Faith and Pop Culture

by Christianity Today

The Christianity Today Study Series delves into today's vital cultural issues to get to the heart of what these topics mean to readers. Each eight-week study is based on articles written by today's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1418534099
• ISBN13: 9781418534097
• Release Date: January 2009
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
• Length: 127 Pages
• Weight: 0.42 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.5" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Good and Useful

Faith and Pop Culture Chrisitianity Today International Study Series Thomas Nelson Publishing 125 pages, 8 week discussion series. Christianity Today has compiled this 8 week study series about how faith and culture do and should intersect. Each of the eight week's sessions are set up with an article about the topic and a series of questions. The questions are divided into sections more appropriate for the beginning, middle, and end of the discussion. I was deeply impressed by the fact that the authors of the articles at no time prescribed how Christians are to interact with culture and media, instead they raised important questions and invite the readers to ponder these issues with them. Overall I was deeply impressed with Faith and Pop Culture. Christianity Today selected excellent authors and articles that invite real thought and discussion throughout the 8 weeks. Reading through the questions and suggested small group activities, I thought that I might choose a slightly different approach or question from time to time. At the same time, the thoroughness of the questions would make it possible for less or in-experienced leaders to work through this with a small group. I found this study deeply interesting and would recommend it.

Faith and Pop Culture A Group Study

Faith and Pop Culture In a post-modern world with all its bells and whistles this text is excellent for any group not wanting to be a puppet of technology but a critical thinker of Jesus Christ. Divided into several chapters this group Bible study tackles such areas as literature, culture, television and movies to name a few. What I enjoyed about reading this study is that it takes critical thinking serious and has an inductive flavor to it, based on the evidence what do you choose to believe. The other aspect of this book that is excellent is that it presents arguments based on Scripture references and these can be used for discussion. I heartedly support this group study text as I think it has been well done. There is a challenge for all levels of maturity. A new believer will benefit from this as well as the Christian who has years of maturity. Good conversation will abound in a group using this study. Terry Grondahl

Culture Warriors, Listen Up

"Can we find Jesus in popular entertainment?" That's the question that this study attempts to answer. In a culture that values entertainment above all, Christians often just withdraw by turning off their TVs, home-schooling their children, or forbidding their families to participate in certain cultural activities that violate their moral standards. "Faith and Pop Culture" opens each of the eight chapters with an article from Christianity Today which deals with a single aspect of popular culture. The lessons include options for group discussion, a statement of the issue, and study questions. The "Let's Explore" section provides Bible verses and discussion questions on what the Bible says about the chapter topic. The study covers the visual arts, literature, sports, television, "family friendly" entertainment, violence, the Hollywood culture, and the role of entertainment in society. It is a good study to do on your own, but I think the real value would be in the discussion of these topics with others. I recommend this study for anyone concerned about the effect of modern culture on society, but I think it would be especially valuable for parents attempting to make good decisions about raising their children in today's culture. The cover price is $9.99, a reasonable price for a group study book.

Great Small Group Material!!

It's time for another Thomas Nelson Publisher's book review... This week, I had the chance to review one of the books in Christianity Today's Study Series (small group material). I reviewed their "Faith & Pop Culture" small group curriculum. This small group curriculum caught my eye, as it seemed like it would be very relevant material for 20-30somethings. I was very pleased with the material. The book has eight sessions in it (meant to be done in an eight week setting), each covering a different topic in "pop culture". The sessions cover everything from movies, to TV, to sports, to literature. Each week has an article that was previously published in Christianity Today (or one of it's sister publications) that relates to the topic for the week. The articles are meant to be discussion starters and may result in various reactions from different members of the small group. Each session also includes ideas for ice breakers, discussion questions, corresponding Scripture studies, and applications based on the topic(s) discussed that week. I found the material to be very well put together and very thought provoking. My husband picked up the book, and he too found the material to be intriguing. I can't wait to do this study with a small group in the very near future!

A Great and Relevant Study Guide for Christian Groups

A study created for small groups, Faith and Pop Culture, is definitely a meaningful subjects. In today's world are senses are bombarded with pop culture images and messages-most certainly not of a redeeming quality. This study will help those discussing each of the topics decide what kind of movies, television, sports and video games should a Christian expose him or herself to, as well as family members. The discussion topics include movies, literature, finding God in sports, what or whether we should watch TV, family friendly movies, violence in entertainment, Christians' influence on the entertainment industry, and entertainment and our faith. Thoughtful provoking questions are presented throughout along with Bible verses to help those participating focus on the Christian solution s to the questions. Written in an easy to understand style, this study should be welcome for all Christians wondering how to cope with the onslaught of modern culture. Marilyn Meredith author of the Rocky Bluff P.D. series, including No Sanctuary.