Popular Culture
I’m currently reading The Culturally Savvy Christian by Dick Staub. In chapter one, “The Popular Culture We Are In,” he gives 3 topics on the power and influence of popular culture, stating that popular culture rivals religion as preacher and teacher, storyteller, and identity and community shaper.
As preacher and teacher, it informs people about things that matter most. In doing this, it achieves a role once done by education and embraces a spiritual role once tackled by churches. New songs, movies, and books are released and printed weekly to answer the essential human questions: “Is there a God? Who is God? Who are we? What is our meaning and identity? Where did we come from? What is our destiny? What is love? Why am I lonely? What will make me happy?” These are the questions that Jesus once engaged; now they are the questions addressed by popular artists.
Storytelling has always been an important part of communication and information sharing. Jesus was a storyteller. Today popular culture is using this most effective method of communication. One important aspect to remember in storytelling is to tell the stories well and truthful. Incorrect stories can lead an entire group or population down the wrong path. Storytellers must know their stories correctly and tell them creatively.
Communities are formed around commonalities. In the past, families and religion determined community identities. Today those identities are shaped by popular culture both externally and visually through symbols instead of words, tattoos, jewelry, hairstyles, musical tastes, and dress. People may find that they have more in common with others globally than locally; therefore, they have a stronger bond and connection with people across the world rather than in their own neighborhoods. That’s why many people have turned to online people connections instead of face-to-face encounters.
For more on this book, check it out … highly recommended reading.
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