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The Stories We Tell: How TV and Movies Long for and Echo the Truth
The average American watches 5 hours of TV every day.
Collectively, we spend roughly $30 billion on movies each year.
Simply put, we're entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our insatiable addiction to stories? Mike Cosper thinks so.
From horror flicks to rom-coms, the tales we tell and the myths we weave inevitably echo the narrative underlying all of history: the story of humanity's tragic sin and God's triumphant salvation. This entertaining book connects the dots between the stories we tell and the one great Story--helping us better understand the longings of the human heart and thoughtfully engage with the movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations.
Collectively, we spend roughly $30 billion on movies each year.
Simply put, we're entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our insatiable addiction to stories? Mike Cosper thinks so.
From horror flicks to rom-coms, the tales we tell and the myths we weave inevitably echo the narrative underlying all of history: the story of humanity's tragic sin and God's triumphant salvation. This entertaining book connects the dots between the stories we tell and the one great Story--helping us better understand the longings of the human heart and thoughtfully engage with the movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations.
240 pages, Paperback
First published August 31, 2014
46 people are currently reading
759 people want to read
About the author
Mike Cosper
17 books92 followersMike Cosper is the executive director of Harbor Media, a non-profit media company serving Christians in a post-Christian world. He served for sixteen years as a pastor at Sojourn Community Church in Louisville, Kentucky, and is the author of Recapturing the Wonder, The Stories We Tell, and Rhythms of Grace. He lives with his family in Louisville, Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
June 14, 2021
As a lover of stories, this book really got to me. I have always had a knack for thinking how stories relate to the story of the Bible (The Great Story, as Cosper calls it). Not in a sense of over allegorization to every little thing, but in seeing how the stories we deem as excellent all portray some form of brokenness that needs to be fixed; there is a better life; something more is worth our time/effort. And there is beauty in all of that. We are image bearers made to create. So our creation, whether we realize or not, brings us back to our need and our pursuit of something greater, that is Christ.
You don’t have to know all of the stories and pop-culture he refers to because he explains the why behind his process so well. He never forgets to point to the brokenness in some of our stories and their sin-filled tendencies. But in that we are able to shine a spotlight on the ‘why’ people connect with such broken, strange, demoralizing, romance-seeking, inspiring, uplifting, heartfelt stories.
Cosper says,
“We are made in God’s image, reflectors and carriers of some part of God’s own immeasurable goodness and grace. Even in our sin-scarred brokenness, we can’t help but reflect — however dimly — some part of that goodness. Humanity is infinitely interesting because it is a reflection of an infinitely interesting God… Storytelling is a great gift because humanity is a great gift, something God himself delights in. When we engage great stories, we engage with people, seeing ourselves reflected in their desires and faults. If the big story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation is the background of all of our stories, then humanity is the common foreground — broken image bearers trying to make sense of life.”
You don’t have to know all of the stories and pop-culture he refers to because he explains the why behind his process so well. He never forgets to point to the brokenness in some of our stories and their sin-filled tendencies. But in that we are able to shine a spotlight on the ‘why’ people connect with such broken, strange, demoralizing, romance-seeking, inspiring, uplifting, heartfelt stories.
Cosper says,
“We are made in God’s image, reflectors and carriers of some part of God’s own immeasurable goodness and grace. Even in our sin-scarred brokenness, we can’t help but reflect — however dimly — some part of that goodness. Humanity is infinitely interesting because it is a reflection of an infinitely interesting God… Storytelling is a great gift because humanity is a great gift, something God himself delights in. When we engage great stories, we engage with people, seeing ourselves reflected in their desires and faults. If the big story of creation, fall, redemption, and consummation is the background of all of our stories, then humanity is the common foreground — broken image bearers trying to make sense of life.”
August 8, 2018
Straightforward and clear writing style. Simple yet profound and I think that's because the entire book points to the gospel which is also completely unique, profound, and simple. He's somehow both unapologetically passionate about what he thinks while still humbly admitting his ideas are not the end-all and be-all. An enjoyable quick read that's well worth the time.
*edit*
I recently remembered this quote by J.R.R. Tolkien which reveals a similar perspective on this topic:
"We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by myth-making, only by becoming ‘sub-creator’ and inventing stories, can Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall. Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the true harbour, while materialistic ‘progress’ leads only to a yawning abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil."
*edit*
I recently remembered this quote by J.R.R. Tolkien which reveals a similar perspective on this topic:
"We have come from God, and inevitably the myths woven by us, though they contain error, will also reflect a splintered fragment of the true light, the eternal truth that is with God. Indeed only by myth-making, only by becoming ‘sub-creator’ and inventing stories, can Man aspire to the state of perfection that he knew before the Fall. Our myths may be misguided, but they steer however shakily towards the true harbour, while materialistic ‘progress’ leads only to a yawning abyss and the Iron Crown of the power of evil."
September 29, 2025
A really great way to be introduced to this kind of Christian perspective on film and tv. Easy and often fun to read.
But, didn’t offer a comprehensive explanation for all of his points… plus, I didn’t always agree with how he connected certain stories to his thesis
Overall, a good book to start with, but there’s a lot more to chew on
But, didn’t offer a comprehensive explanation for all of his points… plus, I didn’t always agree with how he connected certain stories to his thesis
Overall, a good book to start with, but there’s a lot more to chew on
November 30, 2019
Cosper is a good writer and this book reads well. His intent with this work is clear, and for what it is, he achieved it. The author's thesis is that the glimpses of the gospel and Truth is woven into the stories we tell and watch and without question, Cosper weaves that strand of analysis throughout the whole work.
The book for me was difficult in the sense that he spends a large portion of his book describing the story lines, characters and plot twists of the movies and television shows he includes. Unfortunately for me, the book ended up reading much like when one bumps into a friend who proceeds to go on for some time describing in great detail the movie they saw last weekend. Cool ... unless you haven't seen the movie. Then, you smile and nod and say, "hey, that's great...." But you really don't know what they're talking about. I found myself skimming multiple pages of each chapter as they were consumed with descriptive narratives of movies or TV shows I haven't seen. (Full disclosure, I don't watch a lot of TV or movies, but given Cosper's ravenous, lifelong addiction to consuming video entertainment, I'm not sure there are many people could hang with his ability and commitment to watching a lot of TV and film.)
That said, when he did get around to analysis it was solid, I just wished there was more of it. He begins with a disclaimer for Christians who might wonder why or how he can match his appetite for Hollywood with scriptural admonition to put our minds on whatever is "pure, right and lovely" and I found his answer to that likely critique nuanced and flavored somewhat by grace and spiritual maturity, though I would disagree with the wisdom of taking the liberty to pour over some of the material he does, hoping to find a nugget of truth in a pile of mulch.
Cosper divides the book into genres of film and story, and again, unless you've seen the films that he devotes almost full chapters describing in copious detail, my sense is you'll be as lost as I was. To point, when he dug into TV shows or films I have seen I was able to track along nicely.
His closing is solid and he weaves a thoughtful pairing of the rise of social media and "reality TV" which I felt was insightful ... and an example of what I thought the entire book would be like. Alas it wasn't, and the book felt like a "well you had to be there..." tale of films and TV shows that frankly, I'd suggest are a waste of time even if you could wring from their sordid story lines a few drops of living water. Ironically, he quotes CS Lewis's famous line from The Weight of Glory about "making mud pies in a slum and passing on a holiday at sea ... being far too easily pleased." I wonder of the consumption of some of the popular culture he cites in this book is an example of being far too easily pleased.
I don't know, but this is the life Cosper has led and he's tried to offer some truth from the countless hours/days/decades he has spent in front of a screen. Perhaps that is the redeeming value underlying the Stories He's Told.
The book for me was difficult in the sense that he spends a large portion of his book describing the story lines, characters and plot twists of the movies and television shows he includes. Unfortunately for me, the book ended up reading much like when one bumps into a friend who proceeds to go on for some time describing in great detail the movie they saw last weekend. Cool ... unless you haven't seen the movie. Then, you smile and nod and say, "hey, that's great...." But you really don't know what they're talking about. I found myself skimming multiple pages of each chapter as they were consumed with descriptive narratives of movies or TV shows I haven't seen. (Full disclosure, I don't watch a lot of TV or movies, but given Cosper's ravenous, lifelong addiction to consuming video entertainment, I'm not sure there are many people could hang with his ability and commitment to watching a lot of TV and film.)
That said, when he did get around to analysis it was solid, I just wished there was more of it. He begins with a disclaimer for Christians who might wonder why or how he can match his appetite for Hollywood with scriptural admonition to put our minds on whatever is "pure, right and lovely" and I found his answer to that likely critique nuanced and flavored somewhat by grace and spiritual maturity, though I would disagree with the wisdom of taking the liberty to pour over some of the material he does, hoping to find a nugget of truth in a pile of mulch.
Cosper divides the book into genres of film and story, and again, unless you've seen the films that he devotes almost full chapters describing in copious detail, my sense is you'll be as lost as I was. To point, when he dug into TV shows or films I have seen I was able to track along nicely.
His closing is solid and he weaves a thoughtful pairing of the rise of social media and "reality TV" which I felt was insightful ... and an example of what I thought the entire book would be like. Alas it wasn't, and the book felt like a "well you had to be there..." tale of films and TV shows that frankly, I'd suggest are a waste of time even if you could wring from their sordid story lines a few drops of living water. Ironically, he quotes CS Lewis's famous line from The Weight of Glory about "making mud pies in a slum and passing on a holiday at sea ... being far too easily pleased." I wonder of the consumption of some of the popular culture he cites in this book is an example of being far too easily pleased.
I don't know, but this is the life Cosper has led and he's tried to offer some truth from the countless hours/days/decades he has spent in front of a screen. Perhaps that is the redeeming value underlying the Stories He's Told.
August 18, 2016
Every culture has its stories. Our Western culture’s stories are, more and more, presented in movie form. So, for us and our children to engage the culture, we need to consider movies, both the ones we watch and the ones we don’t watch.
However, because we Christians are part of God’s much greater culture, we also need to understand our culture’s stories in the light of God’s truth. This is especially important because the emotions involved in stories often allow an author’s ideas to slip into our minds unnoticed.
...
Any movie could be used to point to the gospel, and I think this insight is the heart of the book. But we should also not forget Cosper's caution: "We think we’re merely being entertained, but the power of story is being used to frame the way we think about love, marriage, sex, children, war, peace, nationalism, and more.”
...
I recommend this book to all Christians—movie buffs, parents, mature young people, homeschoolers, and anyone working with youth, outreach, or ideas.
...
You can read my complete review on my blog.
However, because we Christians are part of God’s much greater culture, we also need to understand our culture’s stories in the light of God’s truth. This is especially important because the emotions involved in stories often allow an author’s ideas to slip into our minds unnoticed.
...
Any movie could be used to point to the gospel, and I think this insight is the heart of the book. But we should also not forget Cosper's caution: "We think we’re merely being entertained, but the power of story is being used to frame the way we think about love, marriage, sex, children, war, peace, nationalism, and more.”
...
I recommend this book to all Christians—movie buffs, parents, mature young people, homeschoolers, and anyone working with youth, outreach, or ideas.
...
You can read my complete review on my blog.
October 26, 2022
A quick, interesting read about how to assess movies/TV shows and how even "secular" shows tend to echo Biblical narratives. It's a good reminder to be aware of how we engage with media and how powerful stories can be in shaping our worldview.
Read
September 3, 2024Really interesting read. He made a lot of connections to Biblical stories that I wouldn’t have seen before.
I wish it went a bit deeper in certain sections. Maybe could be well suited as a podcast (a la Faith Adjacent early years)
I wish it went a bit deeper in certain sections. Maybe could be well suited as a podcast (a la Faith Adjacent early years)
July 5, 2020
Quick & engaging with loads of examples in how the biblical narrative arc of creation, fall, redemption and consummation show up in everything from superhero movies to reality TV to Disney movies
June 3, 2023
It was okay. It felt disorganized and few things like that. Best chapters were the second and last. Interesting to read almost 10 years after publication and the world of streaming services.
Read
February 16, 2015To start, I am very glad that I have not watched half of the movies/tv shows that are used as reference in this book. A lot of them I hadn't ever even heard of. Some sound down-right terrible. Depressing, disgusting, or just not like what I would find to be good entertainment. But there are some that I have heard of, have watched and have enjoyed. After reading the book by Jerram Barrs about literature echoing Eden (truth, beauty, goodness), I thought this might be an interesting read.
The writing is interesting. Cosper is witty but straight forward. He doesn't paint the ugly pictures in the television shows and movies near as bad as I am sure they are, but the reader can still get the 'picture'. There are only 10 chapters so it really isn't a very long book but as I said, I haven't heard of/see many of the shows he's talking about. Those portions were a little bit tougher for me to slog through, especially when it wasn't a particularly flattering show.
"I believe we are watching because TV and movies are both echoing and forming our desires, and I want to delve into what those desires really are." loc 271
"After chapter 2, I won't focus much on the moral aspects of watching TV and movies...Here, I'm less interested in debating the merits of watching content than I am in understanding what drives it. I want to get to the heart of these stories. Why do we tell them? What motivates us? I believe that the motivation for our stories is deeply connected with the gospel, and by thinking about that connection, we can more deeply appreciate both." loc 289
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us plainly that the desires come from our heart, which is deceitful. By saying that stories that are told are connected to the gospel, I think, is taking it too far. Especially when the writer of the story is truly against God (which I don't really recall if any of the shows mentioned in the book are expressly stated as being such). I have a difficult time agreeing that we can 'appreciate' the gospel more fully through watching these kinds of shows. But I do think the shows can be appreciated more (or completely avoided) by reading the gospels.
"Stories help give us a sense of place. They stir our imaginations and help us experience love, betrayal, hatred, and compassion that might otherwise be foreign. They prepare us for experiences like love, or help us process things like sorrow and suffering." loc 302
Overall, it was an okay book. As everyone has personal liberty- we make the choices we make without God twisting our arm- I cannot say that Cosper is wrong or right. He makes good points, but as Charlotte Mason says: "It is a great safeguard to know that your 'reason' is capable of proving any theory you allow yourself to entertain." (Vol. 2, p. 46)
I received this book free from Crossway for review.
The writing is interesting. Cosper is witty but straight forward. He doesn't paint the ugly pictures in the television shows and movies near as bad as I am sure they are, but the reader can still get the 'picture'. There are only 10 chapters so it really isn't a very long book but as I said, I haven't heard of/see many of the shows he's talking about. Those portions were a little bit tougher for me to slog through, especially when it wasn't a particularly flattering show.
"I believe we are watching because TV and movies are both echoing and forming our desires, and I want to delve into what those desires really are." loc 271
"After chapter 2, I won't focus much on the moral aspects of watching TV and movies...Here, I'm less interested in debating the merits of watching content than I am in understanding what drives it. I want to get to the heart of these stories. Why do we tell them? What motivates us? I believe that the motivation for our stories is deeply connected with the gospel, and by thinking about that connection, we can more deeply appreciate both." loc 289
Jeremiah 17:9 tells us plainly that the desires come from our heart, which is deceitful. By saying that stories that are told are connected to the gospel, I think, is taking it too far. Especially when the writer of the story is truly against God (which I don't really recall if any of the shows mentioned in the book are expressly stated as being such). I have a difficult time agreeing that we can 'appreciate' the gospel more fully through watching these kinds of shows. But I do think the shows can be appreciated more (or completely avoided) by reading the gospels.
"Stories help give us a sense of place. They stir our imaginations and help us experience love, betrayal, hatred, and compassion that might otherwise be foreign. They prepare us for experiences like love, or help us process things like sorrow and suffering." loc 302
Overall, it was an okay book. As everyone has personal liberty- we make the choices we make without God twisting our arm- I cannot say that Cosper is wrong or right. He makes good points, but as Charlotte Mason says: "It is a great safeguard to know that your 'reason' is capable of proving any theory you allow yourself to entertain." (Vol. 2, p. 46)
I received this book free from Crossway for review.
November 19, 2019
This book reminded me of the way my parents taught me to watch movies growing up. A movie is never just a story. All movies come with a worldview. They all make some attempt at shaping our imaginations. This concept is the reason why I watched the Little House on the Prairie TV show with a pen and notepad in my hand. It's also why we had group discussions at the close of our family movie nights.
Because of my background, the concepts in this book are kinda old hat to me. But it's still easy to fall into the routine of using movies as an excuse to turn off my brain. So I appreciated the reminder to watch vigilantly and to pay attention to the ways in which even the most secular stories draw themes from the greatest true story ever told. Perhaps not in these words, but this book basically makes the argument that stories are another form of general revelation: they're not the inspired Word of God itself, but they do point to the God behind it all.
Cosper illustrates this point by focusing on a handful of biblical themes that frequently appear in mainstream movies and TV. He looks at genres ranging from romance to horror and picks out notable examples within each category. Then, he retells parts of the plots with an eye for the larger themes (using lots of spoilers in the process) and pulls out the elements that echo biblical reality. Cosper devotes a large fraction of the book to rehashing scenes from the films, and he usually does this well. Generally, I felt immersed in the stories he was describing. At other times, though, I had difficulty following along and had to get myself in the mood for this sort of "Spark Notes" format.
Here's one other possible objection: This mindset of viewing movies with an eye for the redemptive elements can also be used as an excuse to watch downright bad content. Cosper does address this in his book, however, so I think his discussion does more good than it does harm, as long as you see the book as a reminder to stay vigilant rather than an excuse for madcap viewing.
Despite the downsides, I'd still say this is a useful book for anyone looking to redeem the hours spent watching TV and movies. It'll certainly help warm up that worldview-sensing muscle in your brain and prep you for more meaningful discussions of the films you watch with friends and family.
Because of my background, the concepts in this book are kinda old hat to me. But it's still easy to fall into the routine of using movies as an excuse to turn off my brain. So I appreciated the reminder to watch vigilantly and to pay attention to the ways in which even the most secular stories draw themes from the greatest true story ever told. Perhaps not in these words, but this book basically makes the argument that stories are another form of general revelation: they're not the inspired Word of God itself, but they do point to the God behind it all.
Cosper illustrates this point by focusing on a handful of biblical themes that frequently appear in mainstream movies and TV. He looks at genres ranging from romance to horror and picks out notable examples within each category. Then, he retells parts of the plots with an eye for the larger themes (using lots of spoilers in the process) and pulls out the elements that echo biblical reality. Cosper devotes a large fraction of the book to rehashing scenes from the films, and he usually does this well. Generally, I felt immersed in the stories he was describing. At other times, though, I had difficulty following along and had to get myself in the mood for this sort of "Spark Notes" format.
Here's one other possible objection: This mindset of viewing movies with an eye for the redemptive elements can also be used as an excuse to watch downright bad content. Cosper does address this in his book, however, so I think his discussion does more good than it does harm, as long as you see the book as a reminder to stay vigilant rather than an excuse for madcap viewing.
Despite the downsides, I'd still say this is a useful book for anyone looking to redeem the hours spent watching TV and movies. It'll certainly help warm up that worldview-sensing muscle in your brain and prep you for more meaningful discussions of the films you watch with friends and family.
November 29, 2015
Not really what I was expecting. I'd hoped for something that could function as a tool to help sharpen discernment and more critically evaluate consumed media. Instead it seemed an exercise in how to watch as much crap as one can watch, and still try to artificially cram some element of creation-fall-redemption-consummation theme into it and, voila - it's redeemed and worthy for Christian consumption!
I read it with my teenagers and literally had to skip some sections due to their graphic/inappropriate nature (granted, the author did issue some advance warnings re: graphic comments and definite spoilers). I've enjoyed this author's blogposts on TGC and some of his movie reviews in the past, but was disappointed in this one. I plan to check out Grant Horner's work in the future (Meaning at the Movies) to see if it's closer to what I was looking for.
I gave it two stars rather than one, because it's not like a "didn't like it" at all - there certainly were some good parts (especially early on) and helpful concepts that I think we took away from it, namely, that everyone has some source of ultimate hope, and artists are putting that into their works. Identifying that hope and then comparing that to the true and better narrative would be a helpful solo exercise, but perhaps even better as conversation starters with nominal and non-believers.
I read it with my teenagers and literally had to skip some sections due to their graphic/inappropriate nature (granted, the author did issue some advance warnings re: graphic comments and definite spoilers). I've enjoyed this author's blogposts on TGC and some of his movie reviews in the past, but was disappointed in this one. I plan to check out Grant Horner's work in the future (Meaning at the Movies) to see if it's closer to what I was looking for.
I gave it two stars rather than one, because it's not like a "didn't like it" at all - there certainly were some good parts (especially early on) and helpful concepts that I think we took away from it, namely, that everyone has some source of ultimate hope, and artists are putting that into their works. Identifying that hope and then comparing that to the true and better narrative would be a helpful solo exercise, but perhaps even better as conversation starters with nominal and non-believers.
August 25, 2014
In “The Stories We Tell”, Mike Cosper looks at major biblical themes and translates them through the lenses of current television and movies. The book is not a guide to what shows echo specific themes such as the fall or creation. What it does is seek to guide the reader towards viewing these programs with an eye towards recognizing the human story and condition in the art we consume on a daily basis.
I enjoyed reading Cosper’s connections between television shows and movies to the major themes. Even though the format became a bit redundant, the stories and perspective he offers is worth the effort and time. If you enjoy reading about popular culture and how it relates to the bigger narrative of life, you will enjoy this book.
I agree with Cosper's conclusion that we need more Christians in the entertainment industries. A biblical worldview needs to be present and visible, whether the movie or television program is "Christian" or not. We need the truth spoken in the dialects of culture that we can, and these are the most visible and consumed types.
I enjoyed reading Cosper’s connections between television shows and movies to the major themes. Even though the format became a bit redundant, the stories and perspective he offers is worth the effort and time. If you enjoy reading about popular culture and how it relates to the bigger narrative of life, you will enjoy this book.
I agree with Cosper's conclusion that we need more Christians in the entertainment industries. A biblical worldview needs to be present and visible, whether the movie or television program is "Christian" or not. We need the truth spoken in the dialects of culture that we can, and these are the most visible and consumed types.
December 23, 2015
I adored this book and found myself underlining/highlighting like a crazy woman, making numerous connections to literature that also echoes the Truth of Scripture. Cosper uses engaging examples that help TV and movie lovers see that all truth is God's truth and the grandest story of all is the Creation/Fall/Redemption story.
January 5, 2022
This book's blurb states:
"The average American watches 5 hours of TV every day. Collectively, we spend roughly $30 billion on movies each year.
Simply put, we're entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our insatiable addition to stories? Milke Cosper thinks so.
From horror flicks to rom-coms, the tales we tell and the myths we weave inevitable echo the narrative underlying all of history: the story of humanity's tragic sin and God's triumphant salvation. This entertaining book connects the dots between the stories we tell and the one great Story - helping us better understand the longings of the human heart and thoughtfully engage with the movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations."
At this time, people are probably watch TV and bingeing on shows more than ever, because of Coronavirus, so this felt like a very timely book.
In the past, other Christians have told me that I should avoid TV shows that appear to glorify sinful ways of living, but in this book I was surprised to find how many different shows and films Mike Cosper was able to find Biblical allegories in - from Harry Potter to even Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction". The book made the points that a lot of these stories were about heroes fighting the forces of darkness, and even stories about our own broken world, and how no one is beyond redemption (he uses Jules from "Pulp Fiction" as one of his examples).
Some of the chapters were about films and television shows that I've never watched (The Wire, for example) and so might have meant more to me otherwise, but this still made for fascinating reading. The book also ended with a critique of reality TV (particularly the Karsdashians) and our obession with social media and celebrity, all of which are particularly relevant in the world we live in today.
"The average American watches 5 hours of TV every day. Collectively, we spend roughly $30 billion on movies each year.
Simply put, we're entertainment junkies. But can we learn something from our insatiable addition to stories? Milke Cosper thinks so.
From horror flicks to rom-coms, the tales we tell and the myths we weave inevitable echo the narrative underlying all of history: the story of humanity's tragic sin and God's triumphant salvation. This entertaining book connects the dots between the stories we tell and the one great Story - helping us better understand the longings of the human heart and thoughtfully engage with the movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations."
At this time, people are probably watch TV and bingeing on shows more than ever, because of Coronavirus, so this felt like a very timely book.
In the past, other Christians have told me that I should avoid TV shows that appear to glorify sinful ways of living, but in this book I was surprised to find how many different shows and films Mike Cosper was able to find Biblical allegories in - from Harry Potter to even Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction". The book made the points that a lot of these stories were about heroes fighting the forces of darkness, and even stories about our own broken world, and how no one is beyond redemption (he uses Jules from "Pulp Fiction" as one of his examples).
Some of the chapters were about films and television shows that I've never watched (The Wire, for example) and so might have meant more to me otherwise, but this still made for fascinating reading. The book also ended with a critique of reality TV (particularly the Karsdashians) and our obession with social media and celebrity, all of which are particularly relevant in the world we live in today.
February 25, 2022
So I am a HUGE Mike Cowper fan, because of his incredible Podcast “The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill”, which is a huge story arc of evangelical Christianity over the past 50 years and the rise of the mega church versus the people who served and grew in the church. It was incredibly insightful and healing to me. But, I digress.
Cosper’s book Stories We Tell, is a big picture review of popular shows and movies over the past several decades that show the redemption story of Christ in many different ways and through a variety of genres. He examines the protagonists plight and searching for home, which will all are really looking for and can only be found in God.
I ABSOLUTELY loved his reviews and analysis of movies from You’ve Got Mail to Kill Bill to Mad amen (which I hadn’t seen, but his analysis was so compelling). I love how he ties our love of story into our relationship with God and the stories of the Bible. in effect, we all are broken we all sin and stumble and are on the search/quest/hunt for something more.
I would love to sit down with Cowper to discuss and analyze newer shows like Breaking Bad and Downton Abbey with him. The funniest thing was that he clearly wrote this book during the second to last season of How I Met your Mother as he discusses the redemption of Barney. Which, the finale was perhaps the most horrible finale of all time and undid all 8 seasons, rendering impossible for someone like me to ever rewatch. Anyway, I loved this book and Cosper’s call for Christian artists and writers and filmmakers to make movies with truth and characters and reality, to make good movies because therein we can find the redemption of Christ.
Cosper’s book Stories We Tell, is a big picture review of popular shows and movies over the past several decades that show the redemption story of Christ in many different ways and through a variety of genres. He examines the protagonists plight and searching for home, which will all are really looking for and can only be found in God.
I ABSOLUTELY loved his reviews and analysis of movies from You’ve Got Mail to Kill Bill to Mad amen (which I hadn’t seen, but his analysis was so compelling). I love how he ties our love of story into our relationship with God and the stories of the Bible. in effect, we all are broken we all sin and stumble and are on the search/quest/hunt for something more.
I would love to sit down with Cowper to discuss and analyze newer shows like Breaking Bad and Downton Abbey with him. The funniest thing was that he clearly wrote this book during the second to last season of How I Met your Mother as he discusses the redemption of Barney. Which, the finale was perhaps the most horrible finale of all time and undid all 8 seasons, rendering impossible for someone like me to ever rewatch. Anyway, I loved this book and Cosper’s call for Christian artists and writers and filmmakers to make movies with truth and characters and reality, to make good movies because therein we can find the redemption of Christ.
February 11, 2024
4.5. I was captivated by the book, finding it both analytical and thought-provoking. Those who enjoy stories would thoroughly appreciate this one. Cosper argues that the various narratives we see in television and films may not directly reflect the truth of the gospel, but they do tap into a deep longing within us for the good things that God originally intended for us before sin corrupted them. Until the final consummation and redemption, humans will ache for a lost paradise, for beauty and love that can redeem, for a thirst for justice that cannot be quenched, for a hero who saves the day, and for glory and our Lord's approval of us for example.
August 13, 2024
Really interesting read on the “creation-fall-redemption” thread of all movies and television shows. From comedy to romance, to horror and even reality TV- how do the stories we tell attempt to find ultimate hope?
I really enjoyed this, but I know that true movie buffs would appreciate it more. I wish I had seen a few more of the movies/shows he references, but thankfully I’m married to a movie buff and can just ask him any questions. 😆
I really enjoyed this, but I know that true movie buffs would appreciate it more. I wish I had seen a few more of the movies/shows he references, but thankfully I’m married to a movie buff and can just ask him any questions. 😆
August 22, 2023
não sei se esse esquema de analisar os ecos nas histórias é o melhor/mais interessante para esse livro, mas eu gostei! bom ver cristãos pensando seriamente sobre cinema, sem cair em moralismo raso ou pensando na técnica como um simples meio de evangelismo. pra fazer bem feito, como o Cosper enfatiza, tem que levar as histórias a sério. nós somos o povo do Livro! não devia ser tão difícil.
September 30, 2019
Muito bom. Leve e direcionado ao viver cristão. "Tenho, porém, contra ti..." hehehe quando começa a contar as histórias, ele se emociona e, muitas vezes atinge um nivel de detalhamento que cansa, ainda mais quando a história é de algo que não conhecemos... Mas, mesmo assim, vale a leitura.
August 13, 2018
Very insightful. I guess I need to read Rhythms of Grace next
February 20, 2020
Livro excelente, amei! Os insights são espetaculares.
July 15, 2021
So very, very good! So engaging! Cosper used so many good stories to illuminate the creation-fall-redemption-consummation arc and where these various stories fit within that arc. His work is very readable. Will now be reading all his work…
October 10, 2023
Basic analysis of popular films and TV shows. Overall too much plot summary. Would be a good textbook for a high school class. Too basic for college level.
March 12, 2025
Cosper has an interesting point, but the plane didn't quite land for me on this one
March 13, 2017
I primarily enjoyed this book, because this is exactly what goes through my mind anytime I watch movies or TV shows.
Movies and TV have always been the best way to 'take a temperature' on the 'state of the culture'. It's hard to say if we reflect our entertainment or if our entertainment reflects, but no matter how symbiotic that relationship is, entertainment is a window into the soul of our culture. The most intriguing part about entertainment is that you not only witness the depravity you expect there but you see the longing for the gospel.
Our culture wouldn't say it in such words, we long for love, heroes (messiahs), and happy endings. Even in cases where the 'ideal' isn't portrayed because of cliche, it seems mainly to be a bitter reaction that points out 'things are not the way they should be'.
For me, entertainment has been a great launching point to dialogue with those who do not have a Christian world view. Even those of varying beliefs can engage in a piece of entertainment together and realize their longings are the same.
I would highly recommend this to people who haven't considered these aspects of entertainment before. It's a good eye-opener for those who don't typically look past the surface of a story.
Movies and TV have always been the best way to 'take a temperature' on the 'state of the culture'. It's hard to say if we reflect our entertainment or if our entertainment reflects, but no matter how symbiotic that relationship is, entertainment is a window into the soul of our culture. The most intriguing part about entertainment is that you not only witness the depravity you expect there but you see the longing for the gospel.
Our culture wouldn't say it in such words, we long for love, heroes (messiahs), and happy endings. Even in cases where the 'ideal' isn't portrayed because of cliche, it seems mainly to be a bitter reaction that points out 'things are not the way they should be'.
For me, entertainment has been a great launching point to dialogue with those who do not have a Christian world view. Even those of varying beliefs can engage in a piece of entertainment together and realize their longings are the same.
I would highly recommend this to people who haven't considered these aspects of entertainment before. It's a good eye-opener for those who don't typically look past the surface of a story.
April 30, 2015
Fascinating exploration of how the BIG story that we're living in is expressed in television and movies. Cosper is not saying that all culture is redemptive, no, instead he's saying that cultural products can't escape telling stories that yearn for and echo the True Story, no matter how twisted or diminished they are.
Cosper writes about many shows that I couldn't watch in good conscience and also wish that had never been produced, but he sees them with a clear biblical lens. I profited from every well-written chapter, especially the chapter on "frustration."
This is must-reading for anyone who wants to produce culture (Christian filmmakers, I'm looking at you!) and good reading for Christian adults who want to think about what they are taking in and make connections to the biblical storyline in which we are currently in the middle. Recommended to be read with discernment and to develop discernment.
Cosper writes about many shows that I couldn't watch in good conscience and also wish that had never been produced, but he sees them with a clear biblical lens. I profited from every well-written chapter, especially the chapter on "frustration."
This is must-reading for anyone who wants to produce culture (Christian filmmakers, I'm looking at you!) and good reading for Christian adults who want to think about what they are taking in and make connections to the biblical storyline in which we are currently in the middle. Recommended to be read with discernment and to develop discernment.
January 24, 2015
My hubby teaches a worldviews class at a Christian high school and uses movies to show what the different "isms" look like in our culture. Because movies are the primary vehicle for philosophies to reach the general public today, we are movie nerds. We watch all the special features and are familiar with directors, producers, and film companies. We also read a lot of books on movies and the movie-making process. Cosper did a good job of putting the love of movies thru the grid of faith. Looking at the why of it all - why does this movie/TV show resonate? Why do we enjoy this? And the most basic question of all: Why do human beings tell stories? I not only enjoyed this book, I profited from reading it.
June 20, 2017
I read this book alongside a similar book, Grant Horner's Meaning at the Movies. Both books compare and contrast movies with themes from the Bible, arguing that every human being, whether they realize it or not, has an inborn yearning for God, who is best known through the Christian gospel. Cosper focuses on similarities, while Horner focuses on differences (one of Horner's major arguments is that although we know the truth about God deep down, we consciously or subconsciously suppress it, and that this is evident in the stories we fashion). Both books were enjoyable to read side-by-side.
February 27, 2016
Pastor Cosper has tied the tales of TV and cinema together with mankind's longing for redemption. He has done it admirably. Stories of creation and fall and salvation and future glory are woven into the fabric of the movies and television we watch. I don't watch TV nor go to many movies but I knew the characters Cosper describes and the plots he summarizes. I believe he is fair with the facts and personal with his application. (His own life being affected.) This book is a window into our culture.
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