God On the Big Screen with Terry Lindvall

Why is prayer depicted so often in Hollywood movies? Brent talks with Terry Lindvall, a film historian who occupies the C.S. Lewis Chair of Communication and Christian Thought at Virginia Wesleyan University in Virginia in the States. We look at the ways prayer is depicted in Hollywood movies from the silent era to today. 'God on the Big Screen - A History of Hollywood Prayer from the Silent Era to Today' is published by New York University Press. (0:57) Why is prayer depicted so often in Hollywood movies? (1:49) How movies have shaped the way we view prayer over the decades; (3:39) Why did Hollywood think that prayer in film mattered? (5:13) Types of prayer in Hollywood movies; (9:55) How the movies helped transform America into a civil religion; (10:30) The Production Code and its importance; (12:00) How did the 30’s secularize the film industry? (14:15) How prayer is used in the movies of Frank Capra. Prayer in ‘It’s A Wonderful Life'; (15:00) How prayer changed in movies from World War Two; (16:20) Prayer and Christianity in film noir; (17:20) Films in the 60’s; (19:00) Prayer in the 80’s and 90’s and how clergy were shown in a different light in film; (20:00) Prayer in movies in the last 20 years; (22:00) Some of Terry’s favorite movie prayers. Links mentioned in this episode: Terry Lindvall 'God on the Big Screen: A History of Hollywood Prayer from the Silent Era to Today' Leave some feedback: What should we talk about? Please let us know in the comments. Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please give us a rating and leave a short review. Connect with us: [email protected] godsstorypodcast.com Become a Supporter: If you’d like to help us make more great episodes like this one, please consider becoming a Patreon supporter. For as little as $5 a month, you’ll receive early access to new episodes plus bonus episodes and other goodies from time to time, and our undying gratitude. patreon.com/godsstorypodcast Thanks to our sponsors, Liquid Edge Creative who take care of the technical stuff behind the scenes.