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Redemption Revisited: Doing Theology at Shawshank

Deacy, Christopher (2006) Redemption Revisited: Doing Theology at Shawshank. Journal of Contemporary Religion, 21 (2) . pp. 149-162. ISSN 1353-7903. (doi:10.1080/13537900600655365) (Access to this publication is currently restricted. You may be able to access a copy if URLs are provided) (KAR id:6417)

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Abstract

This article examines recent scholarly attempts to revisit the Christian theme of redemption by making various uses of Frank Darabont’s 1994 film The Shawshank Redemption. I indicate that, while the appropriation of this film has generated much insightful theology, there has been an insufficient regard for the extent to which ‘redemption’ is a diverse and heterogeneous term which is not intrinsically transferable beyond the specific contours of the Christian faith. I suggest that a new way of doing theology through film is needed. As an alternative to hijacking the film for theological purposes, my premise is that the most judicious way of entering into conversation with the film is to pay particular attention to what actual audiences are saying about it, and from that point seeing what sort of theological encounter – if any – is able to be facilitated.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1080/13537900600655365
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BT Doctrinal Theology
Divisions: Divisions > Division of Arts and Humanities > School of Culture and Languages
Depositing User: Chris Deacy
Date Deposited: 08 Oct 2008 17:29 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:44 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/6417 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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