The God in Film Podcast

This week we explore Deep Space Nine, the best Star Trek series (I said what I said, fight me haters). We speak to Stefan Austin, our Star Trek expert. We look at the language of science and faith and ask; how can you tell if your church is a cult? Finding the Faith in the Film begins at 17:48.

This week Giles is joined by guest co-hosts Natalie Austin and Claire Gough to look at Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale'. We look at the biblical roots of 'the ceremony', historical inspirations for the show and how the church in the real world has oppressed women. We talk to Reverend Canon, @LizShercliff, director of Studies for Diocese of Chester and author of 'Preaching Women' & 'Out of t...

For this we're looking at Aaron Sorkin's political classic, 'The West Wing'. We'll be looking at section 28, what to do when your faith affects your job, and asking: "Should you get angry at God?"   Finding the Faith in the Film section begins at 23:33. 

For this episode we look at the award winning ITV crime drama, 'Broadchurch'. We interview Paul Newbould from The Message Trust about his work in prisons with offenders and we ask: 'Is there anything that is unforgivable?' and look at the mechanics of forgiveness.    Finding the faith in the film begins at 15:24

In our third series, we'll be looking at TV shows, kicking off with British classic, Doctor Who. We'll be looking at intersections of faith and science, messiah figures created by atheist creators and representations of people of faith in sci-fi. We also interview Doctor Who documentarian and Big Finish writer, Chris Chapman.  Finding the Faith in the Film section begins at 21:15.

In this special bonus episode, Giles appears on an episode of The RE Podcast, hosted by Louisa Jane Smith. Giles & Louisa talk about messiah figures in film, as well as why Giles started the 'God In Film' podcast in the first place. The RE Podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts and is definitely worth checking out!

In this episode, we look at ‘The Shack’, based on the New York Times bestseller of the same name. We’ll be looking at whether God is a woman, why our relationships with our dads get in the way of our relationship with God, does Jesus have a sense of humour and why you shouldn’t just go round accusing people of heresy willy-nilly. Why not give us a listen? Finding the Faith in the film section begi...

This week we're looking at the live action remake of Disney's 'Mulan'. We’ll be talking to Polly Taylor about gender representation in the remake and the original, looking at female leaders in the bible, the prodigal’s return and the importance of cornerstones. Why not give us a listen?   Finding the faith in the film section begins at 15:45

For our eight episode, we look at a niche little set of films you might have heard of called STAR WARS. We'll be looking at virgin births, hives of scum and villainy like Nazareth and Anakin Skywalker, the prodigal dad. Our guest today is podcaster and comedian, Chris Stokes for his thoughts on the franchise. Why not give it a listen? Finding the faith in the film section begins at 19:50. Vader &...

For this episode, we are looking at 'The Adjustment Bureau' and asking; 'Can you change God's mind?' and whether God is a big old romantic. We also begin to look at the concept of 'open theism', and how it seeks to marry up fate vs. free will. Why not give us a listen?   Finding the Faith in the film section begins at 17:23. 

This week we look at the 2016 World War II film 'Hacksaw Ridge', directed by Mel Gibson. We're joined by writer and R.S teacher Natalie Austin as we find out more about Seventh Day Adventists, different types of pacifism and the dangers of fundamentalism. Why not give us a listen? Finding the faith in the film section begins at 8:41.   (Apologies for the sound quality not being up to our usual sta...

In this episode, we'll be looking at 'Thor' the 2011 classic from the Marvel cinematic universe's first phase. Our guest this episode is marvel expert, the incredibly handsome Matt Heslop. We'll be talking about the genesis of the character, Lucifer being kicked out of heaven, a particularly convincing Arthur C Clarke quote and the nature of depression. Why not have a listen? Finding the faith in...

In this episode, we look at the Powell & Pressburger classic, 'A Matter of Life & Death'. We learn about Operation Ethel, the true nature of angels and a brilliant example of sacrifice. Our guest is Dr Andrew Moor, who literally wrote the book on Powell & Pressburger. Why not give it a listen?   Finding the faith in the film section begins at 24:32.

In this episode, we'll be diving into the cult cop classic, 'Training Day' featuring Ethan Hawke and Denzel Washington. We’ll be looking at the issues of integrity, temptation and the difference between degree and category. We dig more into the scandal that inspired the film and soaking up the nostalgia of an early noughties soundtrack. Why not have a listen?   Finding the Faith in the film sectio...

Our second episode of season 2 see the return of a very special guest to discuss 2011’s ‘Jane Eyre’, Charlotte Brontë’s timeless proto-feminist classic about two people who desperately want to get off with each other. We have a frank discussion about sex, celibacy and what it means to be equally yoked. It’s worth noting that some of the topics in this episode are a bit more ‘earthy’ than many of o...

New year, new season of God in Film! Our first episode of season 2 looks at ‘Da 5 Bloods’, Spike Lee’s agit prop joint that came out on Netflix last year. Giles & Phil talk about messiah figures in mainstream films, how being a man of peace, and strong aren’t mutually exclusive and why Jesus thinks you should pay your flippin’ taxes! We also chatted with History teacher extraordinaire, Tim Cloke o...

Christmas special episode! For the first episode in six months Jigga & Kid Warrington (that’s Giles and Phil to their mums) dig into ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’. The 1946 Frank Capra classic stating the one and only Jimmy Stewart. We ask, what is intercessory prayer? How is George Bailey like Jonah in reverse and what is the value of a human life, so a nice light episode! Listen on Apple podcasts, Spo...

In light of recent events, we want to do something, however small, to support the Black Lives Matter movement. In this episode, we switch up our format. Rather than looking at one film or one series of films, we’ll be looking at 10 films that helped us to understand the black experience and we wanted to share our platform with someone who can speak more authentically on the subject. Dr Sefaakor Ah...

For the tenth and last regular episode in our series, Giles and Phil look at 'The Matrix' franchise! We dive deep into the philosophical questions it poses and look at the influence of eastern religions with our special guest Natalie Minaker who also points out that the alt right are silly little chaps who need a nice sit down. We look at different models of the church, the significance of the Neb...

In this week's episode, Giles & Phil turn to C.S Lewis' magical land of Narnia, specifically, 2005's 'The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe'. We stumble on some surprising realisations such as why Aslan is NOT an allegorical figure, the proper way to treat traitors and what exactly are Jesus's favourite crisps? Oh, and we also interviewed a minotaur. Please note: Some of the topics we touch upon may...

In our eighth episode, Giles & Phil look at 'Captain Marvel'. We look at the origins of Carol Danvers, the parallels between Captain Marvel and a certain Old Testament sea-parter, and reflecting on how some times bad people can say good things and we touch upon the impact of spiritual abuse. Finding the Faith in the Film section begins at 14:24.

In this episode, Giles & Phil analyse the faith parallels in the Star Trek franchise, with a specific look at Wrath of Khan. We’ll be looking at the series’ impact on sci-fi, the use of the word myth, and why sacrifice and resurrection are like catnip to writers. The James Doohan video we talk about can be found here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COJuF7n9gGA Finding the Fa...

We're joined by a very special guest co-host this week as we explore the faith parallels in 'Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows'. We look at the power of loving sacrifice, the parallels between Dumbledore and John the Baptist, and the significance of a nice clean Kings Cross!   Finding the Faith in the Film section begins at 11:27.

In our fifth episode, Giles & Phil look at beloved cult classic, 'Dogma' by Kevin Smith. We'll be looking at the confusion around Matthew 16:9, why the apocrypha is the fan fic of the Christian world and does God have a sense of humour? Finding the Faith in the Film section begins at 18:06. 

In our fourth episode, Giles & Phil dive into the faith parallels in the 2016 sci-fi film, ‘Arrival’ directed by Denis Villeneuve. We’ll be looking at the idea of communicating with a non-linear being. Pre-destination and free will, and the importance of linguistics in translations and how it can affect society. Our guest today is Professor Jenny Thomas, an expert in linguistics and pragmatics. Fi...