Mike and Kenny are joined by guest Dr. Ryan Parker in a discussion of The Academy Award nominees for Best Picture and the faith elements spotted in films. Ryan is a theologian with an Masters of Divinity degree as well as a PhD. in Religion and the Arts. Ryan also works in the film industry in marketing, public relations, and story development with an eye also toward film production. See the Oscars handed out Sunday April 25th 7:00PM CDT on ABC.
Click below for the Faithspotting Best Picture episode.
Faithspotting: Faithspotting Academy Awards Best Picture Nominees on Apple Podcasts

Faith Elements Discussed:
Sound of Metal: Stillness as tool for experiencing and connecting with God and the Kingdom., acceptance and graititude
Nomadland: Healing and new life that comes through community and journeying through grief and pain. The faith to hear and choose a new calling and different way of living.
One Night in Miami: Answering the call to seek justice and use talents, gifts, and place in life and in service of Justice
My Octopus Teacher: The place and purpose of life journeys and connectedness to creation.
Borat Subsequent Movie Film: The place of the prophet in speaking truth to power.
Overall themes in this and previous discussions of the nominated films: the importance and purpose of Community as presented in many of the films. How does the repetition of this theme reflect our time and needs as a part of the Community of Faith.
Perils of forgoing: When individuals and communities ignore and dont live out of core Christian teaching and theology – Humilty, Community, Following the path of retribution rather rather than Forgiveness.
Resources:
For more detailed discussion notes or group studies please contact Kenny at kenny@crossroadsfaithandfilm.com
Ryan Parker Blog and Podcast https://poptheology.com
Contact Ryan: jamesryanparker@gmail.com
