A Few Summer Reads to Consider

Here are some fun books that are (mostly) related to movies.

Let’s go from one extreme to another.

If you checked out last week’s article, I talked about the idea of a movie marathon and shared some practical tips that my family utilized. This week, I’m encouraging you to turn your gaze away from the glow of a screen in order to thumb through the pages of a book.

What follows are three books that played a signifiant role in my movie-watching. They really shaped the way I think about films from a biblical perspective and encouraged thoughtful engagement of them. Instead of a surface-level focus on the content contained in movies, these books fostered more discernment for the viewer and an appreciation for the gift movie are.

That said, the first book isn’t necessarily focused on movies, but there is much wisdom that could be applied to the way we view them. While I almost excluded it from this list, I thought, This is my newsletter, so I can include whatever books I want. I know that sounds a bit selfish but I’m sure you’ll find a way to forgive me. Plus, it’s an excellent book you should read.

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To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Neil Postman’s seminal work, Amusing Ourselves to Death, editors Brett McCracken and Ivan Mesa applied much of Postman’s wisdom to the world of social media. Here’s my endorsement:

There are books that are enjoyable and books that are important; Scrolling Ourselves to Death is both. Although some of the content is sobering―disturbing at times―the contributors never leave the reader hopeless. This is a vitally important book that will help the church clearly communicate the gospel to a world bombarded by distraction.

Maybe I’m being overly-optimistic but I really think we’re living in a time when real change is occurring in this realm. Dangerous addictions have been left unchecked for too long, but those inside and outside of the church are developing an increasing awareness and voicing those concerns. Awareness is starting to give way to action, which is why I hope many pick this book up and begin to live out the wisdom contained in its pages. [Amazon: Scrolling Ourselves to Death]

When it comes to influential books about cinema, this was the very first I was exposed to. I had a love for movies for quite some time before I stumbled upon this book and Godawa put words to many beliefs I did not know how to express. Not only was he biblically sound and thoughtful, he was a Hollywood screenwriter who knew some of the behind-the-scenes of the industry, so he brought a helpful perspective. I always said that the appendix about sex & violence was worth the price of the book, but newer editions have included and expanded that content into the body of the work. [Amazon: Hollywood Worldviews]

If you’ve been reading this newsletter, you’ll know who James Harleman is (you can check out his articles here and here). When I was in youth ministry, James was leading Film & Theology, which was a lecture series through Mars Hill Church. I personally benefited from his thoughtful engagement of film, but I also used much of his material to teach my students. This is such a helpful book in so many ways, but I love how James weaves his testimony throughout and how God used movies to draw James to a saving knowledge of himself. Plus, James has a great sense of humor that will resonate with anyone who loves movies. [Amazon: Cinemagogue: Director’s Cut]

I know that Cosper has become somewhat of a lightening rod when it comes to politics, but his take on movies is so good. Even though this book gets into television, which is beyond the scope of this newsletter, there’s much to glean from this. For the past seven years I’ve taught at a classical school and this book has been required reading for my students. Read it and see how many of your favorite movies and television shows are pointing you to the truth of the gospel. [Amazon: The Stories We Tell]

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I have several more books I may highlight at some point, but these three have been the most influential. I’d encourage you to snag a copy of one (or all) of these and flip through them as you’re lounging at the pool this summer. As Christians, we are to strive to honor Christ in all of life and these books will assist you to that end.