Description
Book SynopsisThe sacred ethos of the American Dream has become a central pillar of American civil religion. The belief that meaning is fashioned from some mixture of family, friends, a stable career, and financial security permeates American culture. Profane Parables examines three films that assault this venerated American myth.
Trade ReviewRindge writes with both academic rigor and an approachable tone, which makes the text accessible for audiences in both academic circles and broader spheres, such as those interested in American civil religion, the particular filmmakers Rindge cites, or the biblical genre of parables. -- Joel Mayward -- Journal of Religion and Film
Rindge's Profane Parables is an excellent work. It will appeal greatly to scholars of American Studies, film, religion, and popular culture. -- Margaret Weber -- Journal of Popular Culture
A wonderful piece of work -- Choice
As a whole, Profane Parables is a refined work that offers both a thought provoking and an easy read and I would recommend it to anyone thinking of exploring film from the perspective of biblical studies or interested in film, myths and morals. -- Sofia Sjö -- Journal of Religion, Media, and Digital Cuture
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. The American Dream: The Sacred Ethos of American Religion
- 2. Fight Club: Lamenting God's Abandonment and the American Dream
- 3. American Beauty: Death as Divine Beauty
- 4. About Schmidt: An American Rich Fool
- 5. Films as Parables of Disorientation
- Conclusion
