Craig Detweiler

Into the Dark explores the idea that God can reveal truth -- both about himself and about our human condition -- in a myriad of ways, and not just in religious settings. More importantly, Craig Detweiler encourages people to step out of their cinematic comfort zone and watch films that may not be considered good (i.e. free from swearing, sex, violence, etc.)by those who are cautious in their choice of movies.

I don't consider this to be a leisure reading book. Each chapter is a mini-thesis on show more a particular film, and it discusses the film's artistic merits as well as its usefulness as general revelation. General revelation is the idea that although God reveals himself through special revelation (i.e., the Bible), he can also reveal himself by other means, such as movies, music, art, etc.

But despite the fact that this is not a page-turning novel, Detweiler's points are articulate. He brings experience both from the religious side and from an artist's side, having both a divinity school degree and a film school degree. I found that it was difficult to get through the chapters discussing movies that aren't my particular taste, but I have definitely considered watching some of the films he has discussed. It may be much more a reference material than a cover-to-cover read, but that does not at all diminish the fact that it is an excellent book. show less

I read this book before I even knew who Craig Detweiler is (he ended up being my department head when I went to university). This book is great but no comparison to being able to sit down and talk with him about media and communication and the use, abuse, and manipulation of visual arts and music in modern culture.

NCLA Review -Halos and Avatars is a study of the religious and moral aspects of video gaming. The editor, Craig Detweiler, directs the Center for Entertainment, Media and Culture at Pepperdine University, and has compiled a group of twelve essays by various authors on such topics as “The Play Is the Thing: Interactivity from Bible Fights to Passions of the Christ” and “Role Playing: Toward a Theology for Gamers.” The topic is a novel and legitimate one, and the essays are generally show more well written, but this is more an academic study than a readable treatment suitable for the average church library. Recommended for large library collections or where there might be serious interest in this very specific topic. Rating: 2 —KLF show less

analyse van de huidige cultuur op basis van de pop cultuur (reclame, muziek, film, tv, etc.) en de les die we daar als kerk uit kunnen leren; 0