It used to be that one would seek out culture…a night at the opera, a trip to the museum. Now, culture is forced down our throats. Netflix delivers our movies to our mailbox and our laptop. iTunes downloads the latest music in a flash. Hundreds of TV channels screaming their version of “reality”.
What is our response as Christians? Does it even matter anymore?
If you’re interested in discussing these questions in a small group or class setting, “Faith and Pop Culture” from Christianity Today is a good place to start.
The book is laid out in eight chapters. The first four cover movies, books, sports, and television. The second four move into larger discussions of violence, “family friendly” entertainment, and Christian influence in the entertainment industries.
The format of each study is familiar “small group” territory; icebreakers, study and discussion questions, and follow-up activities. What sets this study apart is Christianity Today’s access to a stellar lineup of screenwriters, authors, professors, and theologians - including the excellent Jeffrey Overstreet (the author of the must-read “Through A Screen Darkly”).
The discussions questions are well-written, and careful not to take a stand on one opinion or the other. Scripture references are plentiful and appropriately enlightening to the subject matter. The group participants are encouraged to think for themselves and reach their own conclusions.
In short, this study is an excellent place to begin this very important discussion. I’ll be suggesting it to my own small group.
Tags: Christianity Today, small group
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