Few arenas are as fruitful for the study of the history of American Christianity than its relationship to American cinema throughout their histories. In two books, The Silents of God: Selected Issues & Documents in Silent American Film and Religion, 1908-1925 and Sanctuary Cinema: Origins of the Christian Film Industry, Terry Lindvall has captured both religious reactions to and uses of motion pictures and painted an entertaining and informative account of each. Along with Andrew Quicke, Lindvall continues this important... Read more

There’s something to be said about a theology and pop culture scholar who takes The National Enquirer and Hello! as serious theological conversation partners. This is exactly what Pete Ward does in his book Gods Behaving Badly: Media, Religion, and Celebrity Culture. While I don’t think Ward is as “daring” as he could be, his book is certainly a provocative and engaging introduction to both the theological and religious implications of celebrity and the study of religion itself. (more…) Read more

Reading Peter Rollins‘ latest book, Insurrection, is kind of like watching someone dance on a high wire. I don’t say this often (if ever), but Rollins has provided a thrilling work of theology that, while brief, has volumes of implications for the way we think about Christian history, contemporary religious practices, and the future of the church. (more…) Read more

Richard Lindsay reviews John McClure’s new book, Mashup Religion. Check it out after the jump. (more…) Read more