Westar scholars will explore how Christopher Nolan’s film engages the ancient traditions behind the epic, ask what changes when a foundational story is retold for a modern audience, and examine the film’s emerging themes of redemption and transformation that inform both ancient texts and contemporary culture. The panel will also consider the relationship between ancient narratives and modern understandings of meaning, morality and redemption—offering viewers an opportunity to look beyond the spectacle of Nolan’s film and consider the deeper traditions and ideas it draws upon.
ABOUT SPEAKERS
Christine Shea (PhD, University of Illinois) is a professor of Classics at Ball State University and has organized and led many academic excursions to ancient sites in Greece and Italy.
Arthur J. Dewey (ThD, Harvard University) is a professor of Theology at Xavier University. He is a distinguished educator, translator, and writer. He is the author of Inventing the Passion (Polebridge, 2017).
Bernard Brandon Scott (PhD, Vanderbilt University) is Darbeth Distinguished Professor Emeritus of New Testament at Phillips Theological Seminary. He is the author of several Polebridge Press books including The Religious History of Abortion (2023) and the popular book Hollywood Dreams and Biblical Stories (1992, Fortress Press).
