Have you ever had a profound experience while watching a movie? When you were so overwhelmed by emotion that you could call it spiritual? In his book Seeing Is Believing: The Revelation of God Through Film (IVP, 2022), theologian Richard Vance Goodwin argues that such experiences may sometimes be encounters with God. He explores how certain films use various visual strategies to invite viewers to feel emotions that may open them up to God’s presence.
Dr. Richard Goodwin is adjunct assistant professor of theology and culture at Fuller Theological Seminary. He is also Academic Director of Teaching and Learning at Pathways College of Bible and Mission in New Zealand.