Salvation in Celluloid

"This important book is required reading for all concerned with theology and film. Dr. Pope provides a sophisticated and compelling account of the theological imagination as it bears upon, and is stimulated by, film; and careful analyses of such key terms as 'reality', 'fantasy', and 'escapism'. Religious insight, theological substance, cultural awareness and philosophical acumen are here blended to an unusual degree. I warmly congratulate Robert Pope on a fine piece of work."-Alan P. F. Sell.  Milton Keynes -- Alan P. F. Sell. Milton Keynes
"The main argument of the book is that religious meaning does not occur within a film but is constructed in the viewer's imagination, a recognition which ought to be applauded." - Expository Times
"He sets out to accomplish multiple aims ... Clearly written and presented, this text succeeds on all counts. Seeing theological dialogue on film as an aspect of practical theology, he concludes that in the act of viewing and reflecting upon film, whether "fiction, myth and fantasy," viewers can come to appreciate that "all of life can give glory to God." (p. 166)." - Catholic Library World
German language review in Theologische Literaturzeitung 133 (2008) 12
"As a doctoral candidate in theology and as a media professional, I am doubly interested in this book. It has not disappointed, for Robert Pope provides the reader with a very good survey of thinking about film, and about theology and film... Pope's book remains a very good survey of an area of theology that appears t be growing alongside film studies, and worth reading for other theological disciplines involved in culture, event, and communications." --James O'Regan, PhD candidate, Saint Paul University, Theoforum Vol. 39 No. 3 2008 -- James O'Regan
"Robert Pope, a lecturer in Practical Theology at the University of Bangor (Wales), offers a sober and intelligent account of the limits and potential of film as a theological medium...Pope's contribution is to be found in his ability to undermine overestimating the theological reach of any particular film, while pointing out theologically legitimate approaches.  Could it be that religious educators/theologians have been reading too much into cinema?  In what might be called a theology for the theological reading of cinematic texts, Pope has constructed a credible critique...For non-specialists, especially educators who use film frequently as a theological medium, it is a must read." -Richard Shields, Catholic Books Review
"this is a stimulating work which takes the debate on a little, but promises more in its opening chapters than it delivers throughout" 1 July 2009   -- Clive Marsh * Theology *