All articles by Giles Gough
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ReviewsBeware. This documentary begins with prophecy but ends with propaganda
Can You Hear Me Now? is supposedly a documentary about prophecy. But Giles Gough warns the compelling topic quickly gives way to propaganda promoting American Christian nationalism
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ReviewsDoes the sequel to The Shack live up to the hype?
Return to the Shack is the long awaited follow up to the runaway bestseller which broke records and caused theological controversy. But can William Paul Young’s new title live up to the huge expectations? Our reviewer finds out
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OpinionThe BBC’s Swingers investigation exposes a weakness the Church must confront
50 women have told the BBC that they were forced into having sex with strangers through a swingers website. Before Christians wag their fingers, Giles Gough says we should confront the power imbalances that allow abusive men to shelter within the Church - and make sure shame does not sit with the victims
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ReviewsThe Odyssey is a brilliant film - and a brutal reminder of what the world was like before Jesus
Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is an epic adaption of Homer’s classic poem, says Giles Gough. It also offers a fascinating insight into how Christ’s teachings on compassion and love changed our ideas about what a civilised society really looks like
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ReviewsHave Christian parenting books caused more harm than good?
The Myth of Good Christian Parenting traces the rise of parenting resources over the last 50 years, focusing on how Christian authors have idealised obedient children at all costs. But what are the consequences of this doctrine? Our reviewer finds out
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ReviewsStar Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu shows us the Father heart of God
The latest film from the Star Wars universe contains a rare portrayal of a good dad, says Giles Gough. It reminds Christians of the beauty of God’s unconditional love for his children but, despite the poignant storyline, this TV series adapted for the big screen doesn’t quite hit the emotional depths that it should
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OpinionThe Married at First Sight rape allegations are heartbreaking. We are a long way from God’s plan
A BBC investigation has uncovered allegations that two women were raped during filming of the reality TV show, Married at First Sight: UK. Giles Gough asks whether the format is at fault, or if wider societal attitudes towards sex and relationships need to change
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ReviewsThis analysis of Stranger Things and the Gospel has merit. Just a shame it’s been rushed
Rev Dr Cris Rogers’ theological analysis of Stranger Things offers inspired parallels between the show and scripture, but the book’s hasty publication—completed within a week of the finale— seems to have resulted in some unfortunate errors, says our reviewer
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ReviewsThe Testaments shows what can happen when faith is weaponised. Christians should take note
The TV adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s The Testaments follows two teenage girls navigating Gilead’s brutal regime. Giles Gough says this show comes with a timely call for Christians to distance themselves from any ideology that resembles this dystopian theocracy
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ReviewsThis sane person’s guide to taking back the Bible from fundamentalists will make you laugh
Separation of Church and Hate is a merciless take down of right-wing readings of the Bible, says our reviewer
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ReviewsWake Up Dead Man: Finally, a mainstream film that portrays the priesthood well
The third instalment of the Knives Out series, does not disappoint says Giles Gough. It’s a cracking whodunnit - but it’s the depiction of one priest that will make this film an enduring hit
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ReviewsWondering if your marriage follows you into heaven? This film posits an answer — but you may not like it
Eternity charmingly invites Christians to ask what romantic relationships look like in the afterlife — but, Giles Gough warns, some Christians may find the answers this fantasy film gives deeply unsettling
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ReviewsThis hard-hitting documentary reveals church-sanctioned abuse in Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries
Testimony reveals decades of institutional abuse at Ireland’s Magdalene Laundries. The shocking details of torture, slave labour and human trafficking don’t make for easy viewing, says Giles Gough, but Christians must not turn away from the brutality inflicted in God’s name
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ReviewsThe Choral: Religion jostles for space in Alan Bennett’s overstuffed wartime drama
Alan Bennett’s latest film follows a Yorkshire choral society struggling to survive during the first world war. The Choral attempts to show that music and art can heal a broken soul, says Giles Gough, but it’s attempt to address class, gender and religion leaves important themes underdeveloped
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Reviews‘Better ways to read the Bible’ will be healing for those hurt by the church
Zach W. Lambert says the Bible has been used to wound as well as to heal. His bold new book offers hope, honesty and a fresh approach for those hurt by the Church, says our reviewer
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ReviewsThe Materialists: A rom-com that reminds us God’s love is without measure
Celine Song’s latest film follows a successful New York matchmaker as she pairs people up by reducing them to numbers such as age, height and salary. But God doesn’t do this, says Giles Gough, and neither should Christians looking for love
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ReviewsWhat the new Fantastic Four gets right (and wrong) about God
Fantastic Four: First Steps leans into the domestic family dynamics as well as the heroics. It is a combination that feels perfectly balanced and for viewers with faith, Giles Gough says there’s an extra layer of biblical parallels woven into the film
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ReviewsIt’s hard to ignore the messiah parallels in the most human Superman yet
The long-awaited Superman film directed by James Gunn is one of the most hotly anticipated films of the summer. But does it live up to expectations? Giles Gough finds out
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ReviewsBiblical parallels are easy to find in The Salt Path
Biographical drama The Salt Path tells the true story of a couple who lose their home and embark on a year-long coastal walk, despite one of them also being diagnosed with a terminal illness. It’s an inspiring film, set against a beautiful backdrop says Giles Gough. But there’s also spiritual wisdom to be gleaned
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ReviewsThe marriage you want: Evidence-based advice for Christian couples that actually helps
This new book by Sheila Wray Gregoire and Dr Keith Gregoire promises advice on marriage based on biblical wisdom and thorough research. Giles Gough loved it so much he gave it a 5-star review
