City of Angles involves an angel (Cage) who is spotted by a doctor in an operating room. Franz plays Cage’s buddy who somehow knows a lot about angels. The film is a very loose remake of Wim Wenders’ 1987 German film Wings of Desire (Der Himmel über Berlin), which was set in Berlin.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to the Grateful Dead
The Gospel and the Grateful Dead
This book examines the linkages between the music and message of the Grateful Dead and the Christian gospel. The Grateful Dead emerged from the San Francisco “hippie” scene in the late 1960s, and offered a message of community and divine encounter. While the Dead drew on the teachings of many spiritual traditions, the band’s ethos echoed quite powerfully the wisdom of Christian Scripture. This reflection examines the ways in which the Grateful Dead embodied Christian teachings in areas of community, praise, and service. The Grateful Dead left an enduring legacy, whose power and longevity stem in significant part from the confluence of values between the Gospel and Grateful Dead.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to U2
We Get to Carry Each Other: The Gospel according to U2
Who among us has not experienced hearing a song that moved us deeply, that spoke to us in a truly spiritual way? Millions of fans around the world have found that inspiration in the music of U2, arguably the biggest band in the world today. This engaging and informative book examines the spirituality that drives U2, a band whose influence has spread far beyond music and whose songs encourage listeners to put their faith into action for the sake of the poor and marginalized.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to the Beatles
The Gospel According to the Beatles
Renowned British music journalist and author Steve Turner surveys the religious and spiritual influence of the Beatles, the band that changed the history of music forever. With new interviews, never-before-published material, and fresh insights, Turner helps the reader understand the religious and spiritual ideas and ideals that influenced the music and lives of the Beatles and helps us see how the Fab Four influenced our own lives and culture.
Topics discussed include the religious upbringing of John, Paul, George, and Ringo; the backlash in the United States after John Lennon’s “The Beatles are more popular than Jesus” comment; the dabbling in Eastern religion; the use of drugs to attempt to enter a higher level of consciousness; and the overall legacy that the Beatles and their music have left. While there is no religious system that permanently anchored the Beatles or their music, they did leave a gospel, Turner concludes: one of love, peace, personal freedom, and the search for transcendence.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to Bruce Springsteen
The Gospel according to Bruce Springsteen: Rock and Redemption, from Asbury Park to Magic
In this engaging book, Jeffrey Symynkywicz, a minister and dedicated Springsteen fan, shows us that Bruce Spingsteen’s enduring importance stems largely from the rich spiritual themes that run throughout his albums. With a lively and engaging style, Symynkywicz probes each of Springsteen’s albums and shows how his music helps make sense of the many threads of our lives, including experiences of sin and redemption, fear and courage, and–above all–faith, hope, and love.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to Sherlock Holmes
Holy Clues: The Gospel According to Sherlock Holmes
If God is the greatest mystery of them all, then why not, in pursuit of God, consult the greatest detective of them all? In this imaginative and surprisingly profound book, Stephen Kendrick reveals Sherlock Holmes as spiritual guide.
Drawing on the teachings of Christianity, Buddhism, and Judaism–as well as a host of thinkers as varied as Albert Einstein, Gandhi, and Vincent van Gogh–Kendrick explores the stories of Sherlock Holmes and finds remarkably prescient religious insights. He shows us the link between careful observation of clues and the Buddhist concept of “Bare Attention.” He illuminates the parallel between the great sleuth’s pursuit of justice and God’s actions on the scene of the first murder, when Cain slew Abel. And in the detective’s open, engaged mind, Kendrick finds a model for uniting the principles of science with a sincere spiritual quest. The result is a book of inspiration for the modern, skeptical searcher–and an entertaining work that sheds new light on the methods of the world’s greatest detective.
A Sherlock Holmes Devotional: Uncovering the Mysteries of God
After a century, Sherlock Holmes mysteries still fascinate us—and this devotional will delight you with spiritual truths drawn from the pages of the classic detective stories. A Sherlock Holmes Devotional contains 60 entries drawn from the characters, stories, and events of the Holmes canon. From 221b Baker Street to Reichenbach Falls, from Irene Adler to the evil Dr. Moriarty, from the pipe to the violin, this book investigates the spiritual truths we can discern from this enigmatic fictional character—a brusque, stubborn, and arrogant man who also shows honor, trust, and self-sacrificing friendship. It’s a fascinating read for fans of the series—or those yet to meet the great detective!
The Transcendent Holmes
In a series of sparkling and intelligently presented essays, Dr. Montgomery takes a fresh look at the world “where it is always eighteen ninety-five” — the world of Baker Street and Sherlock Holmes. Besides examining long debated problems, such as the true location of 221B, which was Holmes’s University, how many times Watson was married, and where Watson was wounded, Dr. Montgomery also considers Holmes’s activities in Tibet, his writings, his brother Mycroft, and his liking for fine wines. In a stunning climax to the volume, the reader is presented with a discussion between Holmes and Watson which will almost certainly cause him/her to pause, think, and deeply consider the depth of the message conveyed. Dr. Montgomery is a Sherlockian of long-standing. These essays prove that his time devoted to his subject has been very well spent indeed.
The Sherlock Holmes Tarot: Wisdom from the First Consulting Detective
Love troubles? Job difficulties? Health problems? If you’re seeking answers, who better to find them than history’s greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes? His keen powers of perception and extraordinary exploits have inspired this dazzling new divination deck, which draws its imagery from Victorian London’s shadowy buildings and fog-bound streets. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories figure throughout, and original characters make up the Major Arcana.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to The Hunger Games
The Gospel According to “The Hunger Games” Trilogy
The authors, father and daughter who are both United Methodist pastors in Western North Carolina, have discovered within The Hunger Games trilogy a number of characters and themes that have parallels to classic Jewish and Christian figures and theology. Pastors and teachers may use the following observations to engage congregational members and students in reflecting on theological themes within the trilogy. We invite you to use the release of the movie “The Hunger Games” in March 2012 and its sequels as teachable moments for highlighting classic biblical understandings.
The Hunger Games and the Gospel (Study Guide Edition): Bread, Circuses, and the Kingdom of God
In a globalized world full of uncertainty and injustice, Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games series has captured the imaginations of readers looking for glimmers of hope. The tale of Katniss Everdeen’s journey of survival in the post-apocalyptic country of Panem, where bread and circuses distract the privileged and allow a totalitarian regime to oppress the masses, parallels situations in our world today. At the same time, the series’ themes of resistance to oppression and hope for a better world, portrayed honestly as messy and difficult endeavors, echo the transformative way of life Jesus offered his followers.
The Hunger Games and the Gospel explores these themes in The Hunger Games series that have resonated so deeply with readers by examining their similarity to the good news found in Jesus’ message about living in the ways of God’s Kingdom. Taking the rich statements of the Beatitudes, which serve as mini-pictures of God’s dreams realized on earth as in heaven, each chapter reflects on how those pictures are exhibited both in the narrative of The Hunger Games, and in Jesus’ time, and then explores their significance for our own world. Thought-provoking questions provide direction for personal reflection and group discussion. Readers are invited to allow the inspiration of The Hunger Games help them live in the ways of the Kingdom of God by discovering how they too can work toward the possibility of a better world.
Finding God in the Hunger Games: 30 Devotions to Inspire Faith
The Hunger Games has swept into popularity for good reason—it’s a great series. And though God is never mentioned in Suzanne Collin’s books, there are many spiritual themes that run beneath the story line.
Finding God in the Hunger Games contains 30 devotions based on lessons that can be learned from the Hunger Games series. Written from an evangelical Christian perspective, this book will inspire those who want to grow closer to Jesus Christ and understand Biblical principals as they are illustrated in Collin’s work.
The Hunger Games and Philosophy: A Critique of Pure Treason
Katniss Everdeen is “the girl who was on fire,” but she is also the girl who made us think, dream, question authority, and rebel. The post-apocalyptic world of Panem’s twelve districts is a divided society on the brink of war and struggling to survive, while the Capitol lives in the lap of luxury and pure contentment. At every turn in the Hunger Games trilogy, Katniss, Peeta, Gale, and their many allies wrestle with harrowing choices and ethical dilemmas that push them to the brink. Is it okay for Katniss to break the law to ensure her family’s survival? Do ordinary moral rules apply in the Arena? Can the world of The Hunger Games shine a light into the dark corners of our world? Why do we often enjoy watching others suffer? How can we distinguish between what’s Real and Not Real? This book draws on some of history’s most engaging philosophical thinkers to take you deeper into the story and its themes, such as sacrifice, altruism, moral choice, and gender.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to the Sopranos
The Gospel According to Tony Soprano: An Unauthorized Look Into the Soul of TV’s Top Mob Boss and His Family
The Sopranos has captured audiences and awards with its portrayal of life in an Italian-American crime family. But it is more than just a mob show. It provokes us, excites us, and pries back the exterior to peek into the darkest parts of our souls. The plotlines and characters raise spiritual issues that leave us questioning our own beliefs. The Gospel According to Tony Soprano explores the many reasons why this hit series has connected so deeply with American culture and exposes the mysteries of faith, family, life, and God that permeate the show.
Published to coincide with the debut of the highly anticipated fourth season of the HBO series, The Gospel According to Tony Soprano is a fascinating book that looks through the violence and drama to the deeper moral issues. Spiritual teacher and writer Chris Seay analyzes the characters and their all-too-human behaviors, and helps us evaluate our own humanity, and ultimately our relationship with God.
Accessible, witty, and enlightening, The Gospel According to Tony Soprano is essential reading for every fan of the television show, and for anyone who wants to examine the larger questions of right and wrong.
The Sopranos and Philosophy: I Kill Therefore I Am
This collection of essays by philosophers who are also fans does a deep probe of the Sopranos, analyzing the adventures and personalities of Tony, Carmella, Livia, and the rest of television’s most irresistible mafia family for their metaphysical, epistemological, value theory, eastern philosophical, and contemporary postmodern possibilities. No prior philosophical qualificationsor mob connections are required to enjoy these musings, which are presented with the same vibrancy and wit that have made the show such a hit.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to The Wiz
The Gospel According to The Wiz: And Other Sermons from Cinema
Every Sunday, more than 5,000 people come to hear Otis Moss III preach at Chicago’s Trinity United Church of Christ. According to Common, hip hop artist, actor, and member of Trinity, “A message from Otis Moss III always teaches about love, justice, and commitment to the community. It’s good to have a pastor who’s real and relevant.”
Moss describes himself as, “a jazz-influenced pastor with a hip-hop vibe committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ rooted in love and justice.” And he admits he can talk endlessly about theology, popular culture, and movies. Especially movies.
That’s why he’s based some of his best sermons, collected in this book, on these powerful films:
12 Years a Slave
The Butler
The Book of Eli
The Color Purple
The Wiz
Avatar
Flight
For Colored Girls
Read this book if you love movies and want to find even deeper meaning in them. Discussion questions are included, making it ideal for individuals or groups, movie nights and book clubs.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.
The Gospel According to Breaking Bad
The Gospel According to Breaking Bad
The Gospel According to Breaking Bad takes a thoroughly Christian look at AMC’s popular and critical TV hit.
Covering such weighty theological issues like identity, death, justice, power, fate, free will, and the gospel itself, readers will be coerced into thinking more deeply about the universal questions Breaking Bad asks. In sections covering the colors and metaphors of Breaking Bad, fans will also come to a further appreciation for one of the most well-done TV series in recent history.
10% of the proceeds of this ebook will be donated to the Oak Ridge Disciple House, “a non-profit, faith-based, Christian character-building ministry geared towards reaching men who are broken from drug and alcohol addictions.”
Breaking Down Breaking Bad: Unpeeling the Layers of Television’s Greatest Drama
Few television shows have won critical acclaim on the level of Breaking Bad, perhaps because few series are as worth deep examination as Breaking Bad. Something about Walter White’s struggle with his inner demons resonated with us. The idea that his foray into meth production was not merely a dalliance with darkness, but was actually a full-blown awakening intrigued us. And most of all, the idea that we came to have no respect for the protagonist of our favorite show utterly fascinated us. We couldn’t look away. Breaking Down Breaking Bad attempts to poke into the dark corners of Walter White’s mind, explore the traits that make this show special, and revels in the joy of what is arguably the best drama ever to appear on television. In doing so, it peels back the layers of what makes characters like Jesse Pinkman tick, explores why we were so drawn to characters like Gus Fring and Mike Ehrmantraut, and relives some of the greatest moments of this already legendary series. Because the show may be gone, but the conversation about it certainly isn’t.
Breaking Bad and Philosophy: Badder Living through Chemistry
Breaking Bad, hailed by Stephen King, Chuck Klosterman, and many others as the best of all TV dramas, tells the story of a man whose life changes because of the medical death sentence of an advanced cancer diagnosis. The show depicts his metamorphosis from inoffensive chemistry teacher to feared drug lord and remorseless killer. Driven at first by the desire to save his family from destitution, he risks losing his family altogether because of his new life of crime.
In defiance of the tradition that viewers demand a TV character who never changes, Breaking Bad is all about the process of change, with each scene carrying forward the morphing of Walter White into the terrible Heisenberg.
Can a person be transformed as the result of a few key life choices? Does everyone have the potential to be a ruthless criminal? How will we respond to the knowledge that we will be dead in six months? Is human life subject to laws as remorseless as chemical equations? When does injustice validate brutal retaliation? Why are drug addicts unsuitable for operating the illegal drug business? How can TV viewers remain loyal to a series where the hero becomes the villain? Does Heisenberg’s Principle of Uncertainty rule our destinies?
In Breaking Bad and Philosophy, a hand-picked squad of professional thinkers investigate the crimes of Walter White, showing how this story relates to the major themes of philosophy and the major life decisions facing all of us.
Exploring religion in film, the spirituality of television shows, and meaning found within popular culture.
Disclaimer: Images and videos of movies, television shows, books, album covers, actors and/or singers are the sole property of the media’s respective production company, distribution company or artist. SSOL-POP and SSOL makes no claim of ownership of these images or videos and encourages users of SSOL to purchase these items from legitimate retailers.