Lake City: film capital of the Mars Hill Church universe and home of Film & Theology, and, for one Friday evening last November 2009, the center of an experience in intergalactic bonding. Campus Pastor James Harleman, MHC resident film critic and unrepentant Trekker, took almost 200 Mars Hill faithful on an in-depth exploration of what would likely be their faith of choice, if they didn’t have Jesus:  Star Trek, specifically, J.J. Abrams’ 2009 epic major-motion film of the same name. For 127 minutes, they hooted, they cheered, they cried, they cheered, they cried … these people get emotional. Following the film, Pastor James, wearing his regulation Federation lieutenant’s uniform (which he actually wears to conventions) and packing a holstered hand phaser, gave a 30-minute exposition on the strong messages in the latest Star Trek on the values and concepts that a committed Christian could see, follow, and appreciate, hailing the rebooted franchise along the way. It was just another night in the world of Mars Hill film, and theology.

Rated R? Sometimes. Disney? No.

The following is the first installment of a Q&A with Pastor James as he explains the relationship between motion pictures and the pulpit: MH Blog: How does Film & Theology fit into the mission of Mars Hill Church? JH: Our church is named for a place where the apostle Paul took slices of Athenian architecture, prose and poetry and used them as bridges to point to the one true God. He engaged their culture, entertained their media, and spoke to the language and life of the culture on a trajectory to praising Jesus. … Entering into our culture and using the tools at hand to build a gospel framework is what Mars Hill Church has always been about. MHB: Is this ever controversial with some people? JH: It’s true, some Christians think seeing anything beyond Disney films or PG movies is inherently sinful. However, this usually begins with an underlying premise that entertainment should be "safe distraction" and digestible pabulum for the believer. The reality is, nothing is "safe" to watch. It disturbs me when Christians follow FCC and MPAA [ratings] guidelines and just assume and consume without discernment with no God-glorifying or evangelistic intent. Disney films have terrible philosophy and theology. Some of the "family" films out there contain the most subversive content because they are 95 percent wholesome with a subtle twist, which has always been Satan’s most popular tactic. Just because a film seems wholesome or ends happy doesn’t mean it’s godly. In fact, seemingly evil-free family fare that ends with "happily ever after" apart from the cross may be the most dangerous films of all." MHB:  What do you do after the showing (you and the audience)? JH: "After the film, I unpack the salient points that speak to me in a way that I hope is replicable. The great thing is, even two Christians can watch the same film and glean completely different points that make for conversation and bridges to the story we believe is the greatest story ever told. My hope is that people leave not just agreeing with what I think, but simply determined to think as they engage media." MHB:  For those of us who attend Film & Theology regularly, when can we start bringing real popcorn? JH: "Popcorn is messy. When I have a dedicated clean-up crew, we’ll pop all the buttery, gut-churning, heart-stopping kernels of doom you can crunch." Film & Theology events take place on the third Friday of every month at 7 pm at the MHC Lake City campus, at 3524 NE 95th St., Seattle. The next event is April 16th. Candy and pop (but no popcorn, yet) are $1.