Popcorn Theology

For only our second documentary ever, Miles and James dive into “Am I Racist?” and discuss how documentaries (and mockumentaries) tell a story. As Matt becomes a DEI/antiracist expert, we highlight the underlying worldview and how it mimics the Biblical doctrines of creation, fall, and, religious penance. Join us and “do the work” of Popcorn Theology! Watch the video episode here. — Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology Chapters: Cold Open - 00:00 Welcome & Details - 1:11 Popcorn Ratings - 2:20 Theology Ratings - 3:56 Subscribe, Share, Support - 5:44 Ads: 6:22 SPOILER WARNING - 8:22 POPCORN THOUGHTS: 08:38 - Documentaries: Not Unbiased: 18:51 - The DEI movement - 23:53 THEOLOGY THOUGHTS - 37:06 - No Distinctions - 41:02 - The FALSE GOSPEL of DEI - 46:30 - DEI’s Contradictions & Discrimination - 52:52 Lightning Round: Christians using deception? - 1:16:13 #AmIRacis

Do you like scary movies? This week, our “In The Lobby” materializes from the mist with “Christians on Horror”. Novelist Mike Duran emerges from his coffin as the hairy, howling Pastor Joe Thorn claws his way into the conversation, moderated by our host and horror expert James Harleman. Over the coming weeks we’ll delve into the controversy surrounding an oft-misunderstood genre: what are the attractions, the objections, the redemptive aspects, and our hosts’ favorite horror films for those who want to see and understand scary movies mindfully. Watch the episode HERE. Mike Duran has literally written the book on this subject: check out Christian Horror: On the Compatibility of a Biblical Worldview and the Horror Genre and his horror books and more at Amazon.com. Visit his website mikeduran.com Chapters: Introductions - 00:53 Personal Horror Journeys - 08:23 Cultural Attractions to Horror - 20:48 #InTheLobby #PopcornTheology #Horror #thefog #AmericanWerewolfinLondon #godzilla #vampires #werewolves #occu

Eric and Maddy cover one of the more controversy inducing shows in recent memory. Does this show have anything compelling to say? Is it good? Is it bad? or does it commit the worst story telling sin: being boring?  Wherever you land on these questions there are still many themes to receive and redeem and a good reminder that there is a wind that will carry believers far beyond the reaches of the enemy and the enemy can never follow. Watch the video episode here. — Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology Check out our episode by episode review: Episode 1-3: https://youtu.be/n1pGXBcqMCw Episode 4: https://youtu.be/OC5LfAXv1hE Episode 5: https://youtu.be/tATF83q1Afk Episode 6: https://youtu.be/XfSrWg42YcE Episode 7: https://youtu.be/FerAV2rJx5A Chapters: Welcome - 0:52 Spoiler Free Thoughts: 3:01 Popcorn Ratings - 13:06 Theology Ratings - 22:19 "Pity will not defeat Sauron": 31

Come away with us for a secluded podcast? What could possibly go wrong? James and Jonathan refuse to hold their tongues and get into the deeper themes of this tense thriller, from family dynamics to people pleasing and how we deal with strangers. Watch the episode here. —  Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology Chapters: COLD OPEN - 00:00 INTRO THEME MUSIC - 00:32 Welcome & Details - 1:33 Popcorn Ratings - 3:42 Theology Ratings - 8:59 Subscribe, Share, Support - 11:52 Ads: - 13:44 SPOILER WARNING! - 15:43 Dealing with Strangers in REAL Life - 16:23 Popcorn Thoughts - 20:38 Viewing Ant as the Protagonist - 21:32 Accessible Horror - 25:50 Three Dimensional Characters - 27:14 Ciara - Victimizer or Victim? - 32:55 The Idolatry of Niceness - 37:00 The Movie Title’s Hidden Meaning - 44:05 Covetousness and Temptation- 48:10 Paddy’s Satanic Charm - 59:45 The Company W

Don’t say the name of this episode out loud! Kat and James get their goth on and tackle these two Tim Burton comedies separated by 36 years yet so eerily similar. Like the ghost, this episode has the most as they discuss the cultural impact of Lydia Deetz and goth subculture, the movie’s skewed view of the afterlife, and the extremes of non-belief regarding spirits versus an unhealthy interest in them. Watch the episode here. Chapters: Cold Open: Are we dead? Or... - 00:00  Welcome & Details - 1:39  Popcorn Ratings - 4:38 Theology Ratings - 10:07 Subscribe, Share, Support - 13:14 Ads: - 14:41 SPOILER WARNING - 16:58 Popcorn Thoughts: Beetlejuice - 17:58 Popcorn Thoughts: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice - 26:43 THEOLOGY Thoughts: About that Afterlife - 37:02 Lydia Deetz and the GOTH worldview - 50:33 Astrid and NON-Belief - 1:06:45 Dealing with Spirits - 1:12:25 Providence by Storyteller - 1:19:30 Lightning Round: Receive, Reject, Redeem - 1:25:50 Wrap up, What’s coming up - 1:33:44 — Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and

In space, no one can hear you scream, but everyone can hear and see this episode covering all things Xenomorph! James and Rory are joined by Thomas Thorogood as they rank and discuss the entire franchise and then zero in on its latest entry, discussing biblical views of AI and how the film’s characters yearn for a better world. Watch the episode here. Check out Thomas’ YouTube channel on film and more - https://www.youtube.com/@ThorogoodFilms Chapters: Introduction - 00:00 Welcome & Details - 0:56 Popcorn Ratings - 4:09 Theology Ratings - 5:26 Subscribe, Share, Support - 15:39 Ads: - 16:49 SPOILER WARNING - 19:18 Popcorn Thoughts - 19:29 Serving the Company or the Community? - 31:50 Rain’s Heaven-shaped Hole - 50:17 Between Heaven and Earth - 58:22 Lightning Round: Receive, Reject, Redeem - 1:15:11 Wrap up, What’s coming up - 1:26:20 — Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorntheology #Al

David and James continue to cook, passing the midpoint of our exploration of this award-winning series; there will be no half measures! This time they are joined by Kat to discuss hot takes on Skyler‘s three word bomb drop, the series most divisive episode, and the worship of Mammon. Season 2: https://youtu.be/ciyqeggk5m8 Season 1: https://youtu.be/d4BxozxMfR8  Chapters: Intro: Skyler Meets Saul - 00:00 Welcome - 2:57 Popcorn Ratings - 3:56 Theology Ratings - 11:15 Subscribe, Share, Support - 17:25 Ads: SPOILER WARNING - 19:14 Season 3 Recap - 22:32 Popcorn Thoughts - 26:20 Popcorn Sound: 23:40 Fly: Breaking Bad’s Most Divisive Episode - 43:12 “I Can’t Be The Bad Guy”: Responding to Guilt - 54:44 “This money… it’s mine”: Worship of Mammon - 1:15:24 “No Half Measures”: Waffling vs. Dedication - 1:34:36 Lightning Round: Receive, Reject, Redeem - 1:46:55 — Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and click the notification bell. Follow & connect: https://linktr.ee/popcorntheology Support: https://www.patreon.com/popcorn

This week kicks off our new series "In The Lobby: Popcorn Politics", where we discuss the intersection of entertainment, theology, and politics. In this series, we interview NYT best-selling author and Daily Wire culture reporter, Megan Basham. This week, we discuss her new book (Shepherds for Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded Truth for a Leftist Agenda) and the concerning trends that motivated her to write it. Over the coming weeks, we'll discuss the incursion of politics and social issues into entertainment. Watch the episode here. The first episode of this series is available to the public; the next 3 episodes will release every Thursday throughout September and are exclusive content for our Premium Seating tier of Patreon Supporters. To hear the rest, go to www.Patreon.com/PopcornTheology and become a Patron Saint. Your support is greatly appreciated! #InTheLobby #PopcornTheology #MeganBasham #ShepherdsForSale #DailyWire #Politics #Culture #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #

The final episode of In The Lobby: Back to School is here! Join our panel of educators (Bridget, Jam, & David) as we ask James Harleman common questions about Film & Theology. Share this with your friends so they can learn more about mindful engagement of film. Watch the episode here. To hear more of our "Back to School" series, watch Part 1 (https://youtu.be/3QdLBWjdIAQ), and go to www.Patreon.com/PopcornTheology for the rest. Thanks Patron Saints! Your support is greatly appreciated! #InTheLobby #PopcornTheology101 #BackToSchool #Teachers #Students #Education #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #MovieDiscussion #FilmDiscussion #MovieExplanation #FilmAnalysis #MovieAnalysis #reformedtheology Music by Ross Bugden: https://youtu.be/Bln0BEv5AJ0?si=vZx_YiHK3hNxaETA

Eric and Maddy go on a epic adventure to battle the forces of Sauron that have corrupted their beloved franchise. Will our two diehard Lord of the Rings fans overcome their prejudice and find themes to Reject, Receive, and Redeem? Watch the episode here. Here was our coverage of Season 1: Episodes 1-2: https://youtu.be/CQIxq_KmpGk Full Season: https://youtu.be/IZuC809-bVU Chapters: Welcome - 0:54 Season One: 4:55 Popcorn Ratings - 9:26 Theology Ratings - 21:30 Themes to Reject: 24:24 Themes to Receive - 37:04 Closing Point - 43:33 #ringsofpower #lordoftherings #tolkien #tolkienfans #sauron #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #MovieDiscussion #FilmCriticism #MovieReview #FilmReview #FilmDiscussion #MovieExplanation #FilmAnalysis #CharacterAnalysis #MovieExplanation #MovieAnalysis #MovieReaction #reformedtheology #PopcornTheology Music by Ross Bugden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bln0BEv5AJ0&t=0s

Watch the episode here. The Patron Saints of Popcorn Theology hit a home run this week by voting for the beloved summer classic, The Sandlot. This often silly coming-of-age tale may surprise you with its existential and theological depth. On this episode Eric and Miles discuss the blessedness of friendship, the Christ figure at the center of the movie, and how the journey of Scotty Smalls mirrors the Christian life; from lost to convert and from convert to disciple maker.  This episode is brought to you by Reel Leadership, the new book that helps you understand how your favorite films can make you a better leader. To learn more, visit www.jmlalonde.com/popcorn, and use the coupon code PODCAST to a $5 discount!  — 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon.

Watch the episode here. This week we drive into the eye of the storm to wrangle the narrative in Twisters. Our hosts discuss this surprisingly fresh movie and dive deeper to explore how it touches on foundational themes of what it means to be human and the relationship between science and religion. This episode is brought to you by Reel Leadership, the new book that helps you understand how your favorite films can make you a better leader. To learn more, visit www.jmlalonde.com/popcorn, and use the coupon code PODCAST to a $5 discount!  — 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters: Intro - 00:00 Welcome - 2:04 Popcorn Ratings - 4:34 Theology Ratings - 6:43 Subscribe, Share, Support - 8:31 Ads - 10:44 Popcorn Thoughts - 16:43 Whirlwinds in the B

Watch the episode HERE. It’s high time we took a second stab at what many consider the best Wolverine film, and one of the greatest comic book movies ever made. Take a trip with Old Man Foltz and Professor Lee as they journey through themes of dehumanization, nature versus nurture, and promised lands. Sink your claws into this classic episode! For more "legacy" episodes like this one, check our archives on your audio podcast app or www.popcorntheology.com! This episode is brought to you by Reel Leadership, the new book that helps you understand how your favorite films can make you a better leader. To learn more, visit www.jmlalonde.com/popcorn, and use the coupon code PODCAST to a $5 discount!  — 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters: In

Watch the episode here. Why is Thor crying? Jamespool recruits Jamerine to explore this fourth-wall breaking, record-shattering blockbuster film, with Gregpool along for the ride as they explore themes of what it means to matter, to be a hero, and to find redemption and meaning in a multiverse of mixed messages. Also, they geek out on cameos, Easter eggs, and a movie that celebrates three decades of Marvel movies! This episode is brought to you by Reel Leadership, the new book that helps you understand how your favorite films can make you a better leader. To learn more, visit www.jmlalonde.com/popcorn, and use the coupon code PODCAST to a $5 discount!  — 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters:Intro - 00:00 Welcome - 1:35 Popcorn Ratings - 3:2

Watch the episode here. This month, we’re going Back to School with our series In The Lobby. For this series, our panel of educators (Bridget, Jam, David, & James) dissects the narratives surrounding education in film. This week, we discuss the portrayal of teachers in movies/TV and Hollywood’s false concepts for the role of education. The first episode of this series is available to the public; the next 3 episodes will release every Thursday throughout August, and are exclusive content for our Premium Seating tier of Patreon Supporters. To hear the rest, go to www.Patreon.com/PopcornTheology and become a Patron Saint. Your support is greatly appreciated! #InTheLobby #PopcornTheology #BackToSchool #Teachers #Students #Education #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #MovieDiscussion #FilmDiscussion #MovieExplanation #FilmAnalysis #MovieAnalysis #reformedtheology Music by Ross Bugden: https://youtu.be/Bln0BEv5AJ0?si=vZx_YiHK3hNxaETAI

Watch the episode here. Thanks to our super team of Patron Saints, James and David dive into the origins of the X-Men with First Class. This film explores the bonds of biblical friendship, mirrors the building of the early church, and illustrates different responses to an opposing world. Enjoy this episode and consider joining our team so you can vote on next month’s Patreon Pick. And remember… Popcorn Theologian and Proud! James' book Cinemagogue has 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters: Intro - 00:00 Welcome - 1:21 Popcorn Ratings - 5:20 Theology Ratings - 9:10 Subscribe, Share, Connect - 12:11 Ads - 17:00 Popcorn Tho

Watch the episode here. You’re probably thinking “Why would you review THESE movies?” Well, underneath the exaggerated reputation and some admittedly objectionable content are two films about family, legalism, judgment, underestimating love, and more. Also murders, explosions, and a tongue that surely personifies James 3:6. But James and Greg jump in the deadpool and dare explore what we can reject, receive and redeem. Will they stick the superhero landing? You decide. James' book Cinemagogue has 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters: Intro - 00:00 Welcome - 01:47 Popcorn Ratings - 03:23 Theology Ratings - 06:16 Subscribe, S

When the brink of Mutant existence is threatened by Trask’s Sentinels, the X-Men come up with an elaborate plan to send Wolverine back in time to right the wrongs of the past. Join James, Miles, and Jam as they discuss the deep themes of X-Men Days of Future Past, and look forward to the coming day of Christ! James' book Cinemagogue has 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. Chapters: Intro - 00:00 Welcome - 02:26 Popcorn Ratings - 05:30 Theology Ratings - 11:03 Ads - 15:49 Subscribe, Share, Connect - 18:20 The Rogue Cut - 20:05 Popcorn Thoughts - 22:21 Enduring Hope - 43:26 A Heavenly Happy Ending - 1:01:20 Mystique and the Mi

James, Miles and Jam tackle a mutant-sized episode of the comic book movies that proved the concept and paved the way for the MCU. We pop our claws and take a stab at this movie’s themes, from the overarching prejudice motif to the unfolding character studies and growth of Rogue and Wolverine across the trilogy. Logan (Episode 077): https://popcorntheology.com/2017/03/05/077-logan/ James' book Cinemagogue has 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. Follow and connect with us on social media. Support us on Patreon. #xmen #xmen2 #xmenthelaststand #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #MovieDiscussion #FilmCriticism #MovieReview #FilmReview #FilmDiscussion #MovieExplanation #FilmAnal

This week starts a new series of “In The Lobby”. Join three dads (Eric, Miles, and Jam) as we discuss training their children to honor God with their entertainment. With kids out of school for the summer, this is the perfect series for any parent seeking to raise mindful consumers.  The first episode of this series is available to the public; the next 3 episodes will release through the month of July and are exclusively for our Premium Seating tier of Patreon Supporters. To hear the rest, go to www.Patreon.com/PopcornTheology and become a Patron Saint. Your support is greatly appreciated!  #InTheLobby #PopcornTheology #KidsMovie #KidsFilm #ChildrensMovie #ChristianPodcasts #MoviePodcasts #YouAreNotAMindlessConsumer #MovieDiscussion #FilmDiscussion #MovieExplanation #FilmAnalysis #MovieAnalysis #reformedtheology  Music by Ross Bugden: https://youtu.be/Bln0BEv5AJ0?si=vZx_YiHK3hNxaETA