Appealing to Popular Culture

This Sunday takes us to Thessalonica and Athens. My concentration will be focused on the apostle Paul's encounter with those in Athens, where he draws upon popular culture.

To set the scene: Paul makes the journey to Athens by himself - apparently because of the commotion caused in Thessalonica and Berea. His life might have been in danger. He comes to Athens and observes that the city is filled with idols. He came upon an"altar to an uknown god." He said, "What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you...." (Acts 16: 23) Paul then explains to them who this God is. He even draws upon some lines from their own poets to support what he is saying!

Paul was willing to debate with the Stoics and Epicureans. He was willing to speak to the Athenians on their own turf!

Do we realize the power of popular culture? We do live in a media-driven culture. Television, radio, and the Internet have made a vast difference in the information that comes to us. People are also attracted to movies, songs, and books that rank high on the charts. If we look closely, we can begin to see questions that people are asking. We would also see some common themes that come through such as the supernatural, love, freedom, and searching for purpose in life.

What values do you think people are acquiring through what they see at the theater and television? How might we draw on popular culture for reaching the unchurched?