Book: Christians Shown As ‘Hateful Stereotypes in Today’s Movies’

Christians in the Movies: A Century of Saints and Sinners

"Christians in the Movies traces the arc of the portrayal in film of Christians from 1905 to the present. For most of the first six decades, the portrayals were favorable and even reverential. By contrast, from 1970 on, Christians have often been treated with hostility and often outright ridicule. This book explores this shift through in-depth reviews and commentaries on 100 important films, as well as briefer discussions of about 75 additional Christian-themed films.

"Peter E. Dans examines various causative factors for this change such as the abolition of the Hays Motion Picture Production Code, the demise of the Catholic Legion of Decency, and the

associated profound societal and cultural changes. From a look at the real story behind the Scopes trial to portraits of actors, directors and writers most prominently associated with films involving Christians and Christianity, Christians in the Movies provides a great resource for those who wish to select films for showing at churches, universities or for personal viewing and critical examination of the recent cultural movements and thought.

 

Media Research Center   ... "Part of the downward spiral of Christian portrayal in film stemmed from the loss of accountability groups like the National Legion of Decency and the Hays Motion Picture Production Code, as well as cultural shifts such as the sexual revolution. Dans blamed a particular “disdain for dogma” by the film industry when picking and choosing which religions to cover favorably. One exception to the rule is Islam – in comparison, Dans surmised, Christians, “who are taught to turn the other cheek, may be easier and safer targets.' ”