretations do, simplify its films. Anker touches on all the grey areas--the intoxicating darkness and the radiant light that seems to shroud all of human experience.
This book plunges in deep and is by no means a mere overview. If one desires brevity, resort to minimalistic news reviews. CATCHING LIGHT carries readers along with the interpretation, avoiding the bombast of so many film reviewers.
A must read to all who enjoy meditating and thinking deeply about film, limited not to Christians, but all who actively partake in life and the it contemporary reflections.
Interesting, but way overwritten.......2005-04-22
I love movies and was looking forward to reading about some of my own favorites in this book. What was disappointing was the writing, which was pedantic, redundant, and lifeless. As a writer myself, and a writing teacher, I kept wondering why in the world Anker's editor didn't get him on track. This book could have conveyed the same information and ideas in half the words. No kidding. As Mark Twain said, "I would have written a shorter letter, but I didn't have the time." I'm on my way to reading a couple other Christian perspectives on movies and hoping they are a little more lively.
Book Description
Can a movie feed your soul?
Stories. Be it a parable of Jesus, a C.S. Lewis fantasy, or a movie such as Saving Private Ryan, stories have been around since Creation, a means of both education and entertainment. By far, our favorite way to listen to a story today is at the movies, whether in a theater or a family room. Indeed, says Ken Gire, movies are the parables of our culture and #151;earthly stories that sometimes have heavenly meanings.
Can we discern God's voice in the modern parables of film? Yes, it is there, sometimes loud and crystal-clear, sometimes barely a whisper, sometimes even despite the filmmaker's intent. In Reflections on the Movies, Ken helps us:
and #149; sensitize our "eyes to hear and ears to hear" God speaking,
and #149; develop the skills to understand movies and their themes, and
and #149; learn to reflect on the medium as a form of spiritual enrichment.
In 1999, Ken was one of thirty Christians selected for a month-long study under some of the film industry's top talent in Hollywood. He has led numerous spiritual retreats where he has used movie clips to illustrate his messages.
Reflections on the Movies and Ken's previous books in this series and #151;The Reflective Live, Reflections on the Word, a devotional, and Reflections on Your Life, a journal and #151;are designed to help you become more spiritually sensitive to the everyday moments of life.
Customer Reviews:
Nice, but too light.......2001-05-12
This was an easy, upbeat read...a great way to justify going to the movies. I was disappointed that the book did not probe into the cultural impact of movies. I am also curious if Gire can hear God in the highly popular horror film.
Finding God in media.......2001-05-01
If you are interested in films, a true film buff, a historian or just a fan of well written films and film critiques, add this book to your library. I would like to say bravo to Mr. Gire for his work in such a medium. Films are not only a powerful form of influence for the society in which we live, they are a vehicle for social and personal change. His book gives delightful insights on many popular movies. Mr. Gire truly finds the Spirit of Christ in each detail that moved him as an audience member. Watching these films along side reading the book has opened my eyes as well. There are however, countless other films that have the same capability to show God's grace. It should be up to the readers of this book to find those references in other movies and build their lives upon the experiences they discover.
The overall impression of "Reflections on the Movies" was a positive one. There were times during the reading that I felt as if Mr. Gire was interpreting a scene or film to have a Christian oriented influence when, in reality, little of it existed. The problem with this book (albeit a very small problem) is the fact that every reflection is a personal experience. The author simply dares us as readers to focus our attention on the possiblities of seeing Christ in films. Mr. Gire may offer his opinion of the movies presented but he also gives enough creative writing for the individual reader to try and posses the same mindset the next time (or the first time) he/she views the films in the book. I enjoyed the book completely from start to finish. One thing that any reader should remember when buying this book is to use their own individual interpretation of the films in question. Mr. Gire gives great examples and suggestions about how to experience God in the media. That is the key to the success of this book. If more authors took the chance of including their faith in their reveiws, editorials, critiques and writing then the media world in gerneral may actually achieve a new morality. Thank you Mr. Gire.
All movie lovers should get this book.......2000-09-29
This is an excellent book that approaches movies from a Christian perspective, but it may not be what some expect. This is not a book that critiques movies by counting sex scenes, cuss words, and violent acts as some Christian reviewers do. In fact, this book doesn't review movies in a conventional manner at all. "Movies are made up of moments", to quote the author, and sometimes his meditations on particular movies zero in on moments that, for him, have particular spiritual resonance. He is also not afraid of unflinching reality. The truth is important, even life-changing, despite the fact that it can be offensive to some. The author states, "I would rather be told an R-rated truth than a G-rated lie." Therefore, movies that are bold and unsparing in their reality, such as "Saving Private Ryan", "Schindler's List" and "Amistad" have great impact because they tell the hard truth, distasteful as it may seem. Of course, spiritual truth may be gleaned from more lighthearted fare as well, such as "The Wizard of Oz".
When I finished this book, I immediately wanted to take a trip to the video rental store, even though I've seen most of the movies discussed here. But I can look at them somewhat differently now, and I can, I daresay, listen for the voice of God that comes through these films. I certainly hope Ken Gire writes a "Volume Two" on this subject.
Average customer rating:
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God in the Movies
Andrew Greeley
Manufacturer: Transaction Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Movies
| Entertainment
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History & Criticism
| Movies
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Popular Culture
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Cultural
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Sociology
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ASIN: 0765805286 |
Average customer rating:
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The ABC of Cat Trivia: A Compendium of Cat Superstitions, Proverbs, Literature, Words, Phrases, Games, Objects, Plants, Biology, Behavior, Movies, Gods, Cartoons, Heroes
Rod L. Evans , and
Irwin M. Berent
Manufacturer: St Martins Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Cats, Dogs & Animals
| Humor
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Humor
| Entertainment
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General
| Cats
| Animal Care & Pets
| Home & Garden
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Trivia
| Fun Facts
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General
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Animal Husbandry
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Look Inside Home & Garden Books
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ASIN: 0312139179 |
Average customer rating:
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God Made Me Thumbody Special Songbook
Rick Goad
Manufacturer: Goadies Music
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
General
| Movies
| Entertainment
| Subjects
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
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ASIN: B000TK5A2Y |
Product Description
A Mini musical which contains eleven fun filled songs that will inspire and encourage everyone to become all that God has created them to be. 1.God Made Me Thumbody, 2.Pull Together, 3.God's Kids, 4.Hit the Spot, 5.I Am Special, 6.I Will Serve the Lord, 7.Clap Your Hands, 8.Now is the Time, 9.Kings Kid, 10.Put on the Armour of God, 11.God Made Me Special.
Book Description
** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **
Theologians, psychologists, academics, feminists, and fantasists offer humor, insight, and fresh perspectives on the enchanting and beloved Chronicles of Narnia series. Such contributors as fantasists Sarah Zettel and Lawrence Watt-Evans, children's literature scholar Naomi Wood, and C. S. Lewis scholars Colin Duriez and Joseph Pearce discuss topics such as J. R. R. Tolkien and Middle Earth's influence on the conception of Narnia, the relevance of allegory for both Christians and non-Christians, the idea of divine providence in Narnia, and Narnia's influence on modern-day witchcraft. Fans of the wildly popular series will revel in the examination of all aspects of C. S. Lewis and his magical Narnia.
Customer Reviews:
Snap, Crackle, Pop.......2006-04-19
Of the making of books about Narnia there is no end, and in the Smart Pop series, they do kitschy critical books about anything pop, Buffy, Firefly, Farscape, and plus they even str-e-t-c-h out the definition of "pop" so that now it includes PRIDE AND PREJUDICE by Jane Austen, arguing that it's really a "chick-lit" masterpiece. What next, Primo Levi as action adventure? Shanna Caughey covers all the bases, and it looks as though she isn't totally cowing to the Christian market, as some writers of other religions manage to have sent in some contributions. She provides us with a good framework on which to investigate our queries. And some of the essays. None use very much jargon, and readers familiar with academic language over the past 30 years will find themselves mysteriously free, as though released from original sin, from deconstructive post-modern theory. It's all, what would C S Lewis think of the new movie versions of his books. The keynote author, Charlie Starr, says that C S Lewis was no fan of the movies (he died in 1963) but "had he lived in out time to see its greater flowering" he might have come to love them the way he loved the Ring Cycle, for example. "Greater flowering"? Have the movies suddenly improved since 1963, or am I just imagining Jim Carrey, Arnold Scharzenegger, Vince Vaughn and Kevin Costner, not to mention the age of the blockbuster that crowds out original screenplays? I like Starr's optimism, however, and he sincerely seems to think that Hollywood is getting better in every way day by day. Maybe he should quit his job at Kentucky Christian University and head the MPAA, we need his sunny smile.
A few authors complain that Harper Collins is now packaging the Narnia books so that THE MAGICIAN's NEPHEW comes first--because after all it takes up the creation of Narnia and the series should be read in the chronological order of the action, not the life of the author and the order in which he wrote the darn things. I haven't made up my mind about this. Another author of Hellenic-American descent wonders what would change in the Narnia theology if "C S Louverdis" had written the books--that is, a Greek Orthodex writer like himself. He really lays into Aslan's pomposity and pride: "Aslan is a bully, ultimately, and a guiltmongering prig who doesn't fail to let Edmund know that the one reason that Edumind is alive is due to Aslan's sacrifice--a sacrifice that was stage-managed and lasted all of one day anyway. Edmund, young and with an undeveloped personality, has little choice but to go through life crippled with guilt and humble remorse, and becomes a rather humorless prig himself. Ah, what a message of faith and redemption!" Makes you think, more's the pity.
Average customer rating:
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Mensa Know Yourself
Robert G. Allen , and
Josephine Fulton
Manufacturer: Carlton Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
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Logic & Brain Teasers
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
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Puzzles
| Puzzles & Games
| Entertainment
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General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1858685478 |
Book Description
This book contains a varied range of tests, exercises and questionnaires which will give us insight into the reasons why we react the way we do in certain situations and to certain people. This book examines a number of methods and seeks to discover what they can reveal about our mental and emotional life.
Book Description
The fastest, easiest way to learn Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 for Windows!
Classroom in a Book, the best-selling series of hands-on software training workbooks, helps you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily. Classroom in a Book offers what no other book or training program does–an official training series from Adobe Systems Incorporated, developed with the support of Adobe product experts.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 Classroom in a Book contains eight lessons and a bonus CD with lesson files. The book covers the basics of learning Adobe Photoshop Elements, and countless tips and techniques to help you become more productive with its new features, including the Magic Selection Brush; Magic Extractor; Auto Red Eye and Auto Skin tone tools; cool slideshow effects; using an online sharing service to make your photos available for friends and family; and more. You’ll learn how to correct photos like a darkroom pro, then share them in slide shows, calendars, on the Web, and more. You can follow the book from start to finish or choose only those lessons that interest you.
This book is for Windows users only.
Customer Reviews:
Loved this book.......2006-08-28
I absolutely loved this book. I have tried many of the self-teach books out there for other products and I have not found one that is as well written and easy to follow as this one. Before I purchased Photo Shop Elements 4.0, I knew nothing....zip.....nada about the program and how it worked. I was so impressed with what you can do with this software and the instructional training manual was excellent. I would highly recommend it for anyone who is new to this product or for anyone who wants to take their photo editing to the next level. It's pretty amazing.
A Good Way to Get Familiar with Elements 4.0.......2006-08-23
I am still using this manual. So far, I do like it. What I like best are the detailed instructions on the Organizer segment of the program. I find that I am much more adept at keeping track of the pictures I take. I would never have done as well on my own by just "exploring" the program by trial and error. The Classroom book excels here.
You have to be careful when following some of the editing instructions, and occasionally I got a little "muddled" and had to start over. Maybe I was just having some "senior moments." The processes relating to tagging and relocating pictures seemed unecessarily redundant at times.
Nevertheless, it is a valuable manual and succeeds in preparing one for use on a program that is more complex than it seems at first blush. I do recommend it as a good "starter" edition.
Photoshop Elements 4.0 Classroom in a Book.......2006-07-27
Excellent general overview of PSE 4.0. Orderly, step by step introduction to the features of Elements. It is a great place to start and allows the beginning Elements user to scratch the surface of a powerful program. It will whet the appetite to learn more and to play with the program in order to become more proficient with its many, many features.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 Classroom in a Book.......2006-06-30
This is very well done and ready gives you good examples to learn with.
where's the Mac data?.......2006-06-26
another product that fails to mention that it is for windows.
I really believe that most people who use the product, would own a MAC.
The product was well written, and highly informative, but of little use to a
MAC owner.
Book Description
The most comprehensive way to learn Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 and Premiere Elements 2 for Windows.
Classroom in a Book, the best-selling series of hands-on software training workbooks, helps you learn the features of Adobe software quickly and easily. This convenient collection combines two best-selling books into one to help you master Photoshop Elements 4 and Premiere Elements 2 (for Windows). Classroom in a Book offers what no other book or training program does–an official training series from Adobe Systems, developed with the support of Adobe product experts.
Adobe Photoshop Elements 4 and Adobe Premiere Elements 2 Classroom in a Book Collection contains 12 lessons covering Premiere Elements basics and eight lessons covering everything you need to know to organize, retouch, and share your photos with Photoshop Elements. You can follow the book from start to finish or choose only those lessons that interest you. The book includes a DVD with all of the lesson files used in the book, making it easy to follow along with each lesson.
The Premiere Elements section of this book will teach you how to edit home movies using footage from your digital video camera; add titles, transitions, and special effects, and burn the finished movie to a DVD. The Photoshop Elements section of the book will show you how to correct photos like a darkroom pro and then share them in slide shows, calendars, and more. All of this information comes packed into one handy book that’s a must for any beginning Photoshop Elements or Premiere Elements user.
This book is for Windows users only.
Customer Reviews:
Premiere Rocks.......2006-07-11
I have no basis for comparison as I got this software to make a wedding slideshow. I've done my research and read reviews that this is more difficult to learn than other programs.
I've only used a very old version of ULead before, but I must say, this program was able to do whatever I wanted it to do, Ken Burns effects, rotations, pans, zooms, etc. Granted I was forced to learn quickly, after I discovered the concept of keyframes, it was just a matter of manually doing everything the way I wanted it done.
I highly recommend this program for beginners because it provides many of the special effects, transitions, etc. for video production. Once done, you can either author a DVD or export movies into many formats including MPEG-2, AVI, WMP, and autoplay DVDs.
Although it's an Elements version, it packs many powerful features. I haven't had time to read the manuals. But I guess if I did, I would find out more functionality and shortcuts. Good luck deciding!
making DVD slide shows with photoshop elements 4 & premiere 2.......2006-03-18
After numerous hours attemting to make DVD slide shows with Photoshop elemnts 4.0 and Premiere 2.0, I have given up for now.It appears that my Windows Xp media center has a problem preventing this particular use of the application to work.
Adobe support was unable to solve the problem without a complete reinstall of Windows.
Otherwise I like Photoshop elements 4.0
A Big Help to Get Started.......2006-02-20
I have had some experience with Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, but none in Premiere. Photoshop has several new features I had not used previously. The book was great at getting me started on a new project to put together a DVD of our church's high schools grads and their family pictures, along with audio. The book includes a disk containing all the lesson materials, showing how the final product should look prior to walking you through on how to get to that final product. It does not cover all of the features of each program, but is great at getting you started and familiarizing yourself with the program interfaces.
Photoshop Elements.......2006-01-31
This software bundle is awesome! And I haven't even tried Premiere Elements yet!
Books:
- Fires Were Started: British Cinema and Thatcherism
- Fort Lee: The Film Town
- From Grierson to the Docu-soap: Breaking the Boundaries
- GENE RODENBERRY: THE LAST CONVERSATION: A DIALOGUE WITH CREATOR OF STAR TREK (Star Trek Series)
- Gone, But Not Forgotten
- Hispanics and United States Film: An Overview and Handbook
- Hitchcock's Cryptonymies v1: Volume 1. Secret Agents
- Hollywood's Maddest Doctors: Lionel Atwill, Colin Clive, George Zucco
- Horror and Mystery Photoplay Editions and Magazine Fictionizations: The Catalog of a Collection
- Image as Artifact: The Historical Analysis of Film and Television
Books Index
Books Home
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Catching Light: Looking For God In The Movies
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How Movies Helped Save My Soul: Finding Spiritual Fingerprints in Culturally Significant Films
![Adobe Photoshop Elements 4.0 Plus Premiere Elements 2.0 [DVD]](http://images-eu.amazon.com/images/P/B000AP89W6.01.THUMBZZZ.jpg)
