From Bultmann to Burton, Demythologizing the Big Fish: The Contribution of Modern Christian Theologians to the Theology-Film Conversation

In this article, I examine how film enables us to (re-)examine, critique and challenge the efficacy of the work of a number of twentieth century theologians. I suggest that film is capable of facilitating quite sophisticated theological enquiry. In Christmas With the Kranks (2004), for example, I indicate that one may discern a living expression of Bonhoeffer's 'world come of age. The film does not only illustrate; it also contributes to serious theological discussion of how we might need a 'religionless Christianity' today. Similarly, Big Fish (2003), though not an explicitly theological film, can function as a corrective to Bultmann's overly zealous demythologizing. By helping us deal firsthand with life, such films critique and challenge various theological paradigms, helping scholars facilitate and fine-tune a theological conversation.