Saint Paul at the Movies: The Apostle's Dialogue with American Culture

Star Wars Amadeus A Separate Place Tender Mercies Grand Canyon Tootsie Ordinary People Empire of the Sun Pale Rider Red Dawn and Dead Poets Society--all these movies show concern for deep human issues also treated in the Bible. The films provide evidence that many of the apostle Pauls themes in his New Testament letters are relevant for today. Contemporary movies according to Robert Jewett influence many Americans more than their formal education or religious training. And since Paul interpreted the gospel on other peoples turf Jewett believes that today his forum would involve the movies a primary source of discovering and debating important moral cultural and religious issues. Jewett treats film and biblical passages with equal respect. He brings their ideas and metaphors into relationship so that new insights emerge about both the ancient texts and the American cultural situation.