A Theological Jurisprudence of Speculative Cinema: Superheroes, Science Fictions and Fantasies of Modern Law

Timothy Peters explores the relationship between theology and law through the lens of Hollywood speculative fiction blockbusters, offering 7 close readings of films such as Unbreakable, Man of Steel, Star Wars, The Dark Knight, and The Hobbit. He argues that these films can render visible and explicit the otherwise opaque theologies of modern law, particularly in the era of late capitalism, global empire, and neoliberalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Introduction:
The relationship between theology and law has been a subject of exploration for centuries, with scholars and thinkers from various religious and legal traditions engaging in dialogue and debate to better understand the complex interplay between these two fields. In recent years, speculative cinema has emerged as a unique platform for exploring the intersection of theology and law, offering a lens through which to examine the complex themes and issues that these two disciplines confront.
Theological and Jurisprudential Texts:
In this essay, we will explore the use of speculative cinema as a means of rendering visible and explicit theologies of modern law. We will focus on seven close readings of Hollywood speculative fiction blockbusters, which we will argue offer theological and jurisprudential insights into the relationship between law and religion. These films include Shyamalan's Unbreakable, Snyder's Man of Steel, Lucas and Disney's Star Wars, Nolan's The Dark Knight & The Dark Knight Rises, Proyas' I, Robot, Nolfi's The Adjustment Bureau, and Jackson's The Hobbit.
Key Themes:
Through these close readings, we will explore key themes of law, including justice, the exception, law's violence, revolution, law's universality, sovereignty, and property as theft. We will also explore key themes of theology, including the nature of evil, myth and mysticism, atonement, sacrifice, compassionate acts, visions of the divine, and charity as a gift.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, speculative cinema offers a unique and powerful means of exploring the intersection of theology and law. By rendering visible and explicit theologies of modern law through the lens of fictional worlds, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex issues that these two disciplines confront in our contemporary world. As we continue to navigate the challenges of late capitalism, global empire, and the crises of neoliberalism, the insights offered by speculative cinema can help us to develop more ethical and just legal systems that are responsive to the needs of all people.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399522427