How Faith and Films Intersect | Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Skopak

Let’s go to the movies! In today’s episode of the podcast, learn how films can reflect biblical narratives, characters, and themes.

Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak is currently the senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Florida. 

Learn about his new book, Christ, Culture, and Cinema: How Faith and Films Intersect. You can find his own podcast at Christ, Culture, and Cinema.

Show Notes:

Movies are a large part of our collective American culture. When we explore the themes, narratives, and characters of films, biblical concepts and ultimately our hope found in Jesus emerge. As we watch the stories play out across the screen, what is your faith in Christ causing you to hear or see differently than a person who may not have the same faith?

 In this episode of the Concordia Publishing House podcast learn to ask questions as a viewer of films that help you to analyze the media and examine your own faith. Why do we watch what we watch and what lenses are we watching these movies through? Listen as Rev. Dr. Jeffery Skopak unpacks these questions and how relating movies to your Christian faith can impact your walk with Jesus.

 Questions Covered:
 
-What got Pastor Skopak into movies?

-What did we miss about going to see movies during the 2020 stay-at-home orders?

-What was it like starting to look at films through the lens of faith, doctrine, and Lutheran identity?
 -What was the power of music in Joker (2019)?

-What does it look like when Christ, the culture, and cinema converge?

-How does our experience of faith impact our interpretation of movies?

-Where do we see themes of love in The Princess Bride?

-How does The Princess Bride show us that optimistic friendship and community we desire?

-What are the challenges in letting a movie instruct us as we think about what it presents?

-How does our faith change the way we view blockbusters?

-Why is it important to allow ourselves space to process movies?

 

About the Guest:

Jeffrey Skopak was born and raised in New Jersey. He has served as a pastor all over the United States, from small urban ministries to large churches and schools. He is currently the senior pastor of Grace Lutheran Church and School in Florida, where he lives with his wife, Amy, and their rescue dog, Reggie.

 About the Host:

Elizabeth Pittman is the manager of public relations and CGO at Concordia Publishing House. She received degrees from Valparaiso University and the University of Missouri School of Law. It should come as no surprise that Elizabeth is passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. Her life is very busy raising three active sons with her husband.