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“. . . something to savor for anyone who enjoys movies.”

This engaging book explores how Christians can most profitably and critically hear, read, and view popular culture through the lens of film. William Romanowski, an expert on American culture, offers new insights on theology and the movies as he highlights the benefits of a faith-informed approach that centers on art and perspective. He shows how the cinema functions "religiously" as popular art and how Christian faith contributes to the moviegoing experience, leading to a deeper understanding of movies and life. The book draws examples from classic and contemporary American movies and includes illustrative film stills.

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ENDORSEMENTS

“William Romanowski has written another accessible, probing, and stimulating book which engages one of the fastest-growing fields of theological reflection today. Throwing into relief the ways in which movies convey meaning and articulate ‘life perspectives,’ the book will make an ideal ‘way in’ to thinking about film for virtually any Christian reader.” — Jeremy Begbie, Duke University

 

“In this highly engaging book, William Romanowski demonstrates the importance of informed movie watching. Without ever losing the sense of the sheer joy of film viewing, he shows how films are significant and explores how they work. In so doing he reminds us that stories shape us and that Christian stories and Christian thinking interweave with the many stories which make up Western culture.” — Clive Marsh, University of Leicester

 

Cinematic Faith is the book I didn’t know my college-level film students needed. William Romanowski effectively blends cultural insight, critical evaluation, and honest analysis to make this book a fantastic, faith-based follow-up to Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture.” — Kimberly M. Miller, professor and department chair, communication studies, Grove City College

 

“This rich and lucid book sheds fresh light on a wide range of American films. By interacting creatively with many cinematic gems, Romanowski helps to reveal the layers of meaning in both classic and recent movies. Full of thoughtful and nuanced interpretations, Cinematic Faith provides a catalyst for empowering engagement, robust reflection, and dynamic discussion about film.” — Jolyon Mitchell, professor and director, Centre for Theology and Public Issues, University of Edinburgh

 

“In Cinematic Faith, Romanowski explores what it means to be a Christian viewer who values the film medium but thinks critically in terms influenced by basic Christian theology. Primarily focused on mainstream films, the book is filled with details and examples that provide a clear understanding of his aesthetic approach. Different aspects of Christian belief are described and applied to specific themes such as gender, form and content, and poetic metafictions, with incisive interpretations of contemporary films. Romanowski’s work is engaging, persuasive, and novel on its own terms: a handy guide for Christians looking to navigate the complexities of the film industry and the culture from which it comes.” —Terry Wandtke, professor of literature and media, Judson University; founder of the Imago Film Festival

REVIEWS

“So, to say that Romanowski more than has the chops to write about Cinematic Faith is no understatement and his new release, in a way a natural follow up to Eyes Wide Open, is something to savor for anyone who enjoys movies.” ––Englewood Review of Books

“Unpacking the entangled relationship between faith and film is the premier scholar on American film and culture. . . . If you allow Bill Romanowski to take you to the movies, your viewing pleasure will be increased, your aesthetic appreciation will be broadened, and your understanding of filmmaking’s influence on culture and the interwoven meaning of faith and life will be deepened.” —Journal of Youth Ministry


“. . . while Romanowski’s posture seeks to be hospitable to diverse viewpoints, he wants to understand film fundamentally as a human aesthetic endeavor, and to see film engagement as an opportunity for understanding other cultural viewpoints in relationship to a distinctively Christian perspective.” —Justin Ariel Bailey, Christian Scholars Review


“…enriches the movie-viewing experience.” —Adam Sonstroem, CCSN (Christianity &Communication Studies Network

A Bit of Background

My longtime friend since college, Byron Borger, PhD, book lover and astute reviewer, when Cinematic Faith arrived at his Hearts & Minds Bookstore in Dallastown, Pennsylvania. You might notice some of my other books on the shelves (Eyes Wide Open and Reforming Hollywood).

For friends (and first timers), all my books can be purchased from Hearts & Minds at 20% off the regular retail price.

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