Popular Culture

Stephenie Meyer's bestselling Twilight saga took the young adult fiction world by storm. Although by no means dominant or even particularly overt, Meyer's use of religion nonetheless provides for some intriguing interpretive possibilities. Topics from young love, to abstinence, to the value of family and friends are infused in the stories. Love as an agent of change and a motivational impulse for self-sacrifice also receives significant emphasis. Could Eve and Mary be a pattern for Bella? What about Edward--could he be seen as a Christ-figure?

From Twilight to Breaking Dawn assists readers in thinking about the religious themes and images found throughout the Twilight saga. A single Twilight character or issue is discussed in each chapter and concludes with discussion questions for individual or group study. This book includes ideas from Judaism, Protestantism, Catholicism, and Mormonism. From Twilight to Breaking Dawn is perfect for parents wanting to discuss these books with their children or for Twilight lovers interested in pursuing the deeper meaning that lies at the heart of these books.

This book will thrill movie buffs and casual fans alike. In an engaging style, author Greg Garrett looks at the theological elements in dozens of classic and new classic Hollywood films, including a discussion about what the new openness to spirituality in the movies might mean for the future of American cinema and American religion.

What's Christian about Star Trek? Nothing. That's the way most people see it and that certainly seems to be the way the franchise is intended. There's no question that the Trek universe is based on a doggedly humanistic world view and is set in a future time when religion has essentially vanished from Earth. If that's the case, how can there even be a ""gospel according to Star Trek""?

In The Gospel According to Star Trek: The Original Crew, you'll discover how the continuing voyages of Kirk and company aboard the Enterprise--from the original series to the Abramsverse--tell us more about our human quest for God than you ever imagined. You'll learn how Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's own spiritual quest informed the franchise, what he and the series really have to say about God and religion, and the amazing image of Christ contained in Star Trek's most popular character.

You'll also see how Star Trek can help us recover a deeper, more fully human gospel that embraces our humanity instead of denigrating it and echoes the call of both Spock and Christ: ""Live long and prosper!"" (John 10:10). ""You hold in your hands a treasure. So don't read this endorsement; instead, read this book, which we are fortunate to have. The proof of this endorsement is to be found in reading Kevin's book. The 'eyes of your heart' may be opened too."" --David Naugle, Distinguished University Professor, Dallas Baptist University; author of Worldview: The History of a Concept (2002) ""Don't be scared off by the title, Trek fans. Whether Christian, pagan, atheist, or any other corner on the global 'higher power' scale, you'll find plenty of new insights into 'the human adventure' amid the dots Kevin C. Neece connects in The Gospel According to Star Trek. Kevin looks at Star Trek's love-hate relationship with paradises, god-things, baby-steps humanity, alien deities, and even the wacky implications of the animated series, and finds something to intrigue everyone."" --Larry Nemecek, author, Star Trek Stellar Cartography: The Starfleet Reference Library; Founder, Trekland's Portal 47 ""If you thought there was little Christians could learn from Star Trek, Kevin C. Neece will show you another way into a rich theological frontier in the Star Trek universe. This book is not only helpful for seeing connections between Christian Faith and Star Trek but also a great example of faithful engagement with culture."" --Vincent Bacote, Associate Professor of Theology, Wheaton College ""Star Trek may or may not have been 'Christian, ' but it was highly spiritual. Star Trek and religion ask many of the same questions. Doing good, being honest, helping others, understanding, friendship, self-sacrifice, loyalty--these are all Star Trek themes. They are also the main tenets of Christianity. The Gospel According to Star Trek is a smart and engaging book and Kevin C. Neece's passion for the subject matter and excellent research make for a fascinating read!"" --BarBara Luna, Actress, Star Trek episode ""Mirror, Mirror"" (role of Marlena Moreau) ""Stories do more than entertain. They subtly shape our loves, beliefs, and what we think is possible. Stories are written by someone from somewhere, so the better we understand that person and his worldview, the better we can appreciate how his stories work on us. This is why Trekkies need to read Kevin C. Neece's penetrating and winsome study on Gene Roddenberry and his Star Trek series. They will be challenged and pleasantly encouraged."" --Mike Wittmer, Professor of Systematic Theology, Grand Rapids Theological Seminary ""Kevin C. Neece reveals the innumerable ways Star Trek parallels the Christian story of love, sacrifice, peace, and justice, while demonstrating how this gospel connection is why Star Trek resonates with so many people on such a deep level. In a Christian subculture that often focuses on how pop culture is 'anti-Christian, ' The Gospel According to Star Trek is

The Twilight saga has become one of the most successful fiction series ever written, with more than one hundred million copies in print and several blockbuster films. Despite the tremendous commercial success Twilight has generated, few readers have analyzed its theological teachings or the messages Stephenie Meyer might be sending to women and teenage girls. This book offers both a feminist critique of Twilight and a theological review of the stories' ideas about salvation, heaven and hell, power, reconciliation, resurrection, and organized religion.

Elaine Heath writes in an accessible voice, calling attention to both the 'good news' of Twilight's theology and the 'bad news' of its gender stereotypes and depictions of violence against women.

The book includes questions for youth and adult groups or for classroom discussions.