Research On Religion » Azusa Street Revival

Michael Medved on Religion & Hollywood (encore presentation)

tonygill — Sun, 03 Dec 2017 09:00:54 +0000

While Tony is still on a short sabbatical and trying to make improvements to the audio files of our show, we invite you to enjoy this interesting podcast from five years ago. There are now over 350 unique episodes in our archives, so please feel free to search our archives and tell a friend.

Does Hollywood portray religion in a negative light? If so, why? And has it always been that way? We take up these questions and many more with film critic, radio talk show host, author, and cultural crusader Michael Medved. Michael is the author of numerous books on Hollywood and other topics (see below) and has served as a film critic for over 25 years. We discuss how he managed to find himself in that position as well as what life is like for a movie critic. He details his personal story within that profession as well as providing insights into how critics review movies. Michael discusses his role in the critics’ controversy surrounding Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, wherein pundits became highly critical of this film even before seeing any footage! We then turn our attention to why Hollywood has shifted from making movies such as The Bells of St. Mary and Going My Way, wherein religious figures and institutions are presented favorably, to films such as Agnes of God and The Pope Must Die, theatrical releases that didn’t necessarily hold the same view of spiritual faith. Tony notes that this change seemed to have occurred in the late 1960s. Michael reveals how a change in the Motion Picture Production Code of 1930 (i.e., The Hays Code) occured in the mid-1960s giving way to the current rating system that we see today. This change paved the way for studios to make more “edgy” R-rated films. We discuss how the 1970s saw a dearth of G-rated theatrical releases. Michael points out that even though such family-friendly films make drastically more money than R-rated movies, producers still favor the latter. The incentive structure for filmmakers and producers is not always (or often) to make a profit, but rather to earn the accolades of those within the industry. This is why the demans of “Middle America” are often unmet at the local cineplex. Not to worry, though, there has been a trend over the past two decades to offer more films pitched to a church-going audience. We talk about how the ability to make movies has become more accessible and groups like Affirm Films can make highly popular films such as Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Soul Surfer. Hollywood has noticed the success of these films as well as The Passion and we are seeing more options portraying religious folks as heroes rather than villians. Our conversation also includes a discussion not only of what we see on the silver screen, but what occurs with movie stars off screen. We look into the somewhat deviant culture of Hollywood and Michael provides his insights into why so many actors and actresses seem to engage in destructive behavior. Along the way, we find out what the worst movie of all time was, and Tony reveals three of his favorite films of all time dealing with the eternal themes of skyscrapers, fish, and football. Recorded: November 28, 2012.

RELATED LINKS

The Michael Medved Show.

Hollywood versus America, by Michael Medved.

The Fifty Worst Movies of All Time, updated version by Harry Medved (Michael’s brother and earlier co-author).

The Golden Turkey Awards: The Worst Achievements in Hollywood History, by Michael Medved and Harry Medved.

The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic, by Michael Medved.

The 10 Big Lies About America: Combating Destructive Distortions about Our Nation, by Michael Medved.

The 5 Big Lies About American Business: Combating Smears Against the Free-Market Economy, by Michael Medved.

Right Turns: From Liberal Activist to Conservative Champion in 35 Unconventional Lessons, by Michael Medved.

Saving Childhood: Protecting Our Children from the National Assault on Innocence, by Michael Medved and Diane Medved.

What Really Happened to the Class of ’65?, by Michael Medved and David Wallechinsky.

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John Errington on “A Long Way Off” and Religious Movie Making.

Corey Olsen on J.R.R. Tolkien, Religion, and The Hobbit.

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Michael Medved on Religion and Hollywood

tonygill — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 09:00:49 +0000

Welcome Med-Heads. Please check out our Facebook fan page for regular updates about our weekly show.

Does Hollywood portray religion in a negative light? If so, why? And has it always been that way? We take up these questions and many more with film critic, radio talk show host, author, and cultural crusader Michael Medved. Michael is the author of numerous books on Hollywood and other topics (see below) and has served as a film critic for over 25 years. We discuss how he managed to find himself in that position as well as what life is like for a movie critic. He details his personal story within that profession as well as providing insights into how critics review movies. Michael discusses his role in the critics’ controversy surrounding Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ, wherein pundits became highly critical of this film even before seeing any footage! We then turn our attention to why Hollywood has shifted from making movies such as The Bells of St. Mary and Going My Way, wherein religious figures and institutions are presented favorably, to films such as Agnes of God and The Pope Must Die, theatrical releases that didn’t necessarily hold the same view of spiritual faith. Tony notes that this change seemed to have occured in the late 1960s. Michael reveals how a change in the Motion Picture Production Code of 1930 (i.e., The Hays Code) occured in the mid-1960s giving way to the current rating system that we see today. This change paved the way for studios to make more “edgy” R-rated films. We discuss how the 1970s saw a dearth of G-rated theatrical releases. Michael points out that even though such family-friendly films make drastically more money than R-rated movies, producers still favor the latter. The incentive structure for filmmakers and producers is not always (or often) to make a profit, but rather to earn the accolades of those within the industry. This is why the demans of “Middle America” are often unmet at the local cineplex. Not to worry, though, there has been a trend over the past two decades to offer more films pitched to a church-going audience. We talk about how the ability to make movies has become more accessible and groups like Affirm Films can make highly popular films such as Fireproof, Facing the Giants, and Soul Surfer. Hollywood has noticed the success of these films as well as The Passion and we are seeing more options portraying religious folks as heroes rather than villians. Our conversation also includes a discussion not only of what we see on the silver screen, but what occurs with movie stars off screen. We look into the somewhat deviant culture of Hollywood and Michael provides his insights into why so many actors and actresses seem to engage in destructive behavior. Along the way, we find out what the worst movie of all time was, and Tony reveals three of his favorite films of all time dealing with the eternal themes of skyscrapers, fish, and football. Recorded: November 28, 2012.

RELATED LINKS

The Michael Medved Show.

Hollywood versus America, by Michael Medved.

The Fifty Worst Films of All Time, updated version by Harry Medved (Michael’s brother and earlier co-author).

The Golden Turkey Awards: The Worst Achievements in Hollywood History, by Michael Medeved.

The 10 Big Lies About America: Combating Destructive Distortions about Our Nation, by Michael Medved.

The 5 Big Lies About American Business: Combating Smears Against the Free-Market Economy, by Michael Medved.

Right Turns: From Liberal Activist to Conservative Champion in 35 Unconventional Lessons, by Michael Medved.

Saving Childhood: Protecting Our Children from the National Assault on Innocence, by Michael Medved and Diane Medved.

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Corey Olsen on J.R.R. Tolkien, Religion, and The Hobbit.

Jim Houser on the Christian Music Industry.

Matthew Sutton on Aimee Semple McPherson

tonygill — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:00:43 +0000

Aimee Semple McPherson undoubtedly ranks high on any list of charismatic, colorful and influential preachers in American history. As founder of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, a denomination that today claims over 8 million members, McPherson’s impact on the nation’s religious landscape looms large. Prof. Matthew Sutton, associate professor of history at Washington State University, leads us on a journey through Sister Aimee’s life. We begin by detailing the era of the 1920s in Los Angeles, California — the environment that McPherson became intimately attached to. We then rewind the tape to look at Aimee’s birth and childhood in 19th century Canada, then follow her path through two marriages and her arrival in California. Prof. Sutton discusses Aimee McPherson’s revivalist style, her changes whilst in Los Angeles, and her insertion into a number of the political controversies of the day. We examine the contrasting life of a divorced female preacher in a conservative, fundamentalist faith tradition. Our podcast also looks at perhaps the most famous and odd incident in what was an already photogenic life — Aimee McPherson’s alleged kidnapping in 1926. Prof. Sutton finishes off with his reflections on this vibrant and all-too-human personality. Recorded: December 28, 2010.

RELATED LINKS

Matthew Sutton’s website at Washington State University.

American Experience: Sister Aimee (PBS Documentary based on Matthew Sutton’s research).

Aimee Semple McPherson and the Resurrection of Christian America by Matthew Sutton.

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Margaret Poloma on Pentecostalism, the Assemblies of God, and Godly Love.

Margaret Poloma on Pentecotalism, the Assemblies of God, and Godly Love

tonygill — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 09:00:35 +0000

Prof. Margaret Poloma (professor emeritus of sociology at the University of Akron) joins Tony to discuss her new book The Assemblies of God: Godly Love and the Revitalization of American Pentecostalism (co-authored with John Green), which represents an updated look at her critically-acclaimed 1989 work The Assemblies of God at the Crossroads. We begin by exploring the general category of Pentecostalism, looking at both the history and characteristics of this fast-growing faith movement, and comparing it to evangelical Christianity. Poloma notes that although Pentecostalism is commonly referred to as a denomination, it maintains a rather loose “umbrella” structure that contains a number of different theological and stylistic identities. We then turn our attention specifically to the Assemblies of God (AoG), which represents one of the largest “denominations” within the Pentecostal movement. (We briefly discuss that the AoG do not formally consider themselves a “denomination” even though they have the institutional features of a denomination.) Our examination of the AoG turns towards the issue of “routinization of charism,” wherein movements borne of emotional and spiritual fervor often find themselves becoming more tame and institutionalized in successive generations, often leading to slower rates of growth, dissention within the ranks and schismatic movements. Leaders of the movement and then faced with the challenge of how to constantly revitalize the clergy and laity. Margaret provides a number of examples of how this has played out in the Assemblies of God, including the spiritually-energized challenge provided by “immigrant churches” within the AoG such as Pastor Bismark Osei Akomeah’s Jesus Power Assembly of God (founded in Ohio and now with several locations throughout the US). We also discuss the rise of neo-Pentecostalism and the recent emphasis on Godly Love, a revitalizing tendency within Pentecostalism (based on the Great Commandment) and designed to emphasize the dynamic intereaction between the benevolence of God’s grace and human nature. Recorded: November 2, 2010.

RELATED LINKS

The Assemblies of God: Godly Love and the Revitalization of American Pentecostalism by Margaret Poloma and John C. Green.

The Assemblies of God at the Crossroads: Charism and Institutional Dilemmas by Margaret Poloma.

Main Street Mystics: The Toronto Blessing and Reviving Pentecostalsim by Margaret Poloma.

The Great Commandment seminar website (video of a seminar hosted by Vanguard University with screen shots of PowerPoint presentations related to the topic of this podcast).

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Philip Jenkins on Global Christianity.