
This book is a collection of essays reflecting on the portrayal of religious faith, perspectives, and practices in the characters and storylines of the popular television series The West Wing. Various episodes of the show raise questions about the relationship between church and state, the authority and interpretation of the Bible, the ethics of capital punishment, the Korean theological concept of han, the role of religious pluralism in a time of international terrorism, the supposed conflict between science and religion, and the spiritual practices of prayer and forgiveness. These theological reflections reiterate the show’s optimistic affirmation that thoughtful religious faith and public service can inform and reinforce each other. Questions are provided at the end of each chapter for further personal reflection and small group discussion.
Author

David Graybeal
I was born and raised in Marion, VA, and grew up at First UMC there. I attended Emory & Henry and Candler School of Theology at Emory University. I have served appointments in the British Methodist Church in southwestern England and here in Holston ...