Everyday Theology: How to Read Cultural Texts and Interpret Trends (Cultural Exegesis)

Back in the late 60s it was common for even fundamentalists to use the popular music of the era as a vehicle for communicating the Gospel. Anyone here remember the Scott Ross Show? That was an exciting era. In this book Kevin & Co. present us with a practical (observable and not simply academic) framework for doing this same thing again. (Why this excites me so much is that it was this very behavior that came along with the Jesus Movement -- spell that R-E-V-I-V-A-L.) But I digress."Everyday Theology is not an encyclopedia of contemporary culture, nor is it a full-blown textbook of cultural hermeneutics. What it provides instead is a model for 'reading' culture theologically as well as a number of illustrative examples." (p. 10)What will you gain from this book? First, if you're like many who've been out of touch with society in general, you'll get a snapshot of some important current attitudes and activities. If you're thoroughly in touch then this book will help you step back and look objectively at what's going on in culture today.In this interpreation I was especially encouraged by Chapter 6 (by Michael Sleasman), Swords, Sandals, and Saviors: Visions of Hope in Ridley Scott's Gladiator. Mr. Sleasman does not try to make something Messianic (equivalent to Christ) out of the movie but shows how it conveys a somewhat messianic message, an evidence of the worlds hope and hopelessness.Recommendation: Get the book. It's worth every penny you spend, and more. Have it available to all the leaders in your church. Couple the book with Harry and Mary for an invaluable package to help you understand culture and trends, and plan your public and interpersonal responses accordingly. For the cause of the Gospel.

I ordered this book in the Kindle version for a graduate school class. I'm very happy that I did! It is sure to become of of the staple reference books I will keep handy as I progress through the rest of my degree program and beyond. Stylistically, it is a bit easier to read than some of the other theological books I've read. But that is in no way at the expense of the value of it's content.

I loved every chapter. The first 60 pages develop an evangelical theology of culture, and the rest of the chapters are applied theology. Well written ,interesting, timely. I will require it for my theology of culture classes.

I thoroughly enjoy Vanhoozer's material. He writes with great clarity and intelligence. I gave this a three star rating because I was slightly disappointed when I started into it and realized that he has only written the first chapter. The rest of the chapters are written by his students and are practical extrapolations of the principles he writes in the first chapter. Don't let that turn you away from the book though! Still a well written book. I simply wish Vanhoozer could have written more.

This is a very well articulated book on engaging culture theologically. It is filled with great practical examples and the reader is given the tools necessary to observe and interpret culture from a Biblical basis.

Wonderful and insightful! Vanhoozer provides some great essays which challange the way one has viewed the Christian's integration with the world!

This was a required text for a graduate school class. It does have a more academic than a worldly perspective. I was impressed with the breadth of the diversity of cultural trends and texts highlighted. Although some of the issues in the book are outdated it is a good guidepost for someone who is not familiar with cultural trends in marketing and how to read them. If you have occupational experience within these fields you will see the inaccuracies that appear.I would recommend this book for better insight in guidance as to how to understand everday theology in a secular world.

Great book!

Very good book for understanding theology.