Miley Cyrus watch! What’s the latest?? Inquiring minds want to know! Then the gang discusses atheist protests of the Ground Zero Cross, a new novel about the “disaster” that would befall America if Christians got their way, and a lively debate about the underrepresentation of Christians in American media and what – if anything – can be done about it. It is clearly the end-of-you-know-what-as-we-
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Another rousing podcast, doncha know? Miley and Robin (and his brother, Batman Thicke) need to be filed away under “too much attention given”. Regarding the book, Christian America, I don’t believe any of these people have actually read the book or much of it anyway. Most likely they are the author’s buddies or fellow teachers who are more than willing to cast wild accusations against those they differ with. Oddly enough, Christian blames Christians for this, as she does every ten episodes or so for other topical woes.
On another note, I noticed someone writing about Skye Jethani’s (Url Scaramanga?) article about technology that he is ordinarily a dry and humorless person. I was stunned to read that. How can anyone call a man recording a podcast with a suction cup attached to his bare head dry or humorless?
I am really enjoying the discussions you guys are having. I discovered the podcast and started listening earlier this year. I am a 28-year-old fan of “VeggieTales” and “What’s in the Bible?” My wife and I especially love “What’s in the Bible?” and have begun showing it to our three-year-old. So, I think the answer to Phil’s question about whether he should keep doing stuff like “What’s in the Bible?” or leave this gig to go seek after a more influential position in Hollywood is “no”. The church desperately needs the theologically rich content and biblical literacy that you are providing. In many ways, “What’s in the Bible?” is a welcome response and answer to the shallow evangelical sub-culture that we’ve created.
As far as cultural engagement, I think we need to strive for quality and excellence in the arts. We need to make fewer cheesy Christian movies, and learn the art and craft of good screenwriting and good acting. We need to do with movies and music what Max Maclean is doing for the stage with the Fellowship for the Performing Arts. I know that money is often an issue. But I’ve seen some very good films made on a relatively small budget( “Bella” and “The Passion of the Christ” are two examples that come to mind). I’m not sure this is an answer, but what do you think about using crowd funding websites to raise money for projects. I know I would support a Christian filmmaker who was trying to raise money to make a professionally done movie with a good story and good acting.
I think we also need to change our posture from simply a posture of being critical of culture, to a posture of affirming those good things (or “common grace” things, if you want to use theological language) that are in the stories that people are telling. I am not against being critical of culture or analyzing culture from a Christian worldview. But we need to be known for what we are for in a good story. For instance, I think much of what Pixar is doing is very commendable. You wouldn’t call their movies “Christian” per se, but there are definitely some things in their storytelling that Christians can be thankful for.
For my part, I am trying to become a better writer. I would like to learn how to write for the stage. After watching “The Screwtape Letters” on stage, I became excited about the potential of theatre to convey God’s truth in a way that will speak to a secular audience. So, in my small little way, I am trying to contribute to the common good by learning how to write plays that glorify God. To make this happen, I enrolled in an Intro to Theatre Arts course at our community college.
We can all do our part. At the end of the day, I think it’s just a matter of being faithful in the vocation that God has placed us in. Taking back the culture is not about taking over anything–whether government or Hollywood. Taking back our culture(or any culture) is more about that one life being changed, and then that one life making a difference by being faithful in their vocation and faithful in sharing the Gospel.
Anyways. Keep up the good work, Phil. I enjoy the conversations that three of you have each week. You have made a regular listener out of me.
Grace and peace,
Kris