摘要：[1]In the last ten years, evangelical Christians have shown a renewed interest in the culture that surrounds their work. An example is the new series at Baker Books, "Engaging Culture." Reel Spiritualityis the first bookin that new series.[2]The author, Robert K. Johnston, has taught a course on theology and film for many years at Fuller Seminary and reviews films regularly for The Covenant Companion.This background has made him familiar with many interesting films (see 223-27) and with arguments about the relationship between theology and film (see the bibliography, 207-21).[3]Johnston enters the foray of arguments quite boldly, staking out the claim that Christianity not only can but must today enter into dialogue with film. He makes three points. First, there is currently a confusing lack of experiential reference in "talk about God" (Christian theology). Second, we should note that ours is a new epoch, comparable to the beginning of writing, marking a shift to thecultural dominance not of the written word but of the filmic image (95). Movies are our world's new lingua franca(173). Third -and speaking directly to evangelical Christians -more attention should be paid to the experience of God found in film. "Film's story can [beneficially] affect our understanding of the Christian story, not just the reverse" (80)
