With Eyes Wide Open
Is pop culture the epitome of decadence that some religious critics claim it to be? Are there glimpses of the sacred in contemporary commercial culture? Perhaps in a world as messed and botched up as this, we might find some answers.
A Matrix of Meanings is an unusually sublime work, the collaboration of two committed Christians from two worlds saturated in popular culture. Craig Detweiler is a professional screenwriter (with a number of films under his belt) who is now an associate professor of mass communications at Biola University. Barry Taylor is a professional musician, painter, and conference speaker who is an adjunct professor of pop culture and theology at Fuller Theological Seminary.
Both men believe that a study on popular culture is no mere exercise in frivolity. Pop culture "reflects who we are as a people and also helps shape us as people" (pg 19). The shaping power of pop culture can never be underestimated. Many of the world's evolving opinions on current affairs, philosophical issues, and worldviews have been influenced by the stamp of popular culture - may it be via advertising, music, film or art. Ignoring its power on the societal landscape will be disastrous indeed if we're to engage culture as followers of Christ.
The premise of this work may ruffle some sacred feathers, some of which are influenced by a theological worldview that presumes separation or critique rather than immersion or reasonable engagement. But by letting popular culture speak for itself - the authors allow recurring themes across the different disciplines (music, movies, fashion, art, etc.) to sharpen our understanding of God.
The individual chapters focus on advertising, celebrity, music, movies, television, fashion, sports, and art. Within each discipline traces of the divine are explored. In advertising we see numerous themes of authenticity, "be yourself" (pg 70); self-assurance, "be proud of who you are" (pg 74); and individualism, "don't believe the hype" (pg 77); among others.
The chapter on celebrity takes an interesting spin on sainthood and the new priesthood - the celebrities being the "chief agents of moral change" in this era, whether good or bad. Knowing the cultural forces that empower this idea will help Christians to rediscover faith stories and communicate them in more poignant and relevant ways.
Music is the poetry of pop culture, the spiritual expression of a people or place. Key players that espouse Christian faith without a relationship with organized religion include U2, Creed, P.O.D, MxPx, and Lauryn Hill. Even in music that is viewed as "decadent" - we see the anguished cries of a lost generation seeking solace and hope. Personally, I applaud the efforts of Christians who attempt to "penetrate" the world of pop culture via pop music, drama, and art. The potshots taken at them are but a reflection of parochial religiosity that's so often the bane of Christianity.
Insightful are the chapters on movies and television - a world where the transcendent meets the mundane in the midst of everyday life. Although senseless commercial movies are rife, there are some films that reach the sublime. Not intending to be sacrilegious, there are moments when my heart feels strangely warmed and stirred after an outing at the cinema - more so than after a Sunday morning on a church pew.
Fashion is another fascinating subject - involving more than just dress sense. Issues of body image, perception, gender, and sexuality all play a part in this aspect of pop culture. Certain styles such as punk and goth are also mentioned briefly, illustrating the ideas of self-expression and personhood. There is that "sacramental element" in contemporary fashion - a tangible expression of who we are to the world. "Fashion is a barometer by which we can read the cultural psyche ... for theology, this means we have a visual clue with which to engage culture" (pg 241).
In a cultural matrix that is post-Christian and post-rational, the contexts have become experiential, mythological, and mysterious. We may not agree with the postmodern ethos. We may not agree with whatever popular culture has to offer. Yet, we have to realize the awesome power that pop culture holds on the contemporary psyche.
Sometimes it is in the most unexpected places that we find the most profound spiritual meaning.
Start looking closer, with eyes wide open.
Benjamin Chew handles marketing communications in SKS Books Warehouse, a Christian bookstore in Singapore. He attends and serves at Church of God (Evangelical). Married with two children, Benjamin is a voracious reader, passionate about writing, and enjoys watching movies.