How Movies Can Shape Faith More Than Sermons - Joseph Holmes
Joseph Holmes, film critic and co-host of The Overthinkers podcast, is on Christianity Without Compromise (formerly Theology Meets Word) with host Jake Doberenz to discuss how Christians should engage with movies, entertainment, and pop culture. Raised by two ordained ministers who modeled how to connect theology with storytelling, Joseph shares how we brings those skills to the movies and TV that we consume. This episode explores how movies function as machines of love and worldview formation, whether Christians should have content boundaries, what it means to glorify vs. portray evil, and what guidelines believers can use to critically consume entertainment without being consumed by it.
Key Takeaways:
Media shape what we love and believe—even if we think they don't.Film forms us emotionally, relationally, and spiritually, often more than church does.
Discern whether a movie glorifies or simply portrays evil.Look for the catharsis point—what the story rewards—to see what it celebrates.
Rules help, but formation is about direction and community.Know your own limits, but also invite others to point out how media may be shaping you in ways you don’t notice.
Important Links:
Handing Down the Faith: How Parents Pass Their Religion on to the Next Generation by Christian Smith and Amy Adamczyk
“Attempting To Define The Faith-Based Movie Genre” by Joseph Holmes, Religion Unplugged
The Overthinkers Podcast hosted by Joseph Holmes and Nathan Clarkson
Joseph Holmes Website - https://www.josephholmesstudios.com
Joseph Holmes is a culture critic, filmmaker, and podcast host based in New York City, known for his work in outlets such as Forbes, The New York Times, Christianity Today, and Religion Unplugged. Raised by two ordained ministers who fostered his love for storytelling and deep discussions, he pursued filmmaking at The King’s College and founded the “King's Image Films” club. He later gained recognition for his film reviews and culture criticism, co-hosting the podcast The Overthinkers and writing for numerous publications, where he explores the power of art and dialogue to reveal truth and beauty.
Follow this show and Jake’s writings at jakedoberenz.substack.com.
