Theology of Film - Interpreting and Applying Hollywood’s Modern-Day Parables

Ryan Lee Taylor
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TV & Film
  • Monthly

Christian film nerds Ryan Lee Taylor and Laura Hewett discuss a range of topics related to Hollywood film, from the newest releases to beloved classics and niche oddities, genres, trends, and everything in-between, all in an effort to understand how to better engage with these modern day parables as devoted followers of Christ.

  1. Oct 13

    The Lion King and Remembering Who We Are

    On this episode, hosts Laura and Ryan discuss Disney’s masterpiece ‘The Lion King,’ praising Rafiki as a wise, purposeful guide who leads Simba through mystery, reflection, and reconnection to his father’s truth rather than offering quick answers. They highlight the film’s Hamlet roots, remarkable music, cast, and enduring cultural impact compared with less meaningful modern remakes. The hosts connect the story’s themes of identity, fatherlessness, repentance, hunger for false substitutes, surrender, and restoration to spiritual discipleship, urging listeners to embrace the church’s “weird,” sit with hard things, and pursue healing through reflection, prayer, and truth-centered community. Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Lion King' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.   Discussed Passage: Luke 15:11-32 Mentioned in this Episode: "The Lion King" (1994 film and its sequels, including "The Lion King II" and "The Lion King 1½") Shakespeare's "Hamlet" (play) "Ted Lasso" (TV series) "Liturgies of the Wild" (book by Martin Shaw) "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" (play by Tom Stoppard) "Les Misérables" (Broadway production) "Moana" (2016 film and references to its sequels or adaptations) “Narnia” (novel series by C.S. Lewis) "The Getting Through" by Judah & the Lion (song) John 6:66 (Bible verse) “Who?” by Newsboys (song)   Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

  2. Aug 19

    Spider-Man: No Way Home and the Weight of Responsibility

    This month, Ryan and Laura discuss Spider-Man: No Way Home, focusing on how Spider-Man stories uniquely highlight the burden of responsibility, self-sacrifice, and recurring loss. They compare Spider-Man films, reflect on Peter Parker’s youth and immaturity, the consequences of trying to find quick fixes, and the importance of wisdom, mentorship, and not facing suffering alone. The conversation centers on resisting vengeance, choosing compassion, and laying down one’s life for others, culminating with a parallel scriptural examination of Christ’s sacrifice, and the ways we are called to respond. Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Spider-Man: No Way Home’ can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life. Discussed Passage 1 John 3:16-18 Mentioned in this episode: Spider-Man (2002 film by Sam Raimi) Spider-Man 2 (2004 film by Sam Raimi) Spider-Man 3 (2007 film by Sam Raimi) The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014 film by Marc Webb) The Avengers (2012 film by Joss Whedon) Into the Spider-Verse (2018 film by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey & Rodney Rothman) Eurovision 2026 (annual song contest) Käärijä & Baby Lasagna (Eurovision contestants)  Bara Bara Bastu (song by Swedish band KAJ) Subnautica II (video game)   Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

  3. Jul 29

    Toy Story and the Gospel in Play

    This episode, Laura and Ryan discuss the Pixar classic “Toy Story,” using the film’s premise—living toys marked as belonging to an owner—to reflect on purpose, identity, and where value is placed. They focus on Woody and Buzz’s ego-driven conflict and their growth toward humility, selflessness, and working together for their owner’s joy, noting how even villains in the broader series crave being valued and “played with.” The conversation extends to discipleship as ongoing reorientation, the importance of community and celebration in faith, and living in a way that delights God. References "This Music May Contain Hope" (album by Raye) “Welcome to Wrexham” (streaming series) Biblical reference: Micah 6:8 "Celebration of Discipline" (book by Richard Foster) Verse Micah 6:8

  4. May 31

    Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and Faith in Action

    This episode, Ryan and Laura mark Star Wars month by diving into Rogue One, exploring the film’s success amidst a divisive fandom, and the value the modern era of Star Wars brings to a wider and more diverse audience, make the universe feel broader and more accessible. Their conversation focuses on themes of hope and faith amid conflict, the moral complexity of rebellion, and the hard question of when to resist and which battles to fight. From a Christian perspective they discuss the film’s parallels with spiritual warfare, and explore the steps required to walk out a courageous, Spirit-led life of visible faith. Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Rogue One’ can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life. Discussed Passage Acts 7:51 - 8:1 Mentioned in this Episode: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (animated TV show) Star Wars: Rebels (animated TV show) The Bear (TV show) The Pitt (TV show) Moana (film) Dune (audiobook and series) Circle Trilogy (novel series by Ted Dekker) Hero with a Thousand Faces (book by Joseph Campbell) The Grand Inquisitor (story by Fyodor Dostoevsky) Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

  5. May 4

    The Devil Wears Prada and the Appearance of Humility

    In this episode, hosts Laura and Ryan discuss The Devil Wears Prada, its cultural impact, cast, and impending sequel. Exploring why the film feels nuanced as both comedy and drama, they focus on Andy’s growth in confidence and competence alongside the corrupting effects of ambition, status, and external approval, noting the paradox of enjoying her transformation while grieving what she sacrifices in relationships and integrity. The conversation highlights how appearances and wealth can distort judgment, calling Christians to reject favoritism, see people as God does, and respond with mercy. Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'The Devil Wears Prada' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life. Discussed Passage James 2: 1-13 Mentioned in this episode: Song for Walking (single by Tophouse) Epic: The Musical (concept album by Jorge Rivera-Herrans) Handel’s "Messiah" (classical music composition) Scriptnotes (screenwriting podcast by John August and Craig Mazin) Seven Deadly Sins - Vanity (Bridgetown Church sermon by Tyler Staton and Bethany Allen) To Burn in You (song by Josh White)   Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

  6. Mar 30

    Wake Up Dead Man and Revealing the Open Arms of Christ

    This month, Ryan and Laura dive into Wake Up Dead Man - a standout entry in the Benoit Blanc/Knives Out series. They praise its fun whodunit setup while focusing on its unusually thoughtful portrayal of Christianity: Father Judd’s Christlike leadership, the community’s vulnerability to charismatic leaders like Monsignor Wicks, and how faith is broadly presented with both flaws and real value. They praise the film’s writing, performances, and visual symbolism, and conclude with reflections on personal obedience, presence with God, and deeper engagement with Jesus.   Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Wake Up Dead Man' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.   Discussed Passage: Acts 9:1-9   Mentioned in this episode: Stranger Things (2016 tv series) Ghosts (2021 tv series) Harry Potter (film series) Supernatural (2005 tv series) Midnight Mass (2021 miniseries) "Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music" (song by Larry Norman) Hercule Poirot (central character in Agatha Christie novels) Star Wars: The Last Jedi  (2017 film by Rian Johnson) Brick (2005 film by Rian Johnson) Philip Yancey (former author and theologian) The Jesus Music (2021 documentary film)

  7. Feb 26

    Cool Runnings and the Adventure of Obedience

    This month, Laura and Ryan discuss 1993’s Cool Runnings, exploring why the film remains a beloved 90s comedy with strong pacing, good humor, and surprising emotional depth. They examine key themes from the film, including perseverance, cultural identity, resisting imitation in favor of authenticity, and the definition of success. Connecting the story to a biblical narrative, they unpack what it means to trust God with detailed guidance, stepping into an unfamiliar calling, and living attentively and obediently even when it looks foolish to others.   Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Cool Runnings' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life.   Discussed Passage Genesis 6:3-7:5 Mentioned in this episode: The Sandlot (1993 film) Miracle (2004 winter olympics film) Eddie the Eagle (2015 winter olympics film) The Lion King (1994 film) You've Got Mail (1998 film) In the Good Old Summertime (1949 film) The Shop Around the Corner (1940 film) While You Were Sleeping (1995 film by Jon Turteltaub) Disney's The Kid (2000 film by Jon Turteltaub) National Treasure Movies (film series by Jon Turteltaub John Candy: I Like Me (documentary by Colin Hanks) Stargate SG-1 (1997 tv series) Stargate Atlantis (2004 tv series) Hana Khan Carries On (novel by Uzma Jalaluddin) The Merry Wives of Windsor (Shakespeare) Richard III (Shakespeare) Hamlet (Shakespeare)   Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

  8. 12/12/2025

    Elf and the Embodiment of Christmas Joy

    In this episode of ‘Theology of Film’, hosts Laura and Ryan delve into the Christmas classic ‘Elf’. They discuss Buddy the Elf's unwavering kindness and belief in the goodness of others, exploring how these traits can serve as a model for Christians to live joyfully and lovingly. The conversation shifts to the notable absence of explicit references to Jesus in many Christmas films, prompting a heartfelt reflection on the true meaning of Christmas. Through readings and personal anecdotes, Laura and Ryan encourage listeners to embrace joy, show unconditional love, and glorify God throughout the festive season and beyond. The episode wraps up with practical ways to live out these principles in day-to-day life. Join the conversation with us by subscribing to see how films like 'Elf' can deepen your understanding of God's truth and impact your daily life. Discussed Passage: Luke 2:8-20 Mentioned in this episode: Lord of the Rings (film series by Peter Jackson) Iron Man (film by Jon Favreau) The Mandalorian (streaming series by Jon Favreau) Rankin/Bass Christmas specials (e.g., Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) Zathura (film by Jon Favreau) Saturday Night Live (sketch comedy tv series) Through Painted Deserts (memoir by Donald Miller) Blue Like Jazz (novel by Donald Miller) Shoe Dog (memoir by Phil Knight) The Princess Diarist (memoir by Carrie Fisher) Let us know your thoughts! Send questions and movie recommendations to us at: theologyoffilm@gmail.com

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Christian film nerds Ryan Lee Taylor and Laura Hewett discuss a range of topics related to Hollywood film, from the newest releases to beloved classics and niche oddities, genres, trends, and everything in-between, all in an effort to understand how to better engage with these modern day parables as devoted followers of Christ.

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