In the Season 2 premiere of 'Theology of Film,' Ryan and Laura discuss the recent animated film 'K-Pop Demon Hunters'. They explore the film's portrayal of demons and spiritual warfare, contrasting it with biblical perspectives, emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself in scripture to critically engage with supernatural topics in contemporary media. They highlight the film's cultural diversity and artistic merits while cautioning against its theological implications, aiming to equip listeners with tools for thoughtful conversation surrounding this popular film.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'KPop Demon Hunters' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage:

Hebrews 11:1

Mentioned in this episode:

• Border Patrol (tv show)
• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (tv show)
• Supernatural (tv show)
• Treasure Island (novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and film adaptations)
  • Treasure Island (1950)
  • Treasure Island (1999)
  • Muppet Treasure Island (1996)
  • Treasure Planet (2002)
• Mitchells vs. The Machines (film)
• Spider-Man: Into/Across the Spider-Verse (film series)
• Harry Potter (book series by J.K. Rowling)
• Twilight (book series by Stephenie Meyer)
• BTS (K-Pop band)
• All-American Rejects (band and songs)
  • “Gives You Hell”
  • “Dirty Little Secret”
• Demon Hunter (band)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

Thank you so much for an amazing first season! We're taking a short break in August. Be sure to keep an eye out for the first episode of season 2, "KPop Demon Hunters" in September!

In this episode of Theology of Film, hosts Laura and Ryan delve into the classic movie 'The Sandlot,' exploring its themes of friendship and community. They discuss how the movie portrays the importance of inclusion and mentorship, drawing parallels between the character Benny and the need for compassionate leadership in the Church. The conversation also touches on the personal challenges of asking for help and the universal longing for connection, ultimately linking these ideas to biblical notions of communal support and shared responsibility.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Sandlot' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage:

Acts 4:32-35

Mentioned in this episode:

Eurovision (annual international competition)

Riverdance (Irish dance show)

The Princess Bride (film)

Andor: Season 2 (Star Wars television series)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

In this episode of 'Theology of Film,' hosts Ryan and Laura explore 'The Princess Bride,' focusing on its timeless appeal and the powerful themes of love and redemption. They discuss the movie's resonance with audiences, diving into the classic meta-narrative structure that underpins the film. By drawing parallels to biblical concepts of love, they reflect on how the film embodies Christian values of patience and endurance, encouraging listeners and themselves to embody these principles in daily life.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Princess Bride' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Mentioned in this episode:

• Christianity Today Podcasts
  • "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill"
  • "The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"
• Apple TV's "Schmigadoon!"
• Bob Anderson (fencing trainer and fight choreographer)
• William Goldman (Screenwriter)
  • "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"
  • "All the President's Men"
  • "Marathon Man"
• Rob Reiner (Director)
  • "Stand By Me"
  • "When Harry Met Sally"
  • "A Few Good Men"
  • "Misery"

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

In this episode of Theology of Film, hosts Laura and Ryan delve into the Disney animation film 'Encanto,' exploring its themes of personhood, community, and the danger of valuing performance over intrinsic worth. Discussing how their Christian worldview intersects with the narrative, they highlight parallels between the movie’s message and the biblical perspective on spiritual gifts and unity in the body of Christ. Through personal reflections and practical applications, they emphasize the importance of recognizing and honoring each person's inherent worth and the specific glory they bring to a community.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Inside Out' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage:

1 Corinthians 12:12-26

Mentioned in this episode:

• Ted Lasso (TV Show)
• Red Rising Series (Book Series)
• Moana (Film)
• Hamilton (Musical)
• Coco (Film)
• Brooklyn Nine-Nine (TV Show)
• Bolt (Film)
• Tangled (Film)
• Zootopia (Film)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

In this episode of Theology of Film, Ryan and Laura explore Taika Waititi's 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople,' focusing on its profound themes of isolation, belonging, and personal growth. They discuss the necessity of human connection, drawing parallels to a Biblical story of healing and restoration. Alongside personal anecdotes, they emphasize the film's message of finding a true home and the courage to live out one's faith boldly.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage

Luke 8:26-39

Mentioned in this Episode

• “Ours” by Phillip B. Williams (novel)
• The Golden Girls (TV show)
• Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (TV show)
• Full House (TV show)
• Relient K (band)
• Jojo Rabbit (film by Taika Waititi)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

In this episode of 'Theology of Film,' Laura and Ryan analyze the iconic film 'The Shawshank Redemption,’ focusing on themes of hope, suffering, and resilience. They discuss how the movie expresses the Christian struggle with accusation against true identity, as well as the significance of hope in overcoming life’s darkest moments. The conversation touches on how suffering can lead to personal growth and unearths insights on the importance of servant leadership, drawing parallels with Christian teachings and the encouragements toward Kingdom living found in Scripture.

Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Shawshank Redemption' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.

Discussed Passage

Romans 5:1-11

Mentioned in this episode

• "Ours" by Phillip B. Williams (novel)
• “The Tain” translation by Ciaran Carson (book)
• "Perry Mason" (novel series by Erle Stanley Gardner and 1957 television series)
• "Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption" (novella by Stephen King)
• "The Green Mile" (film by Frank Darabont and novel by Stephen King)
• "The Mist" (film by Frank Darabont and novella by Stephen King)
• “The Majestic” (film by Frank Darabont)
• Louie Lamour (author)
• "Richard III" by William Shakespeare (play)
• “Breakfast” by Newsboys (song)
• Stanford Prison Experiment (1971 psychological experiment)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

In this episode of Theology of Film, hosts Ryan and Laura dive into Pixar's 'Finding Nemo.' They discuss the contrast between living in fear versus living freely, how community and teamwork are essential to growth, and the transformation experienced by both Marlin and Nemo. Additionally, they share personal reflections and actionable steps drawn from this episode's Scripture passage, highlighting the importance of reaching out for help and supporting others.

Discussed Passage

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11

Mentioned in This Episode

• Prom and Prejudice by Elizabeth Eulberg (book)
• Pemberley Ranch by Jack Caldwell (book)
• Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin (book)
• Much Ado about Nada by Uzma Jalaluddin (book)
• Epic Fail by Claire Scovell LaZebnik (book)
• Squid Game (tv show)
• Parasite (movie)

Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com