The Evolution of a Voice

by Bryan Coley

Oftentimes we hear that culture is shaped by the arts, but few of us understand how that really takes place. Bryan, a veteran screenwriter and playwright, brings twenty years of film and entertainment experience to the discussion, illustrating how the arts have shaped society’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors over the last forty years. He’ll conclude by describing the opportunities and pitfalls for Christians bold enough to engage the medium.

Comments

John Trombley

The points on the two groups of Christians and the need for committees are quite insightful.

I would however, like to respectfully disagree on two points. First I don't think Mel Gibson dragged Passion of the Christ as far into the man stream light as the other two examples and thus I don't think we have quite reached that tipping point. Also the other two tipping point moves were about that group / members of the group whereas the Passion of the Christ is not about Christians but Christ. Having not reached a true tipping point it would be expected to see more Jesus exploitation films as we have (although one or two of the films on that slide I would classify as attempts at just like me).

Second there are examples of "just like me" Christian caricatures in mainstream media such as Booth in Boons or Bruce in Jugging Amy. With that said the Christian caricatures seem to be sidekicks and their faith in a God is mostly used as a challenge forcing the main caricature to wrestle with their faith in the absence of a god. Although two examples in ten years may be just a fluke seen by the absence of Christians in committees.

Jim Poole

where would you place "Joan of Arcadia"?