Paige Bier_April 17_The Continuum Companion to Religion

In chapter 19 of The Continuum Companion to Religion and Film by Adele Reinhartz, I was able to learn about the true purpose of presenting the Gospel in film. She analyzes the biblical characters and narratives presented in different films. I was interested in reading this excerpt because many films we have watched throughout this course have directly related to the Gospel and/or have many biblical references related to the stories of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. On page 211, Reinhartz says,  "a lot of films wrestle with the question of how to portray a man whom many believe to be the Messiah”. Throughout this chapter, she says that these films may have been created “because the humanist culture that assembled an image called ‘Jesus Christ’ has disappeared”, but argues that his fate can be re-born throughout generations (p. 221). I can see where Reinhartz is establishing her argument because reshaping the way we share the gospel, such as portraying the Messiah in films, has become necessary in order to adapt to audiences today. Therefore, the way that the Gospel and/or Jesus’ story is presented will continue to change in order to target our generation.

            I enjoyed reading Reinhartz argument on the purpose of presenting the gospel in films that are declared religious or spiritual today. Her excerpt makes a great contribution to the entire book because she targets how Jesus Christ is the “Continuum Companion” in religious film in the twenty-first century. Defining Jesus Christ as the "Continuum Companion" relates directly to the relationship He has with us on Earth. Jesus Christ is the only relationship we have that is ever-lasting. I have learned that He is the only relationship that is eternal. Although we all have friends and family we can count on, Jesus Christ is the only permanent, reliable relationship that we will have. Reinhartz develops a chronological survey of the representation and/or appearance of Christ in films, ranging from "a full biography of Jesus, a portion of Jesus' life, and the events of Jesus' passion from the betrayal to the resurrection" (p. 213). It is interesting to analyze the severe difference between plots in films like The Jacket and Big Fish, and how we are able to create a religious connection or unravel the Gospel from such diverse stories.

            Since our generation has become so technology based, from social media platforms to Netflix and DVDs, I find it beneficial that religion is presented through film. Although it is unfortunate that some people have gotten out of touch with religious practices and teachings read from the Bible, or learned at church, it is beneficial to see the film industry incorporate strong messages, such as the Gospel, in their films.

Blizek, William. The Continuum Companion to Religion and Film. (2009). New York. (featuring Adele Reinhartz, Chapter 19: Religious Themes in Movies)