BY JACQUES DERRIDA
BERRIEN SPRINGS—A study commissioned among 800 youth and progressive pastors found that the majority of the group perceived that God speaks exclusively through pop culture media such as viral videos, pop artists and sports figures. These pastors were also happy to provide multiple examples of God’s perceived, new revelation.
“I feel so blessed to be able to see God in everything I watch. I figured our youth aren’t familiar with the Bible anymore which convinced me that God doesn’t speak through this old and outdated book anymore. Clearly the Bible was only relevant for its own culture and time but not for our post-modern generation. Even the great Rabbi from Nazareth used contemporary examples in his parables so I’m being radical like the Master,” said Nate Hispalis, a youth pastor from Southern California.
Other pastors were adamant that Christianity is a contemporary religion and that God makes accommodations for current trends. Since many felt their members weren’t reading the Bible, they sought to find other ways to connect.
“I was watching Lady Gaga’s music video, ‘Telephone’ last week when it suddenly dawned on me that God was obviously speaking through this inspired medium. As she was grinding with her female dancers, I realized that God also wants to grind out all the sins in our lives. God often stuns our senses the same way Lady Gaga does so I decided to adopt that kind of shock therapy too. And like Lady Gaga complaining about her ‘Bad Romance’, God yearns for a more intimate relationship with his children. Once that dawned on me, I knew that I had to share the video in my next sermon,” said Jason Burnett, a pastor from Florida.
The majority who reported God’s revelation through contemporary media also showed their members the latest YouTube video during sermons.
“God is gracious by giving me so many illustration materials from TV, the internet and movies. For example, Glee preaches accepting everyone regardless of race and sexual orientation and that’s a value that I know God wants all of us to have. Why not use that message in place of the Bible,” shared Burnett.
Despite the supposed increase in member attention span during sermons, several pastors weren’t sure if their sermons had any positive effect on the members’ knowledge of church doctrine and the Bible.
“I remember when Michael Jordan shot the go-ahead jumper in Game 6 against the Jazz, he was so clutch. I instantly made the connection that God has the same sense of timing. When we’re going through trials and tribulations, God comes through for us in the nick of time and is “clutch” for us, just like Mike! What a marvelous blessing for our youth to hear!” exclaimed Hispalis.
Youth pastors who sensed God’s presence in contemporary media also reported a boost in self-confidence and self-esteem from their talent to discern God’s revelation through popular culture.
“Now, I walk down the seminary halls with the conviction that I am contemporary, progressive and relevant unlike those stuffy conservatives. I’m so cool and hip, it’s freaking awesome,” said Hispalis.
Not everyone is convinced of God’s presence in contemporary culture. Dr. Samuel, a New Testament professor complained, “I wonder if it’s God talking or the voices in their heads. It seems to me like many of these pastors use multiple illustrations from popular media to hide their exegetical, homiletical and intellectual flaws. First of all, it seems like a lazy attempt to win audience approval. Second, it seems like a convenient excuse to ignore sound scholarship, reflection and preparation.”
“These pastors use a wealth of illustrations from popular culture to hide a multitude of sins. Any idiot can cobble together a bunch of viral videos, anecdotes from ESPN and the latest drama the night before a sermon. Mind you, I’m not against using illustrations, but I hope our pastors think first about the suitability of these illustrations for their message. I expect their primary concern to be the members’ spiritual nourishment and well-being instead of the latest Glee episode.”
