New Book Shows How to Find God in the Movies

PASADENA, CA (July 12, 2004) - Rob Johnston and Cathy Barsotti of Pasadena Covenant Church, have written Finding God in the Movies: 33 Films of Reel Faith, due out from Baker Books in the coming weeks.

The book and study guide serves as a guide on how to watch and discuss good films, said Barsotti, who-together with Johnston, her husband-has been writing movie reviews for the last eight years for The Covenant Companion and Faith@Work. Many people have asked Johnston and Barsotti to compile a discussion guide as a way to lead informed discussions with Christians and non-Christians alike. And Johnston has been recognized as an expert in the field, having authored the critically-acclaimed Reel Spirituality.

Finding God in the Movies (which is 320 pages long) includes resources for understanding and discerning the Christian message relevant to 33 recent movies now available in video or DVD formats. It examines topics such as racial reconciliation, forgiveness, and service through films such as Planet of the Apes; Billy Elliot; Life is Beautiful; The Truman Show; and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.

"It was a labor of love, actually using some of our Covenant Companion articles/reviews (edited) in the book," Barsotti said. "We love God and we see God showing up in the movies. We're just trying to help people have eyes to see...God and humanity...in new ways. We hope it can be of service to all kinds of folks."

Barsotti continued: "We think you'll not only enjoy the book, but you'll be able to easily and quickly use it as a resource in your churches (teaching, preaching, small group ministry, youth ministry), with friends, and in your own life as you seek to connect or put into dialogue your faith with the world around us. We are confident that in that process, God will meet you, and guide you to be faithful and winsome bearers of the good news."

Johnston is a professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena. An ordained Covenant minister, he was formerly dean of North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago. Barsotti teaches courses at Centro Hispano de Estudios Teologicos (CHET) in Bell Gardens, California, specializing in the areas of theology, ethics, and spirituality. She also does consulting to Christian non-profit organizations in the area of strategic planning and board development.

For more information on latest releases at Baker Books, visit www.bakerpublishinggroup.com . To read an interview with Johnston about movies and Christian faith, click here >Johnston: Movies Have Become Prime Storytelling Medium. Johnston and Barsotti's reviews appear bi-monthly in The Covenant Companion.

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