God is his co-star.

THE Almighty has appeared in movie titles, biblical epics and even a few leading roles--usually in the form of George Bums. But Erwin Raphael McManus says the Lord pops up in other ways on film.

As pastor of a new-age church with Southern Baptist roots called Mosaic, McManus conducts a series of viewing events he calls "Framing Reality."

At various locations--the downtown L.A. Entertainment Center is one venue--moviegoers can sit through a showing of, for example, the Brad Pitt action drama "Fight Club," then discuss its spiritual meaning with McManus and a co-host.

"Movies are another form of storytelling. And storytelling imparts our values and traditions," said McManus. "Jesus used images of farm life because he dealt with farmers. We're not farmers anymore. But we are film critics."

So what's the spiritual message behind the Jack Nicholson tearjerker "As Good as It Gets?" McManus suggests that the film shows love can make anyone a better person.

What about "The Matrix: Reloaded?" Despite its lack of "a great story," McManus thinks the movie can help people resolve their questions about the existence of heaven.

Whether or not "Framing Reality" actually gets McManus' message across, the viewings do allow him to indulge his love of cinema. As a student at the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, he claims to have often skipped church for the multiplex.