How to Depict Religion Powerfully on the Screen

Last updated on: January 9, 2017 at 11:49 pm by Kyle Cupp

How to Depict Religion Powerfully on the Screen 2017-01-09T23:49:14-05:00 Kyle Cupp

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Alyssa Rosenberg looks at the depiction of Christianity in “The Americans,” a show I regrettably haven’t seen. In the most recent episode, the teenage daughter of the show’s two leads announces to her parents that she wants to be baptized. Rosenberg remarks:

It’s a profoundly disturbing concept to Philip and Elizabeth. Where most shows might suggest that behind the veil of baptism lies only human psychological needs that can be filled by religious rituals, the couple now perceive profound mysteries, a draw to something they can’t understand or divert into another channel. Paige’s faith threatens the couple as communists, as atheists and simply as parents of a teenage girl who thought they knew their daughter. By shifting the baseline perspective of their main characters, “The Americans” gives Christianity the real power it so often lacks in pop culture.

“The Americans,” a tale of two KGB spies living in the States, “depicts Christianity as a seismic force, something capable of producing profound transformation in both individuals and society.” Sounds like a show I should be watching.

It’s easy to be superficial about Christianity on screen: a character’s offhand remark, a shot of a crucifix or rosary, or a quick scene of prayer does the trick. A serious screen treatment of Christianity means getting dirty, down in the roots of its motivational power, showing this power played out in the actions and interactions of the characters, in their self-understanding and understanding of one another, in the conflicts that make up the plot. Displaying a cross is one thing; centering a character on the symbol is quite another.

You don’t need a doctorate in theology to accomplish this. A little literacy can go a long way if you’re attuned to the ways in which religion functions in the lives of the faithful. For many people of faith, the tenets, rituals, symbols, and stories of their religion motivate them at a profound level, consciously and unconsciously, individually and communally. Faith moves mountains in the form of deep desires, habits of mind, personal and institutional behavior. You’d think capable storytellers would make better use of it. I’m glad to know an acclaimed show on television is getting it right.

This post is part of my Religion in Pop Culture Series, in which I examine the representation and interpretation of religion in literature, film, television, and video games. Spoilers will abound.

Follow Kyle on Facebook and Twitter.

Culture

Religion in Pop Culture Series

Previous Post

February 19, 2015

Good for Eric Holder

Next Post

February 21, 2015 Some Folks Say Obama Isn't a Christian: Here's How He Can Prove Them Right

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Book Reviews Confessions Culture Current Events Family Life Hermeneutics Humor LEGO Sets Mindless Monday Question Personal Philosophy Policy Politics and Society Quotes Religion in Pop Culture Series Theology Uncategorized

Select a Month April 2016 December 2015 August 2015 July 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who built an ark to survive the flood?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Jacob Abraham Noah Moses