Southampton Solent Lecturer launches new book on American cinema

Drawing on an extensive analysis of iconic films, including The Natural, Field of Dreams, and Bull Durham, Movies and the Church of Baseball explores the prevalence of Christian symbolism in America's beloved pastime on screen.

From early films like The Busher (1919) to more recent classics such as Angels in the Outfield (1994), the book examines how Christian themes permeate the genre. This includes exploring memorable scenes such as Babe Ruth’s "miraculous" act to help a disabled boy walk in The Babe Ruth Story and Shoeless Joe Jackson’s poignant question, “Is this heaven?” in Field of Dreams.

Plummer’s book uncovers how these films use Christian imagery not only in subtle symbolic ways but also in more overt narratives, with some filmmakers intentionally weaving faith-based messages into their stories. A key theme explored is the portrayal of America as a "prelapsarian paradise" — an idealised world before the metaphorical "Fall" — through the lens of both secular and Christian filmmakers.

The book also touches on some of the political currents that have shaped the production and consumption of the films from the 1990s Reagan era nostalgia of Field of Dreams, The Natural and Bull Durham to the Trump anti-regulation impulse seen in later Christian Cinema films of the 21st century.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Jonathan said:

"Baseball films, with their themes of redemption, fate, and second chances, appeal to a broad audience both in the US and the UK. You don’t have to be a fan of the sport itself to enjoy them or the feel-good arc they normally use.

“However, what some viewers may miss is the theme of religion that often runs throughout these films, sometimes very subtly. This is something that has interested me for a long time, so I’m very pleased to explore it in more depth in this book.”

This timely book provides a fresh perspective on how American cinema continues to engage with religion, offering a compelling look at how these themes resonate with broader cultural narratives of hope, identity, and national mythology.

Jonathan has been working in television production and journalism since 1984, when he graduated from University College London with a BA (Hons) Philosophy. He worked as a film and video editor with the BBC before moving into production as an assistant producer at BBC Sport working on Grandstand, Sportsnight, Sport on Friday and Rugby Special.

A two-and-a-half-year stint with an ESPN affiliate in Rome gave him the chance to work on baseball programming and he still watches as often as the time difference allows.

Part of Solent's Film, TV, media and production team, Jonathan's role as a senior lecturer allows him to provide students with practice-led experience using state of the art technology. The university's facilities, including an outside broadcast vehicle, newsroom, and professional-grade TV and radio studios, help to equip students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the media industry.