|
Film as Theological Text a new discussion series for adults and senior youth Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, Adult Programs Director Department of Religious Educaion, UUA Why this new series? More than at any time in our history, the entertainment industry has taken a leading role in cultural interpretation. Indeed, film and television play a central role in setting the cultural agenda. Whether intentional or not, we—the viewing public—draw meaning from what we see on the screen. Film functions as a "hidden curriculum" in that we are often unaware of the ways in which popular culture shapes our values and teaches meaning. Like a book, contemporary film becomes a text, a teaching tool. While learning and adaptation from culture are always taking place, writers, producers, and directors bring particular perspectives, world views, to their work. They are not only artists but cultural interpreters. As consumers of media and as people of faith, we struggle to make meaning of our lives and the world around us. If we accept the classic definition of theology as "faith seeking understanding" (beginning with a faith-based premise and critically reflecting on that premise against other faith claims), then we are "doing theology" as an ongoing enterprise, as part of our everyday lives. This is the context for this new series, Film as Theological Text. Theology is not a solo task. Because it helps us to deepen our reflective skills through the exchange of ideas, it is best done in community with others. Thus, Film as Theological Text is designed to promote dialogue, to help us to think critically, to engage more deeply, to broaden our perspectives and theological interpretations of both the ordinary and the extraordinary in a complex cultural milieu. Some of the films we have selected for this series are classics while others (often independent productions) are less well-known. While most film plots are not explicitly "religious," religion is a central theme in some. All films selected for this series engage us more deeply in thinking about values and ethical choices. They challenge us to think more deeply and more critically about the great moral issues of our times. They ask us to recall history and the consequences of our individual and collective actions. More specifically, goals for the series include the following:
In this REACH packet, we provide the first four installments for Series 1: Justice. The next REACH packet will include two additional installments in Series 1 and begin Series 2. Most films are available in video rental stores. Leaders should read the Process Guide thoroughly. Of necessity, Film as Theological Text includes a limited number of carefully selected films; however, any film that takes human concerns seriously and addresses the need to attribute meaning to our common struggles is appropriate for the series. If there are particular themes or films that you would like to see featured, please contact the Rev. Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley, adult programs director at the Unitarian Universalist Association, 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, or call 617-948-6519, or e-mail: mbowenswheatley@uua.org. Film as Theological Text: Series 1 – Justice |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Information:
info@uua.org