This is a really interesting article, DJ, because I think it exposes a negative reality perhaps not intended by The Barna Group. I think part of the problem can be attributed to the very fact that these high-profile churches and pop culture are in fact on the same side of the coin, competing with Christ and the Gospel for people's hearts.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not accusing any of the pastors of mindfully having this kind of intent but I think it's alarming when popularity surveys such as this one lead folks to conclude that, "Christian individuals are more attuned to matters of culture and entertainment than to matters of faith."
djchuang
· 2 years ago
Daniel, thanks for your astute comments. The way I read the article, it's not so much that churches, church leaders, and pop culture are on the same side. The survey is a descriptive observation on who Christian people recognize and who Christian people don't recognize. You're right that the statement "Christian individuals are more attuned to matters of culture and entertainment than to matters of faith" is an over-generalization; it could be better stated that Christian individuals are more attuned to matters of culture and entertainment than to who's who on the Christian bestseller list. It is possible that these Christians are devout in their faith and strong in their personal private piety, but very withdrawn from what's happening in the Christian subculture's books and media.
All Comments
Don't get me wrong. I'm not accusing any of the pastors of mindfully having this kind of intent but I think it's alarming when popularity surveys such as this one lead folks to conclude that, "Christian individuals are more attuned to matters of culture and entertainment than to matters of faith."