The God in Film Podcast

The Da Vinci Code - Was Jesus married?

For our ONE HUNDREDTH episode we’re looking at The Da Vinci Code, the 2006 mystery thriller starring Tom Hanks and Audrey Tautou and that realest of Gs, Ian McKellen, based on the controversial novel by Dan 'Don't fact check me, just love me' Brown. We’ll be looking at the Council of Nicea, Emperor Constantine, and where did the idea of Jesus being married come from? We're joined by critic, author and perennial bad penny, Andy Godfrey to tell us about the film's production. 

 

Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 21:21

Pluribus - What is utilitarianism?

For our 99th episode, we're looking at Pluribus, the Apple TV show starring Rhea Seehorn, the cosy, post-apocalyptic science fiction television series created by Vince Gilligan. We’ll be looking in-depth at the flaws in utilitarianism, as well as the importance of free will and the occasional demon possession. Giles & Julia are joined by writer and R.S teacher Natalie Minaker who talks about how Pluribus gave her something of a crisis of faith in her utilitarian principles and teaches us about John Stuart Mill. 

 

Finding the Faith in the Film starts at 8:28. 

Wake Up Dead Man - What is Christian Nationalism?

For this episode, we’re looking at 'Wake Up Dead Man'. The third film in Knives Out murder mystery series starring Josh O’Connor, Josh Brolin and Daniel Craig. We’ll be looking at the rise of Christian Nationalism, the difficulties of Christian leadership when you get too popular and how to talk to those on the other side of the political divide.

We are joined by the wonderful Steve Chalke MBE. Steve is a speaker, author, broadcaster and founder of the Oasis Charitable Trust.  

Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 36:09.

 

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri - Does the Bible have a problem with women?

For this episode, we’re looking at Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, Martin McDonagh’s 2017 film starring Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell. We’ll be looking at the most dramatic conversion in the Bible, what does loving your enemy look like and how the Bible is used to oppress women. 

 

We speak to writer and speaker Sally Hope from Always Hopeful about how the Bible has been used to clobber women throughout the centuries. https://alwayshopeful.org.uk/

 

Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 10:33.

The Last Jedi - What is deconstruction?

For this episode, we’re looking at The Last Jedi, the controversial second film in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. We’ll be looking at what the Jedi code actually is, what is deconstruction and what is the 180 rule? For this episode, we let Julia get into her feelings about the film, and watch her go through her own Star Wars deconstruction in real time!

Finding the Faith in the begins at 30:28.

 

Supernatural - What is the Enochian language?

We’re looking at Supernatural, the TV series created by Eric Kripke following the lives of the Winchester brothers as they hunt demons, ghosts, monsters and the occasional fallen angel. Giles and Julia are joined by the First Lady of GiF, Claire Gough as she and Julia work out a schedule for sharing Dean and we'll be hearing from super fan Laura Jayne Hunt as we dive into the murky world of the Supernatural fandom reddit. 

 

Supernatural has famously run for 15 seasons, making it damn near impossible to cover the whole thing in one episode. So for the purposes of this episode, we’ll be looking purely at the first 5 seasons, as it forms a clear coherent story arc.

 

Finding the Faith in the Film starts at 26:26. 

The Chosen Season 5 - How do we deal with religious violence?

For the second part of our Easter special, we’re looking at The Chosen, season 5. The multi-season series focusing on the life of Jesus, as seen through his followers. We’ll be asking what do the gospels say about violence, how do we deal with religious violence and how do we engage with media made by problematic people?

Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 4:29.

Jesus Christ Superstar - Dude, where's my resurrection?

For our Easter special, we’re looking at Jesus Christ Superstar. The 1973 version of Andrew Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice’s phenomenally successful rock opera musical. We’ll be looking at Bertolt Brecht, the representation of Judas, the controversy around Mary Magdalene, and what is hypostatic union?

 

Finding the faith in the film begins at 17:45

Home Alone - Is Kevin McAlister Jesus?

For our very special 2025 Christmas episode, we’ll be looking at ‘Home Alone’, the 1990 classic directed by Chris Columbus, written by the legendary John Hughes and starring Macaulay Culkin in his breakout role. Also, as it's the God in Film Christmas Party, we'll be swapping gifts and you're welcome to stick around for that!

Please note: this is one of those 'Nonsense episodes'. If you want serious theological and cinematic insight, please check out one of our other episodes. Don't say you weren't warned...

 

Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves - Can Christians play D&D?

For this year's Halloween special, we're looking at Dungeons & Dragons: Honour Among Thieves, the 2023 Chris Pine film based on the famous (some might say, infamous) table top role play game. Julia speaks to Rob Bradley from Rolldark, the UK's Dungeon Masters for hire. We look at the evolution of the game, and working out exactly why some Christians have a problem with the game. 

Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 28:51.

To find out more about Rob and Rolldark, go to https://rolldark.co.uk