Popcorn Theology
367 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 147 ratingsPopcorn Theology is a podcast where entertainment and theology meet. We look at film and TV, both new and
old from a Biblical perspective, enjoying the arts to the glory of God. Join in on the conversation!
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Episodes
Episode 246: Tangled
September 30, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBEmotionally accessible characters, buckets of humor, and deep themes made this a must cover movie for us. This week David and Miles discuss issues of true identity, abuse, and sacrificial love. We even provide an overview of hair in the Bible. Additionally this episode includes a bite size segment of popcorn theology that you can share with kids or anyone you might want to introduce to what we do here on the podcast. Carry on the discussion with these questions: Who do I know that is differ...
Episode 245: Shang-Chi
September 14, 2021 09:00 - 1 hour - 76.5 MBThis week our hosts Kat, James and Miles enter the ring with Shang Chi as he confronts his past and the mystery of the Ten Rings. We discuss honoring our fathers and mothers in eastern vs western religions. The slacker to savior myth and how our own desires can often make us vulnerable to deception. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theolog...
Episode 244: Free Guy
August 31, 2021 00:14 - 1 hour - 78.5 MBIt's not just a good podcast, it's a GREAT podcast! David, Miles and James level up on Ryan Reynold's new comedy, exploring themes of blindness and sight, why we do good in the world, and the need for both general and special revelation. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just...
Episode 243: John Wick 1-3
August 17, 2021 02:09 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBThe Patreon Saints put out a contract, so we’ve crossed the John Wick trilogy off our hit list. This week David, James and Miles highlight how certain themes emerge in each movie as well as how sequels can impact the interpretation of their predecessors. We discuss the struggle to escape the sins of our past, the Bible’s strong warnings about taking rash vows, rules and consequences, and much more. If you like sending podcast hosts out like they’re movie assassins, and want to help support ...
Episode 242: Loki
August 02, 2021 15:05 - 1 hour - 123 MBIt was about time David, Miles and James discussed themes and varient schemes of characters in this mischief-laden series. After some careful pruning, they choose to discuss the nature of time, glorious purpose, meaninglessness, and change. Will you listen to the end? I guess we'll see who remains... If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn ...
Episode 241: Black Widow
July 20, 2021 00:24 - 1 hour - 112 MBKat, David and James get caught up in the tangled web of Black Widow's history, trauma, and path to redemption. With so much to discuss, they find themselves Russian through themes of abuse, toxic families, even issues of free will and the controlling grip of sin. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusi...
Episode 240: A Quiet Place Pt. 2
July 05, 2021 00:53 - 1 hour - 130 MBDon’t make a sound and open your ears, this week we’re covering a Quiet Place Part 2. Watch your step and follow the Abbot family as they persist in light of the sacrificial act of their loving father. On this episode David, James, and Miles explore themes like Christian generosity in the midst of cataclysm, the depravity of man and the beautiful feet that carry good news. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon...
239: 3:10 to Yuma
June 21, 2021 00:11 - 1 hour - 144 MBOur patreon saints have spoken it’s time for us all to catch the 3:10 to Yuma. A modern western portraying the power of a meek and desperate man who chooses to perform one monumental righteous act by escorting a dangerous outlaw to prison. Join David, James, and Miles as they discuss the problem of when the wicked prosper, the difference between being God’s instrument or being God’s follower and much more. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging...
Episode 238: The One WIth FRIENDS
June 07, 2021 23:24 - 1 hour - 123 MBWell no one told us the podcast was gonna be this way - two sitcoms in a row! Our job's a review of jokes, love lives that weren't D.O.A. and how these six characters have been there for you (and apparently millions more around the world). Join David, Miles and James as we discuss the newly released FRIENDS Reunion and the show's enduring legacy and themes. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, y...
Episode 237: Scrubs
May 24, 2021 00:30 - 2 hours - 163 MBListen up newbie, our episode on Scrubs may be the best that ever came through this dump. Miles was the first and only podcaster James and David ever met who loved this show as much as they do. And you can forget about this show being just an exceptional "sitcom". Fact of the matter is, it's an exceptional treatise on life under the sun, period. That's why people gravitated toward it, and that's why we review it. Theology-Five! We discuss several themes that run throughout the show, ...
236: The Falcon & The Winter Soldier
May 10, 2021 01:42 - 1 hour - 107 MBCinemaguy and The Popcorn Theologian find themselves working with a new Captain Reviewer on this episode, looking at issues of legacy, motivation, hope, and how a post-Rogers' MCU reflects the time of the Judges (plus some geek reflections on costume choices). If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclu...
Episode 235: The Devil Wears Prada
April 26, 2021 13:33 - 1 hour - 92 MB“Gird your loins”, because this week our patron saints have spoken and sent our hosts out of their comfort zones and into the world of high fashion with the Devil Wears Prada. David, James and Miles discuss fashion, ambition, service and the power of seduction. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an excl...
Episode 234: Gozilla v Kong
April 12, 2021 19:32 - 1 hour - 175 MBYou might think a clash between a giant lizard and a hulking monkey is as mindless as it gets, but this movie may actually help you find your place in the cosmos. Join us as we sift through the aftermath of this clash and you may never view giant monsters in the same way again. On this episode David, James, and Miles discuss topics like Kaiju in the Bible. What is man’s purpose on Earth? What do we do when God does not behave as we would expect? If you like what you are hearing and...
Episode 233: Zack Snyder's Justice League
March 28, 2021 15:59 - 2 hours - 120 MBStand united with us against the forces of mindless movie watching! This week Richard, James and Miles discuss Zach Snyder’s Justice League. See how Snyder’s grand vision of the Justice League relates to Good Friday, the divided kingdom of Israel, the fifth commandment and much much more. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and...
Episode 232: WandaVision
March 13, 2021 15:03 - 1 hour - 138 MBWe interrupt this podcast for a very special episode of "MilesVision", the story of a guest host who suddenly finds himself cast in a new role alongside David and James. Find out what the hex is going on as they discuss this unique new vision for the MCU! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive ...
Episode 231: Your Name
February 20, 2021 21:12 - 2 hours - 168 MBWe weren't sure sure if we were searching for a rom-com or a fantasy, or if we're just searching for an anime... but our Patreon supporters wrote this name on our hands and we had to see it! James and Richard body swap David with Feelin' Film's Aaron White as we get inside one of his favorite animated flicks. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popco...
Episode 230: Tenet
February 04, 2021 23:06 - 1 hour - 90 MBTake the time with James, David and Richard as they sift Christopher Nolan’s latest mind-trip! .ecifircas ekil-tsirhC dna snoitavitom cinatas ,noitanitsederp ,tsurt fo semeht ssucsid eW If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, giveaways, polls to decide what films we ...
Episode 229: Wonder Woman 1984
January 20, 2021 22:12 - 1 hour - 127 MBThe truth is beautiful... but what about this film? James and David are joined by "Wonder Kathryn" to discuss the mixed reviews and myriad themes in this atypical comic book movie, as it seeks to lasso our idols of power and identity and continue this franchise's critique of human nature. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be ...
Episode 228: The Mandalorian S2
January 07, 2021 01:23 - 1 hour - 90.8 MBJoin us this week as we discuss 'The Way!' -- This weeks show is hosted by Richard, newcomer Miles, and VERY special guest Dr. Jason Lisle of Biblical Science Institute to discuss the many themes and discussion points in The Mandalorian Season 2! What are we to make of 'The Way' ? And which 'sect' in the show truly follows the Way correctly? .. For that matter, who in our own galaxy follows 'The Way' correctly? Take a moment and check out Dr. Lisle's awesome content on YouTube...
Episode 227: Batman Returns
December 24, 2020 19:48 - 1 hour - 178 MBMeow! We asked our Patreon Supporters to select a Christmas movie, and they "picked a cute one". Tragic irony, or poetic justice? Fortunately nothing surprises us anymore, so Miles Wallace Returns to join us for some Bat-banter (turns out James and Miles might have been bunkies at Prep School). What makes a Christmas movie, and what traumas make us wear masks? And don't miss a special visit from our very own Kat-woman! Merry Christmas listeners! If you like what you are hearing and wan...
Episode 226: Scrooged
December 09, 2020 18:40 - 1 hour - 111 MBThe hosts of popcorn theology past, present, and future haunt this miser of a movie with Murray moments that are both hilarious and teachable, as well as provoking conversations about Dickens’ classic ghost story. Is this episode worthy of a VHS or a towel? We think Yule love it! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be...
Episode 225: The Good Place
November 25, 2020 10:50 - 1 hour - 88.3 MBJoin Richard, James, and Kathryn as we discuss all four seasons of this philosophically charged show (all of which are available now on Netflix!) This show, perhaps more than any other sitcom, provides much for our discussion - no other sitcom so overtly deals with issues of worldview quite like this one! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint...
Episode 224: Love and Monsters
November 13, 2020 01:23 - 1 hour - 116 MBJoin Richard and James this week as they discuss a 'Summer Popcorn Movie' that may have flown under the radar for many of us, Love and Monsters! The movie actually deals with some pretty providential ideas and gave us plenty to talk about. How safe are we really? At what point does the cost we pay for safety outweigh its value - when does the risk become warranted? All that on top of ideas of made family, love as having more meaning and application than merely romantic, and more! Gra...
223: Coraline
October 17, 2020 16:33 - 1 hour - 104 MBLike button-eyed dolls, we've been watching... in this case, watching Henry Selick's dark fantasy film based on the beloved Neil Gaiman story. An enigmatic Kat journeys with James, David and Richard as they unlock the door to deeper themes in this modern fairy tale, discussing children's stories and the nature of cautionary tales. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized ...
222: Equilibrium
October 03, 2020 21:52 - 1 hour - 110 MBBefore beginning as Batman, Christian Bale warmed up with killer moves in this post-Matrix "guns with gung fu" fight fest, balanced by stark social and theological themes. Richard, David and James are joined by Miles Wallace, who suggested this episode picked by our Patreon supporters. We review it gladly. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of P...
Episode 221: Batman Begins
September 20, 2020 13:15 - 1 hour - 133 MBThis week, we celebrated both Nolan's newest film and the talk of the new Batman trailer by revisiting an old favorite from both categories... Batman Begins! Are we defined by who we are underneath, or what we do? What is this story doing with the way it handles fear, revenge, justice, etc? Falling down this hole will give you lots to think about, just be sure to pick yourself back up! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to sup...
Episode 220: Bill and Ted Face the Music
September 05, 2020 03:00 - 1 hour - 106 MBDavid, Richard and James jump in the recording booth and embark on a most excellent adventure, seeing what the Bill and Ted Adventure tells us about life and how "facing the music" adds some commentary appropriate for our time... or perhaps all time? Join us as we see if the ultimate message of this trilogy is bogus or bodacious. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an of...
219: Project Power
August 22, 2020 20:58 - 1 hour - 122 MBPop a pill and have a thrill as we power through this Netflix "original"... which actually takes familiar superhero tropes and examines them from a few new angles, complete with Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Dominique Fishback. David, James and Richard look this project in the eye to see what it says about everything from justice to genetics. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll b...
Episode 218: Extraction
August 08, 2020 17:47 - 1 hour - 97.1 MBJoin us this week as we chat up the Netflix original film Extraction, starring Chris Hemsworth! This is a true action flick, but its also one that give us plenty of truths to go in and extract for ourselves! Themes of sacrifice and the human longing for it death and resurrection, as well as the idea of those who look after our welfare out of good or bad motivations. Check it out! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us...
Episode 217: Blue Ruin
July 27, 2020 15:45 - 1 hour - 87.5 MBOur Patreon supporters take their long-desired revenge, driving our podcast to a Blue Ruin. Join David, Richard and James as they attack this heavy narrative of loss, sorrow and injustice. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, giveaways, polls to decide what...
Episode 216: Hamilton
July 09, 2020 09:26 - 1 hour - 116 MBHow does a Broadway, musical, story of a famed American, dropped in the middle of a forgotten Spot in a little Podcast by providence, Disney+ and dollars Get talked about by our resident Scholars? Join us as we look at the ten-dollar founding father and see if he, Aaron Burr, (sir) or any of the other characters truly hit the mark or threw away their shot. David, James and Richard are joined by the more musically inclined Kat Harleman. Why don't you listen like you're running out of t...
Episode 215: Community
June 30, 2020 21:49 - 1 hour - 166 MBDon't think Community is the greatest sitcom ever? Maybe James and David will Chang your mind. Kat joins the Popcorn Theology Study Group as they look at the shows re-Dean-ing qualities, episodes dealing with religion, idolatry, and mortality... as well as the darkest timeline. Trust us, this episode is gonna pop-POP! #SixSeasonsAndaPodcast Episode Timestamps: 101 - 16:35 109 - 34:35 203 - 54:20 205 - 1:07:35 304 - 1:21:45 511 - 1:34:00 If you like what you ar...
Episode 214: American Gospel
June 06, 2020 12:27 - 1 hour - 152 MBThis week, we did something a little different than our usual and discussed the documentary American Gospel, which is now available on Netflix! The film deals with the very prevalent and important issue of the prosperity gospel, and it definitely gave us a lot to talk about! Just what is so bad about the prosperity gospel? How important is this issue? We discuss the attractiveness, errors, and corrections to the gospel of Prosperity. For additional reading on the prosperity go...
Episode 213: Jojo Rabbit
May 24, 2020 17:44 - 1 hour - 153 MBDavid Lee and James Harleman (not Heil-me-man) take a jaunty trip to visit Jojo, his imaginary friend, and a jarring world splitting the difference between satire and sobriety. From the form of storytelling itself to themes of propaganda, how people change, and our real enemy, this daring film has a lot to say. Thanks to our Patreon supporters for picking it! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'...
Episode 212: Cast Away
May 10, 2020 16:39 - 1 hour - 131 MBDavid, James, and Wilson have an express delivery for you: a deep dive into Tom Hanks’ Oscar award-winning performance about isolation and separation from life and loved ones. Seemed relevant these days... so we hope you have a ball! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for...
Episode 211: The Hunt
April 25, 2020 00:28 - 1 hour - 133 MBIs this a “deplorable” podcast, or will we make some liberal observations about this controversial film? Join David and James as they hunt down some unexpected themes that are in your face, yet nuanced, and maybe not conveying the message you expect. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebo...
Episode 210: Onward
April 14, 2020 15:20 - 1 hour - 105 MBGo on a quest with David and James to find the deeper meaning of this story of two brothers. What can we learn about magic, fear, faith, sons and brotherhood from this Pixar film? If you take the road less traveled and view it as more than mindless entertainment, there's more than one precious gem! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn ...
Episode 209: I Am Legend
March 29, 2020 16:34 - 1 hour - 122 MBYou’ll be running and scrabbling like rabid Darkseekers to get your hands (or ears) on this legendary episode! Stay home, stay safe, bolt the doors and put on some Bob Marley as David and James reflect on this Will Smith post-pandemic classic. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook...
Episode 208: Knives Out
March 17, 2020 22:44 - 1 hour - 132 MBWhy do we like murder mystery movies, and what can we learn from Rian Johnson’s cutting edge entry? Drawing a Blanc? See if David, James, and Richard get the point as they examine this film’s sharp social commentary. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, giveaways,...
Episode 207: Sonic the Hedgehog
March 02, 2020 04:08 - 1 hour - 114 MBJoin Richard and James as they chat about the theatrical debut of Sonic the Hedgehog! While the flick is a far cry from Best Picture winners like Parasite, it nevertheless gave us some interesting things to think about! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, ...
Episode 206: Birds of Prey
February 17, 2020 14:51 - 1 hour - 65.8 MBJoin us for a very special episode: Theology of Popcorn and the Fantabulous Articulation of two Harlemans! James and Kat host this look at the well reviewed but poorly attended second Harley Quinn movie. The character's origin, her role in this film, and Miss Quinn’s critique of the historical harlequin all relate to some basic Christian principles. Crazy, right? If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! ...
Episode 205: Parasite
February 09, 2020 04:32 - 1 hour - 154 MBThis week, our Patreon supporters got the opportunity to decide which Best Picture Oscar nominated film we should cover, and the decision was for Parasite. It was a good pick that neither Richard or David had gotten the chance to view before this week! Lots of discussion to be had about class, excusing sin, and more! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official...
Episode 204: 1917
January 25, 2020 01:43 - 1 hour - 98.5 MBYou have a mission. Pick someone to join you, and deliver this podcast to your ears promptly, or there may be dire consequences! Join David and James as they wander and wonder through the landscape of 1917. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, giveaway...
Episode 203: The Mandalorian
January 07, 2020 19:18 - 1 hour - 103 MBWe decided we would follow up our episode on The Rise of Skywalker by jumping directly into The Mandalorian, the first live-action television series set in the Star Wars Universe. This show has pretty much taken the internet by storm, evoking a mostly positive response along with a slew of great memes. But did it have anything worth discussing on our show? You bet! Join us this week as we think through why this show was well-received where other Star Wars ventures have been a ...
Episode 202: The Rise of Skywalker
December 25, 2019 14:09 - 1 hour - 118 MBA Long Time Ago, in a theater 42 years away... the Skywalker saga began. James, Richard and David discuss how it ends, including themes of fall, repentance, rebirth, and how our perennial enemy tries to deceive us. It can truly be said (and not in a bad way) that this movie’s themes are Forced! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theolo...
Episode 201: Atlantis: The Lost Empire
December 13, 2019 00:06 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBWith the launch of Disney+, we decided that our Patreon supporters should get to choose ONE flick from the new service and force us to talk about it.. and they chose Atlantis: The Lost Empire! The movie actually provides us quite a bit to talk about - made family, unequal yoke to the world, why its a bad idea to get an 'ought' from an 'is' (I promise, that'll make some sense!), and more! Enjoy! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledgin...
Episode 200: The Matrix
November 29, 2019 15:27 - 1 hour - 120 MBWhat if I told you... that Popcorn Theology has reached 200 episodes? Join us this week as for an extra-long episode of the podcast, taking time to celebrate our 200 episode journey thus far as well as to revisit the very first movie we ever reviewed, The Matrix! If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access t...
Episode 199: The Peanut Butter Falcon
November 22, 2019 01:00 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBDavid and James could not escape their Patreon caregivers and were locked in a room to watch The Peanut Butter Falcon... and it turns out they are glad they did! They wrestle with some of the film’s Themes and discuss why it’s one of the better films this year. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an...
198: Jesus is King
November 13, 2019 23:11 - 1 hour - 97.3 MBWe take a break this week from Movie-talk to discuss the cultural impact surrounding the apparent conversion of Kanye West and his most recent Gospel-themed album. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group just for supporters, giveaways, polls to decide what films we discuss, and muc...
Episode 197: The Current War
November 07, 2019 10:40 - 1 hour - 99.7 MBDavid and James discuss current events... from the 1890s! Join us to explore illuminating ideas about living life without brakes, making a name versus building a legacy, and what happens to relationships when we get our wires crossed. If you like what you are hearing and want to help support our show, consider pledging to support us over on Patreon! If you do, you'll be canonized as an official Patron Saint of Popcorn Theology and be given access to an exclusive Facebook group j...