Narratives of Protestant fundamentalism in United States cinema (2000–2020)

hermeneutical analysis of the doctrinal instrumentalization of biblical narratives in religious audiovisual media

Abstract

This paper discusses the relationship between religion and art, emphasizing how mythical-poetic narratives have always served as artistic expression and a vehicle of wisdom before the rise of abstract philosophical thought. These narratives, loaded with symbolism, have shaped the cultural imaginary, especially in traditions such as the Hebrew Bible, whose literary archetypes continue to influence Western thought, mediated by philosophical interpretations and religious institutions. Cinema, as an heir to the narrative tradition, is highlighted as one of the most influential forms of contemporary artistic expression. Since its emergence, it has faced the dilemma between “engaged art” and “art for art’s sake,” debating whether it should serve ideologies or express only artistic subjectivity. Historical examples, such as Nazi cinema, illustrate its susceptibility to ideological instrumentalization, including religious. The discussion focuses on religious fundamentalism in cinema, arguing that it often adopts indoctrination patterns similar to those of political propaganda. This approach is linked to erroneous exegetical interpretations and specific narrative strategies that distort cinematographic art in favor of proselytizing objectives. The text proposes to analyze biblical and cinematographic narrative elements, comparing two models of narrative design. It seeks to highlight fundamentalism's preference for structures that reinforce its message, exploring the impacts of this practice on the public sphere, including culture, politics, and customs. Finally, it reflects on how this instrumentalization influences society, questioning its effects on artistic freedom and cultural diversity.