What Can Film Teach Us About Religion? C.S. Lewis Goes to the Movies | Prof. Thomas Hibbs
Jun 18, 2019
auto_awesome
Prof. Thomas Hibbs discusses C.S. Lewis's philosophy on art in film, emphasizing subtle communication of ideas. They delve into themes of mortality in popular culture and moral judgments in films like Star Wars. The impact of Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ and warnings in science fiction films also discussed.
Intertwining film and philosophy enhances understanding of artistic meaning beyond academia.
C.S. Lewis's timeless influence encompasses theological, philosophical, and artistic discussions.
Christian films should avoid didactic narratives to inspire diverse audiences, focusing on art's ability to surprise and engage.
Deep dives
Overview of Film and Philosophy Connection
The episode delves into the connection between film and philosophy, highlighting the importance of intertwining both mediums for deeper understanding. It discusses how teaching a class on film and philosophy led to students engaging on a profound level with artistic meaning, tapping into imaginations and emotions beyond the academic realm.
Exploring C.S. Lewis' Enduring Influence
The narrative turns to C.S. Lewis's ongoing impact and relevance, emphasizing his role in addressing theological, philosophical, and artistic themes. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering Lewis's work during college, portraying him as a timeless writer whose clarity and indirect approach to literature remain influential in contemporary discussions on art and philosophy.
The Influence of Christian Films in Modern Media
The episode explores the upsurge of Christian-themed movies in the film industry, triggered by the unexpected success of 'The Passion of the Christ' by Mel Gibson. It critiques the didactic nature of some Christian films, highlighting the importance of avoiding overly preachy narratives that fail to engage audiences beyond existing beliefs, ultimately arguing that true art should aim to surprise and inspire diverse audiences.
Balancing Violence and Morality in Art
The discussion extends to the portrayal of violence and morality in film, examining how these themes impact the moral imagination of viewers. It questions the fine line between engaging with violence in storytelling for educational purposes and veering into desensitization and harmful entertainment, emphasizing the need for art to evoke introspection and ethical contemplation.
Technology, Nature Limits, and Human Ambition
Lastly, the episode raises concerns about the unchecked ambition of modern society to master nature through technology, drawing parallels to cautionary tales like Frankenstein. It underscores the potential pitfalls of disregarding nature's limits and the risks of unrestrained technological advancements, echoing philosophical and theological discussions about the perils of 'playing God' and losing sight of humanity's place in the natural order.
This lecture was presented April 9th, 2019 at George Mason University and was sponsored by the Thomistic Institute and the Mason Catholic Patriots. For more info about upcoming TI events, visit: thomisticinstitute.org/events-1
About the Speaker:
Thomas Hibbs is currently Distinguished Professor of Ethics & Culture and Dean of the Honors College at Baylor University. He is the author of books including Virtue's Splendor: Wisdom, Prudence, and the Human Good and Shows About Nothing, one of two books of his about film. He has nearly completed a book on Pascal, tentatively entitled Divine Irony and is at work on a book on Nihilism, Beauty, and God, an application of Jacques Maritain’s aesthetic theory to the arts of poetry and painting in the 20th century. He also has written on film, culture, books and higher education in publications including Books and Culture, Christianity Today, First Things, and The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
