What do a detective novelist, a WWII radio drama, and a blockbuster film have in common? According to Dr. Crystal Downing — everything.

In this episode of Thinking Christian, I’m joined by Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-director of the Marion E. Wade Center and author of The Wages of Cinema, to explore what it means to see Christianly. Drawing on the often-overlooked theology of Dorothy L. Sayers, we challenge the idea that film is just a vehicle for a message. Instead, we unpack how film — like the Incarnation — is about form, flesh, and the fullness of expression.

We talk about why reducing movies to “good messages” is a kind of cinematic Docetism, how Sayers’ Trinitarian model of creativity reframes Christian art, and why Christians should stop watching movies passively and start engaging them as embodied works of meaning.

Expect commentary on Birdman, Bridge on the River Kwai, The Matrix, and yes… even Dodgeball.

This conversation is a deep dive into media, theology, and why Christians need to become more attentive critics — not just consumers — of the stories that shape us.

🎬 Explore the book: The Wages of Cinema at ivpress.com (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)

🔗 Learn more about Useful to God:www.usefultogod.com

📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!

For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

What do a detective novelist, a WWII radio drama, and a blockbuster film have in common? According to Dr. Crystal Downing &mdash; everything.
In this episode of Thinking Christian, I&rsquo;m joined by Dr. Crystal Downing, former co-director of the Marion E. Wade Center and author of The Wages of Cinema, to explore what it means to see Christianly. Drawing on the often-overlooked theology of Dorothy L. Sayers, we challenge the idea that film is just a vehicle for a message. Instead, we unpack how film &mdash; like the Incarnation &mdash; is about form, flesh, and the fullness of expression.
We talk about why reducing movies to &ldquo;good messages&rdquo; is a kind of cinematic Docetism, how Sayers&rsquo; Trinitarian model of creativity reframes Christian art, and why Christians should stop watching movies passively and start engaging them as embodied works of meaning.
Expect commentary on Birdman, Bridge on the River Kwai, The Matrix, and yes&hellip; even Dodgeball.
This conversation is a deep dive into media, theology, and why Christians need to become more attentive critics &mdash; not just consumers &mdash; of the stories that shape us.
🎬 Explore the book: The Wages of Cinema at <a href="https://www.ivpress.com/the-wages-of-cinema">ivpress.com</a> (use code IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount)
🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com">www.usefultogod.com</a>
📢 Stay Connected &amp; Keep Growing!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation!
For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit <a href="https://www.usefultogod.com/">Useful to God</a>&mdash;where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.

Find more from James at https://usefultogod.com/.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at <a href="https://usefultogod.com/">https://usefultogod.com/</a>.

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.

Thinking Christian: Clear Theology for a Confusing World

Christians shouldn’t just think. They should think Christian. Join Dr. James Spencer and guests for calm, thoughtful, theological discussions about a variety of topics Christians face every day. The Thinking Christian Podcast will help you grow spiritually and learn theology as you seek to be faithful in a world that is becoming increasingly proficient at telling stories that deny Christ.
Find more from James at <a href="https://usefultogod.com/">https://usefultogod.com/.</a>

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