Popcorn Theology

Latest Episodes:

Episode 325: The Shawshank Redemption Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

As a resolution for 2024, James repents of a glaring omission (and potential Popcorn Theologian disqualification) by finally watching this quintessential film! Richard and Miles join James to berate him… AND to discuss the important themes beyond the obvious one in the film's title!

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

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Episode 324: The Green Mile Jan 09, 2024

Show notes

Join Miles and Jam as they take their walk down the Green Mile and uncover the secrets of its inmates. Secrets like, who killed those little girls? Do miracles still happen? What does John Coffey have to do with Jesus? We will cover it all on Episode 324.

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

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Episode 323: Godzilla Minus One Jan 01, 2024

Show notes

Watch the episode here.

Oh no… they say he's got to go! Join Popcorn Theology's newly assembled G-Force of Godzilla experts – James, Eric and Greg – as they hunt the oversized themes in this explosive new story featuring everyone's favorite radiation-spewing monster in a film that is undeniably fire.

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

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We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

Help us recruit more film lovers and theology nerds by sharing this episode with your friends.

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Support us on Patreon. Chapters: Popcorn Ratings - 6:07 Theology Ratings - 9:40 Subscribe, Share, Connect - 11:58 Ads - 13:05 Popcorn Thoughts - 14:56 Godzilla as Coping Mechanism - 39:41 Is Godzilla Job's Leviathan? - 47:10 The Spectre of War - 53:56 Shimiziki's Struggle - 58:22 Redemption: Individual and Corporate - 1:15:22 Lightning Round - 1:29:19

Episode 322: While You Were Sleeping Dec 25, 2023

Show notes

This week, the Patron Saints jumped down, pulled us off the tracks, and convinced us to cover While You Were Sleeping just in time for Christmas! On this episode, Kat, Miles, and David explore how idle words and divine providence prompt Lucy to find the family she had been longing for, proving that life doesn't always turn out the way you plan. Make sure you're not… leaning… into mindless entertainment.

These mashed potatoes are so creamy.

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

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We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

Help us recruit more film lovers and theology nerds by sharing this episode with your friends.

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Episode 321: Silent Night Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Shhhhh! Listen closely, it may be hard to hear the deep ideas explored in this film nonverbally while bullets and explosions rock the screen, but they are there! Special guest John Perritt from Reformed Youth Ministries teams up with James as they target themes of vengeance, idolatry, keeping covenant, general revelation and more in this unique film by action master John Woo.

Find out more about Reformed Youth Ministries (RYM) - https://rym.org

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

—

We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

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Episode 320: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes Dec 12, 2023

Show notes

Listen in, trust us, and let us mentor you through the treacherous arena of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Based on the book of the same title, this prequel to the hit series explores many of the same ideas from the originals as it follows the ambitious rise of President Snow. In this episode, Becky, Maddy, and Miles discuss many tasty ideas including the way that this story plays with imagery of snake and doves, how the Hunger Games relates to Christian generosity, and how the Songbird (Lucy Gray) gives us hope for a life that transcends a dog-eat-dog world mentality.

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

—

We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

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Episode 319: Cinemagogue: Director's Cut Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Special returning host Richard Foltz interviews our special "guest" James Harleman about the new Director's Cut of James' book, Cinemagogue. Go back to the origins of Popcorn Theology and how you can do your own "home edition" and even encourage others into the how's and why's of being a mindful consumer.

Read more about Cinemagogue: Director's Cut here. For a sneak peak click here.

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Episode 318: Master and Commander Nov 28, 2023

Show notes

Subject to the requirements of the service, Captain "Lucky" David, Lt. Eric, and Midshipman Maddy beat to quarters and set their guns against this 20 year old classic. They engage with the themes leadership, how the crew of the HMS Surprise is an analogy of the body of Christ, and explore the islands of pride and duty. Your mind is under threat of mindless invasion, and though you may be on the far side of the world, this podcast will point you back to the greatest story teller of all.

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

—

We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

Help us recruit more film lovers and theology nerds by sharing this episode with your friends.

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Episode 317: Loki s2 Nov 21, 2023

Show notes

We did this episode for you. For ALL of us! Travel with James, Becky and Rory through time and television as we look at Loki in terms of Norse mythology, his MCU appearances, and of course the glorious purpose of the sensational season 2 and the ending everyone is talking about. All this and some special messages from Miss Minutes!

James' book Cinemagogue is getting a new edition! Hear more in this episode and read more here. For a sneak peak at the Director's Cut, click here.

—

We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

Help us recruit more film lovers and theology nerds by sharing this episode with your friends.

Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to help attract more listeners.

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Support us on Patreon.

Episode 316: Five Nights at Freddy's Nov 14, 2023

Show notes

Can our hosts survive Five Nights at Freddy's? Join James, guest host Eric and special guest Melvin Benson from Cinematic Doctrine as they enter they explore the concept of kiddie-horror, video game movies, and themes of guilt, obsession, and corruption that comes in the guise of cuteness.

Check out Melvin Benson's podcast here: Cinematic Doctrine.

Want more? Check out our other episodes on horror films.

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We've got new merchandise! Check it out at the merch store.

Help us recruit more film lovers and theology nerds by sharing this episode with your friends.

Rate and review the podcast wherever you listen to help attract more listeners.

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Support us on Patreon.